The Olana Design Center: How We Celebrated The Grand Opening
Since the very beginning, Walters Wedding Estates was founded with the idea of delivering showstopping weddings — but none of the stresses of planning them. For close to two decades, we’ve been making good on that promise, thanks in large part to our all-inclusive packages and trusted team of vendors who truly do it all. But recently, we took this concept to a whole new level with an ambitious, one-of-a-kind project: The Olana Design Center. Designed like a Parisian-inspired mini shopping center on the grounds of The Olana estate in Hickory Creek, Texas, this new, all-in-one destination makes wedding-planning even that much more convenient — and that much more enjoyable for Walters Wedding Estates couples.
The long-anticipated moment finally came in April, when The Olana Design Center opened its doors for the first time. To celebrate the milestone, Walters Wedding Estates threw three thoughtfully curated events for booked and prospective clients, industry professionals, and the community. “We are just so excited to finally share the same with everyone since it’s been a long project coming, and we hope that this elevates the wedding-planning experience for all of our clients,” a Walters Wedding Representative said. Here’s a look inside the festivities that took place during the opening weekend.
Wedding pros, spritzes, and plenty to celebrate at The Olana Design Center’s debut.
Event No. 1
The Grand Opening
Walters Wedding Estates kept the grand opening event purposefully simple and effortless, so first-time guests would be able to enjoy The Olana Design Center’s sheer scale and immerse themselves fully into the experience without distractions. The team brought everything together with a blue-and-white palette. When attendees made their first stop at The Planning Studio, they were greeted by a stunning arrangement of pastel-blue hydrangeas, white roses, and greenery that climbed up the railings of the main staircase. Lush, romantic florals continued down either side of the aisle inside The Versailles Room and The Jolie Room, two of The Olana Design Center’s European-inspired event spaces, and as centerpieces.
Guests were able to stroll through the grounds while sipping on bright and bubbly cocktails, and treating themselves to small bites like cheese-topped crostini, charcuterie skewers, and more. To make the experience even more fun, our team handed out on-theme “passports” so attendees could collect stamps at various boutiques within The Olana Design Center — encouraging them to explore different areas and engage with our vendors. “The grand opening was so much fun, and it was really cool to visit the Design Center,” said Megan H., who’s currently planning her 2026 wedding with Walters Wedding Estates. “We loved exploring each space and meeting the teams who will help bring our wedding day to life.”
Event No. 2
The Showcase
After months of talking about and eagerly awaiting The Olana Design Center’s arrival, our team opened it up to our prospective and booked clients. During this come-and-go event, they were able to get a glimpse into what the wedding-planning process actually looks like at The Olana Design Center. Couples were invited to peruse the pastel-colored boutiques that house our acclaimed vendors and meet them in person. They also got the opportunity to sample food and beverage options from our catering menus, and take some test shots at The 06’s creative studio, which boasts over 2,000 square feet of naturally lit spaces (including three distinct ateliers) for engagement shoots, bridal portraits, and so much more.
The Versailles Room and The Jolie Room were dressed up in lilacs and soft pinks; artfully arranged centerpieces showed off the skills of the expert florists behind The Design Haus. Elsewhere, couples were able to see what our vendors are capable of and imagine their own celebration. “Our team envisioned a new future for wedding planning — and brought it to life with The Olana Design Center,” said Rachel Johnson, vice president of marketing at Walters Wedding Estates. “It’s more than a space; it’s a fully immersive experience, and today, we had the joy of sharing it for the very first time.”
Event No. 3
The Exclusive Retail Opening
Planned exclusively for industry professionals, the retail opening brought everyone together to connect, collaborate, and experience The Olana Design Center the way their clients would. Outside, guests could get an up-close look at one of CoHost Luxury Collection’s elite vehicles: an exceptionally stylish and sleek white Rolls-Royce. Our team also set up an outdoor cocktail bar on wheels, decked out in tangerine-colored florals and playful lettering that spelled out “Love at First Spritz.” There, guests could cool off with a refreshing pour of aperol or hugo spritz, or mint julep.
Inside the vendor boutiques, even more treats awaited them. Think: chipotle deviled eggs, bacon-wrapped dates, lemon cookies and cake pops, fruit skewers, and so much more. “Every corner is thoughtfully curated with elevated shops and vendors, offering couples everything they need for a seamless planning experience, all in one place.” said Allison Wallace, founder and principal planner at All Walls Events. I’m so excited to share this incredible destination with our future newlyweds — it’s truly a game-changer for the Dallas-Fort Worth wedding scene!”