What if wedding planning wasn’t about following traditions but about rewriting them?
In Episode 61 of Bridal Club™, we explore how Leslie Ochs, founder of Alice + Apricot, transforms weddings into fully immersive, intentional experiences. From her beginnings in healthcare to orchestrating museum-level events, Leslie shows how creativity, empathy, and a fearless approach to design can turn any celebration into something unforgettable.
From Oncology to Event Design
Leslie’s journey began in the oncology field, inspired by her grandmother Alice’s battle with cancer. While supporting patients at Texas Oncology, she discovered a unique way to bring comfort and joy—transforming clinical hallways into themed environments that brightened difficult days.
This combination of care, attention to detail, and creativity naturally translated to weddings, where every design choice is made not just for aesthetics but for emotional resonance. The name Alice + Apricot honors her grandmother while signaling a fresh, playful approach to design.
Designing Weddings as Immersive Experiences
Leslie’s creative philosophy is all about breaking the rules. She doesn’t follow industry norms or manuals; instead, she treats each wedding as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to craft moments that guests will remember forever.
Some standout projects include:
- Waterburger Project: Leslie coordinated a branded Waterburger station inside a hotel for a luxury wedding, blending corporate collaboration with a personal celebration.
- Bush Library Wedding: She designed the first-ever wedding at the George W. Bush Library, transforming the space to reflect the style of the artwork on display, creating a seamless day-to-night experience.
Every wedding begins with a conversation about budget and expectations, moves into conceptual mood boarding, and culminates in precise, square-inch-by-square-inch renderings. Leslie’s team uses CAD drawings and custom renderings to ensure every detail is intentional.
Building a Team and a Culture of Care
For Leslie, her team is the heartbeat of Alice + Apricot. She hires people who complement her strengths and weaknesses, from project managers to “Peanut,” a team member dedicated to making sure every guest feels seen and cared for, especially elderly attendees. This focus on empathy and client-centered service distinguishes her brand in the luxury wedding space.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Leslie openly shares the challenges of running a demanding business while raising children. She emphasizes integration rather than separation—her family is part of her life as an entrepreneur, supported by a strong network and clear boundaries with clients. Her advice for anyone entering the industry: comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on serving others, and the rest will follow.
Lessons in Creativity and Intention
Leslie’s story reminds us that limitations can fuel creativity and that the most memorable weddings prioritize emotional impact over convention. From extraordinary logistics to intimate family moments, Alice + Apricot designs experiences that leave guests delighted and couples forever grateful.
Whether you’re planning a wedding or seeking inspiration for your creative career, this episode offers insight into how rule-breaking, intentionality, and empathy can redefine success in event design.
Connect With Alice + Apricot
- Instagram: @aliceiandapricot
- Facebook: @aliceandapricot
- Website: aliceinapricot.com
About DBANDREA® and Bridal Club™
DBANDREA® is the nation’s premier flower preservation service, turning bouquets into timeless works of art. Through Bridal Club™, we celebrate the artistry, innovation, and stories that make weddings unforgettable.
Interested in preserving your flowers? Book Flower Preservation with DBANDREA® today to make your wedding memories last forever.
