Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Arriaga.
Jose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is deeply rooted in family, creativity, and a lifelong passion for celebrations. My parents founded our family business, Novedades Luly Wedding & Event Design, in 1995, so event design is truly all I have ever known. I grew up surrounded by fabrics, florals, centerpieces, weddings, quinceañeras, and the excitement that comes with transforming a space into something unforgettable.
As a child, I spent countless hours helping with setups, organizing inventory, watching designs come to life, and learning firsthand what it takes to create memorable events. What began as simply helping my family eventually became a passion of my own. Over the years, I naturally stepped into a larger role, learning every aspect of the business and developing my own eye for design and detail.
Because I have been immersed in this industry for most of my life, I honestly do not see it as a job. For me, it is something I genuinely enjoy. Every event presents a new opportunity to be creative, solve challenges, and bring someone’s vision to life. Whether it is an intimate gathering, a quinceañera, or a luxury wedding, I approach each event as if it were my own celebration.
As my experience grew, I wanted to expand our reach and bring our design style to a new market. That led me to branch out to Dallas and establish Black Tie Event Design, a sister company to the East Texas brand my parents built. While Black Tie Event Design has its own identity and serves the Dallas market, it was founded on the same values, creativity, and commitment to excellence that have guided our family business for decades. Today, I am proud to be actively involved in both companies, bridging the legacy of our East Texas roots with the opportunities and growth of the Dallas market.
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing the emotional reaction from clients when they walk into a transformed space for the first time. Those moments remind me why I love this work so much. It is about more than décor—it is about creating experiences, memories, and meaningful moments that families will remember for years to come.
Today, I am proud to continue building on the foundation my parents created more than three decades ago. Their dedication, work ethic, and passion inspired me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to carry on a family legacy while also growing a brand of my own. Together, these businesses allow me to do what I love most: help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments through beautiful, thoughtful, and unforgettable event design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, but I believe the challenges have played a major role in shaping who I am as both a business owner and a person.
One of the biggest challenges was stepping outside of what was familiar and expanding into a new market. While I grew up in the event industry and had years of experience through our family business, branching out to Dallas and building Black Tie Event Design came with its own set of obstacles. I had to establish new relationships, build brand awareness, earn trust in a larger market, and prove myself while staying true to the values and reputation my family spent decades creating.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with the realities of running a business. People often see the beautiful finished events, but behind the scenes there are long hours, logistics, budgeting, inventory management, vendor coordination, and problem-solving. Every event is unique, and there is always something unexpected that requires quick thinking and adaptability.
The event industry itself is constantly evolving. Trends change, client expectations grow, and competition increases, so staying relevant requires continuous learning and innovation. I have learned that success comes from being willing to adapt while maintaining the quality and service that clients expect.
Despite the challenges, I have never viewed obstacles as setbacks. Instead, I see them as opportunities to grow. Every difficult situation has taught me something valuable, strengthened my confidence, and helped me become a better leader. Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges because they pushed me to expand beyond my comfort zone and continue building a business that I am truly passionate about.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that success is not about avoiding obstacles—it’s about showing up, staying committed to your vision, and continuing to move forward even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an event designer and creative director specializing in luxury weddings, quinceañeras, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. My passion lies in transforming ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences that reflect each client’s personality, vision, and story.
Having grown up in the event industry, creativity has always been a natural part of my life. My parents founded our family business, Novedades Luly Wedding & Event Design, in 1995, and I learned the craft by working alongside them from a young age. Today, I continue that legacy while also leading Black Tie Event Design in Dallas, a sister company that allows me to bring our signature style and approach to a broader market.
I specialize in full event transformations, including draping, custom backdrops, floral installations, luxury tablescapes, lighting design, and statement décor. I am known for creating romantic, elegant, and immersive environments that leave a lasting impression on guests. Whether a client wants timeless sophistication or a bold, over-the-top design, I enjoy taking an idea and turning it into something even more beautiful than they imagined.
What sets me apart is that I approach every event as if it were my own. I do not simply provide décor—I invest myself in the experience. I pay attention to the details, listen carefully to my clients, and strive to create a design that feels personal and meaningful. My goal is for clients to walk into their venue and feel completely overwhelmed in the best possible way.
What I am most proud of is being able to continue a family legacy while also building something of my own. Seeing a room transformed, watching a client’s reaction, and knowing that we helped create memories that will last a lifetime is the most rewarding part of what I do. For me, success is not measured by the size of an event, but by the impact it has on the people celebrating it.
At the heart of everything I create is a simple belief: every celebration deserves to feel extraordinary.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about Dallas is the opportunity it offers. It is a city filled with ambition, creativity, and growth. As someone in the event industry, I appreciate being surrounded by talented entrepreneurs, beautiful venues, and a community that values celebrating life’s special moments. There is a strong energy here that inspires people to dream bigger, take chances, and continuously evolve.
I also love the diversity of Dallas. People from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries come together here, which creates endless opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. From the thriving business community to the incredible food, arts, and entertainment scene, there is always something new to experience.
If I had to choose something I like least, it would probably be the traffic. Like most growing cities, Dallas comes with its share of congestion and long commutes. However, I see that as a reflection of the city’s growth and popularity. The opportunities and experiences Dallas provides far outweigh the inconvenience.
Overall, Dallas has been an exciting place to build relationships, grow my business, and expand my creative vision. It has welcomed me with open arms, and I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant and forward-thinking community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tylertxweddings.com
- Instagram: Blacktie_eventdesign
