Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Nieto.
Brandon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Arches by Design is my passion project turned business, and it’s really about creating unforgettable moments through custom event designs. We specialize in ceremony arches, statement backdrops, and unique structures like champagne walls, phone booths, and custom signage. Most people know us for our wedding arches, but what really sets us apart is how we treat each design as a one-of-a-kind story. No two couples, no two events, and no two visions are the same and I love bringing that individuality to life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but I think those bumps are what gave Arches by Design its character. Starting out meant taking a leap of faith, leaving the comfort of steady work to pursue something I truly believed in. There were moments of doubt, when I was investing time, money, and energy into building a vision that only I could see at the time.
On the business side, the struggles were real sourcing quality materials, finding the right vendors, and physically building arches myself with limited resources. I had to learn skills like welding and construction along the way, because I wanted the freedom to create designs no one else was offering. Balancing budgets, handling last-minute requests, and wearing every hat from designer to delivery driver were all part of the grind.
But one of the biggest challenges has been changing the mindset around ceremonies. In the U.S., receptions often get the spotlight, while ceremonies are treated as “quick” or secondary. I’ve had to work hard to educate clients and show them that the ceremony deserves just as much attention because that’s the heart of the day.
On a personal level, there’s sacrificing long hours, missed weekends, and constantly pushing myself to stay creative even when I’m exhausted. But every struggle has shaped me. It’s taught me resilience, creativity under pressure, and the importance of trusting the process.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that challenges aren’t roadblocks — they’re building blocks.
Every struggle forced me to grow in ways I never expected, and it made the victories that much sweeter. That’s why I believe the best things in business and in life are built through persistence, passion, and most importantly, a refusal to give up on your vision.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I want readers to know is simple: Arches by Design is here to elevate ceremonies and special events. Whether it’s a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a branded corporate event, we create pieces that transform a space into an experience. We’re not just renting an arch, we’re designing a memory.
What separates Arches by Design from others is our mix of creativity, craftsmanship, and personal service. I’ve been in the event industry for over 20 years, so I know how important details are. We design with intention, making sure every arch or installation not only looks beautiful in person but photographs perfectly, because at the end of the day, those pictures last forever. We also pride ourselves on fast turnaround times. If a couple calls me last minute or an event planner needs something for a pop-up celebration, we can pull it off without sacrificing quality.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of bringing a bigger vision for ceremonies to America. I’ve been inspired by how other cultures treat weddings in places like India and the Middle East. Ceremonies are celebrated with grandeur, artistry, and so much attention to detail. The arch or backdrop isn’t just décor, it’s a centerpiece that honors the couple and elevates the entire moment. I want to bring that same energy here in the U.S., where ceremonies sometimes don’t get prioritized as much as receptions. My goal is to change that to make ceremonies feel just as special and unforgettable.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me is that while Arches by Design is known for bold, statement-making designs, I actually started out doing all the behind-the-scenes work in events setting up chairs, hanging lights, moving boxes, and learning every detail that makes an event run smoothly. That grind taught me the importance of craftsmanship and detail, and it’s why I’m so hands-on today. A lot of our arches and installations aren’t just ordered, they’re designed, engineered, and built by me. I love welding, woodworking, and figuring out how to bring ideas to life in a way that’s both beautiful and functional. It’s not just décor; it’s craftsmanship.
Most people also wouldn’t know how much my vision has been shaped by other cultures. I’ve been inspired by how weddings in places like India, the Middle East, and Latin America put such a huge emphasis on the ceremony itself with incredible structures, flowers, and designs that make the moment feel larger than life. In the U.S., receptions often take center stage, but my passion is to change that by making ceremonies just as unforgettable. That inspiration is a big part of why Arches by Design exists.
On a personal note, I’m also very into fitness and running. That discipline carries over into my work. Training for a half-marathon or pushing through a workout takes the same mindset as building a large-scale ceremony design; it’s about endurance, focus, and showing up prepared every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://archesbydesign.com
