Designing From One Anchor Murray’s work is defined by cohesion. Her couples are drawn to the idea that every part of their wedding connects—from the first save-the-date to the final thank-you card. Her process typically begins with a single anchor piece—most often the seating chart or escort display—which becomes the visual centerpiece of the cocktail hour. “We’re really designing everything off of that main statement piece,” she said. From there, the design expands across every detail of the day. “I don’t want anything to feel copied or replicated,” she said. Instead, inspiration comes from the couple’s own story—whether that’s travel, personal traditions, or meaningful details that translate into design. Why the Details Matter For Murray, details are not secondary—they define the experience. “They are everything,” she said. That doesn’t mean excess. It means intention—consistent materials, fonts, and design choices that create a cohesive environment. She often points to menus as an example—both visually impactful and functional, helping guide guests through the evening. Emily also encourages couples to prioritize spaces guests return to repeatedly—especially the bar, where design elements are experienced throughout the night. Working in Rhode Island and Beyond Something Borrowed works across New England, including weddings in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with clients traveling from New York and Maine. Still, Rhode Island remains central to Murray’s work. Local weddings come with unique considerations—coastal wind, traffic, and the need for flexibility. “We want things to be beautiful, we want them to be functional, but we also want them to be safe for their guests,” she said. Backup plans are always part of the process. What Comes Next After more than 400 weddings, Murray is entering a new phase— one defined less by volume and more by intention. The focus is shifting toward deeper involvement, stronger client relationships, and a fully integrated approach to planning and design. At the same time, the foundation of her work remains unchanged. The community she has built within the industry continues to shape both her process and perspective. Her advice to others entering the field reflects that same mindset: “Share yourself, share your personality… you really just never know who’s watching.” For years, her favorite moment came at the end of installation— when everything was complete, and she could step back and take it in. “That to me is usually when I feel like the job is complete,” she said. Now, she’s looking ahead to something more immediate: the moment a couple walks into a space and sees it fully realized for the first time. For Emily Murray, that next step isn’t a shift—it’s a continuation. A business built on details, shaped by experience, and designed to feel as personal as the people at the center of it.
44 DISCOVER RHODE ISLAND
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