Our Story - Willow & Oak Events

It began as all
relationships should... 
over Carbonara and Chianti 

la dolce vita

The how and why

With over a decade of experience in the logistical, design and coordination realm of events, we have become masters of our craft, obsessing over every production detail from 30-page wedding day timelines to collaborations with local artisans to well-rounded flavor profiles for the week long celebration as a whole. As we approach each event, we seek to evoke a sense of curiosity, immersing our clients and their guests in a vibrant little world that tells a story all its own. No matter what type or scale of event we produce, our wanderlust hearts believe in cultivating sacred moments and lifelong memories with warmth, authenticity and soul. 

AMERICAN WEDDING PLANNERS WITH BASES IN THE US AND EUROPE

HALEY: traveling to new places (I’ve lived in both Italy + England, so let’s talk Europe!), fresh peonies, Mumford + Sons, pinot noir, hand-painted ceramics, Harry Potter marathons, blue + white plates, Chipotle, doggos (but especially sheepadoodles), Anthro candles, banjos, Geechie Boy Grits, and binge-watching Friends

BEN: I love motorsport, doing trackdays with my brothers, music and the guitar. I also love skiing and am desperate to go again soon, and a US road trip is also high up on my to-do list. An evening in with a good film is also always welcome!

'Willow & Oak was born from a shared passion for indulgence in all things Joie de Vivre, discovery of cultural nuances and exploration of aesthetics and experiences that inspire.' 

Having begun my career assisting some of the top luxury planners across the globe, writing for international wedding publications and coordinating 300+ events, it was a serendipitous spring in Ariccia, Italy that changed my life forever. And perhaps a few too many chianti-included viewings of Eat, Pray, Love. My newfound passion for cultural exploration, immersive experiences and unforgettable, storied moments led me to seek a new level of service for destination weddings - a boutique planning experience that was just as replete with heart-fluttering joy as the wedding day itself. And so the Willow & Oak experience was born. Since then, I've resided in London, Rome and Charleston and will soon be planting my roots in Paris while continuing to serve couples in their celebrations all over the world!


Haley
MCCarrell

Storyteller, Visionary and hopeless romantic with a deep love for Slow Living, the arts and the natural world

Scouting chateaus, villas and country estates across Europe, exploring antique markets for storied decor elements, iterating timelines, floorplans, transportation schedules and budget allocations, layering thoughtful textures for dynamic tablescapes, walking our clients through their personalized Design Proposal magazine and beyond. It is our greatest privilege to support couples as they begin one of life's most significant chapters, and we can't wait to hear your own unique love story.

EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

You are most likely to find us

An Alabamian ex-pat now residing in the English Countryside. Many years ago, at the end of a scavenger hunt around Rome, I met the most charming Englishman, Ben who you will meet below. During this time not only did I fall in love with my now husband, I also fell head over heels for the European life I now live and get to share with others. A life based around 'slow-living' and meaningful moments with those who I love and inspire me. Nothing brings me greater joy than helping couples and clients not only achieve their dream wedding but creating an experience and memories that will last a lifetime. 

travel enthusiast, Ex-Pat and Adventurer who enjoys nothing more than connecting with others while strolling through a french market

Alexis spooner

Contact us

Our ultimate goal is to serve our couples in a way that makes them feel held, allowing them to live their everyday lives throughout the planning process and feel like honored guests on their day. Engagement seasons don't last forever, so we seek to eliminate the decision fatigue, overwhelm and burnout that so often plague couples for months on end, leaving you instead with plenty of time for weekend getaways, spontaneous date nights and blissful moments of togetherness that aren't centered around wedding logistics. 

By investing so much time getting to know you, we hope to create a holistic and personalized wedding planning experience that engages, inspires and beckons you to indulge in humble luxuries... one of the many reasons we like to have our first big Design meeting over charcuterie and wine! We are here to be your advocate and confidante, to guide you with transparency and to help you savor every moment. 

Our Common Goal

Born and raised in the English Countryside just outside of London, I have always enjoyed living a more European lifestyle. With a history in marketing and events, welcoming couples and clients from around the world to our corner of Europe always feels so natural.

When not hosting others, organizing logistics or on-site at events I love slowing down alongside my wife, Alexis, discovering new European cities, making espresso at home and going on countryside walks with our Border Collie, Murphy. 

Coffee Aficionado, Classic Car Lover and native Englishman Who loves to talk to anyone, anytime.

Ben spooner

HALEY: traveling to new places (I’ve lived in both Italy + England, so let’s talk Europe!), fresh peonies, Mumford + Sons, pinot noir, hand-painted ceramics, Harry Potter marathons, blue + white plates, Chipotle, doggos (but especially sheepadoodles), Anthro candles, banjos, Geechie Boy Grits, and binge-watching Friends

BEN: I love motorsport, doing trackdays with my brothers, music and the guitar. I also love skiing and am desperate to go again soon, and a US road trip is also high up on my to-do list. An evening in with a good film is also always welcome!

in the words of others...

"As if Willow & Oak’s Old-World European aesthetic isn’t enough to make you fall in love with them, they are the sweetest, most talented team. Their romantic style truly reflects their immense passion for traveling the world and the timeless love stories they have the opportunity to tell. Willow & Oak’s design process is filled with intention and meaning, and you can trust that they will put their whole heart into creating a day straight from a dream.”
- Hannah Alyssa, Photographer

At a glance

Dream Vacation 
go-to cocktail
coffee table book
Podcast
novel
guilty pleasure
charity
For the home
West End

HALEY

Hallstatt,
Austria
Thyme Elderflower Gimlet
Slim Aarons: Women
Salted Caramel Mochas
At Home In The World
Skimm'd From The Couch
Love146
Les Misérables
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Dog Ceramics

ALEXIS

BEN

Dream Vacation 
wine & region
coffee table book
Podcast
novel
guilty pleasure
charity
For the home
West End

ALEXIS

Road Trip through new zealand
Riesling from Alsace
Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita
Parmesan truffle fries
Lilac Girls
Women Who Travel by Condé Nast Traveler
Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Children in Need
Hamilton 
Wallpaper Panels by Gracie

BEN

HALEY

Dream Vacation
Go-To Cocktail
coffee table book
Podcast
Book
guilty pleasure
charity
For the home
West End

BEN

Seychelles
Whiskey Sour
Classic Cars: A Century of Masterpieces
Popcorn
The Spy and
the Traitor
Sodajerker On Songwriting
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Matilda
9Barista & Beans from
Kiss the Hippo

HALEY

ALEXIS

Practical planning tips, breathtaking travel inspiration and beyond

Our journal awaits

destination guide:
Traveling through tuscany

Why Texture Makes All The Difference in Design

more topics

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Elias Kordelakos (Italy Destination Image) //  Kylee Yee Photography (Haley Headshot)  // Jordan Maunder (Alexis + Ben Headshots & Floral Background) // Hannah Alyssa (France Destination Image) // Julie Livingston (Alexis Setting The Table)




PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: