Behind the Veil: Sara Fay Egan

If you've living in the Southeast, you've undoubtedly witnessed first-hand the quality and elegance of a Jackson Durham event. This reputable floral and event design team orchestrates unique and beautiful experiences that linger in the mind long after the guests have gone home. When they decided to expand and open a Dallas office, they tapped into the Southern hospitality and genius of Sara Fay Egan. Sweet as pie, it is a true treat to share her recipes for the success of your next event, whether it's at home hosting or on creating an extraordinary wedding day. 

Hosting at Home
What are the do's and don'ts of a great dinner with friends?... DO make the details reflect your personal style. DON'T try to force details that make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. The best parties start with a relaxed hostess that is confident in the presentation, whether it is smores by the fire or a seated dinner with place cards. Try to think through every detail of the guest experience.
What do you focus on? Tabletop? Food?... I think all elements are important for a great dinner party. You could have an amazing charger, but if the food is cold, then that is what guests will remember. I always try to think of all elements that the guest will encounter to create a complete experience. 
The perfect playlist is... Ah, did you watch the Grammy's? JT's new album is the perfect party playlist!
When hosting, do you go trendy or traditional?... My style always tends to be a little more Southern. To me, this means hospitality from every angle. I also like to take things from everyday life and incorporate it into a party.
A great host... is always thinking about their guests.
A great guest... is always thinking about their host!
Invitations?... Always!
What inspires you?... Most of my inspiration is from places, travel, experiences, interior design, and fashion. I love seeing unique ideas and putting a spin on them to make them work in a party. When working with clients, I always try to gain inspiration from their own personal style, including their lifestyle, home, and fashion.

Event/Wedding Planning
The first step in planning your big day... is finding your groom! We tell brides to get the date, location, and key vendors booked first. Then take time to relax and enjoy being engaged before being immersed in all of the details. 
What are the perks of having a planner... You can relax and be the guest at your own wedding and let someone else handle all the details. 
What trends do you see being big in 2013?... Bringing back the classics! We love incorporating fun, classic traditions like champagne towers, banana fosters stations, and big swing bands!
Is there a certain color combo you love?... The best part about our job is that we can have a different color combo every weekend! When choosing your color palate, we tell a bride to look around them. What colors are in their closet or house? What you are drawn to every day best reflects your personal style. We want the design to be about the bride and let her own unique style shine through.
What is your favorite rental item from POSH?... I love the Mottahedeh Lace Charger; it's very romantic and perfect for a bridesmaid luncheon or a garden party seated dinner. We also love the Lily of the Valley champagne flute; it's perfect to pass champagne on arrival so it's the first detail guests see.
A memorable moment working with clients... Is when the bride walks down the aisle. It gets me every time!
What should a bride remember on her big day?... To relax and enjoy the day. Even if something happens that is out of your control, you want to enjoy the evening and remember it for the rest of your life. If you hire vendors you trust, then they can handle the details while you enjoy the rest!
Dream wedding venue... Is in a client's own backyard. If there is any way to make the location personal, whether it is a destination wedding of a town the bride and groom visited when they were young or the client's own home, it needs to make sense to the couple.
What do you love most about your job?... I love getting to know so many different people from different walks of life. Seeing the client's face when they see the wedding or event come to life after months of planning is the best part. We love to make people happy, and weddings and parties should be happy occasions from the planning process to the I Do's! 

Concept, design + florals by Jackson Durham / Rentals by POSH, including Jan Barboglio Hammered Charger

Learn more about Sara Fay Egan and the Jackson Durham team. Plus, for Pinterest lovers out there, see JD's glorious work here.