READING TIME: 3 min 39 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/2025
UPDATED: 05/21/2025
In the world of weddings, few things matter more than connection—and that’s precisely what Laurel Elise Events brings to the forefront of every event she plans. With a background in hospitality, a deep respect for her clients’ stories, and a personal understanding of what it feels like to be a bride, Laurel has crafted a planning style that is as elegant as it is empathetic.
Wezoree sat down with the Virginia-based wedding planner to explore how her journey began, the philosophy behind her company, and the moments that still take her breath away.
For Elise Long, the love for celebrations blossomed during her years at James Madison University, where she studied Hospitality Management. But it was her work at Veritas Winery’s Event Department that laid the foundation for what would become her career.
“I’ve been a wedding planner for eight years now,” she shares. “My very first wedding where I planned and designed was for a wonderful couple, Chloe and Mark, and it ended up winning Charlottesville Wedding of the Year! They reached out after learning I had started my own company, and from that moment on, everything fell into place.”
Her decision to dive into wedding planning wasn’t just about logistics or timelines—it was about joy.
“What inspired me to pursue wedding planning was the pure joy and positivity that surrounds weddings—I wanted to spend my life creating beautiful moments for people on one of the happiest days of their lives.”
Ask Laurel Elise Events what they love most about their work, and their answer is immediate: the uniqueness of every celebration.
“No two weddings are ever the same—each one presents a new challenge that keeps things exciting,” they says. “The process of puzzle-piecing the perfect vendor team together is like crafting a work of art, ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly.”
That personalized approach isn’t just a preference—it’s the philosophy of her brand.
“Our philosophy has always been ‘Celebrating the best way we know how -- together.’ The most enjoyable weddings to plan are the ones where our clients truly trust our vision and expertise! It creates a really great working environment and enjoyable planning process for all parties involved.”
While Laurel Elise Events specializes in Full Service Planning and Design, her team also offers partial planning and wedding management for couples who may not need full-scale coordination. But no matter the package, one thing remains the same: customization.
“All of our offerings are custom to each couple that inquiries!”
This flexibility allows Laurel to meet clients where they are, adapting her services to align with their budget, vision, and needs.
Among all the weddings she’s planned, one stands out above the rest—not because it was the most elaborate, but because it was the most personal.
“I think the most memorable wedding I’ve ever planned was selfishly my own because I was able to actually experience the magic of the day as a bride. It renewed my ‘why’ in my business and I want everyone to have that experience!”
Her own walk down the aisle gave her deeper insight into what matters most and reaffirmed her commitment to delivering that same feeling to every couple she works with.
Laurel Elise Events takes pride in crafting weddings that reflect her couples’ personalities while running with the precision of a well-oiled machine.
“I take a highly personalized approach, ensuring every detail reflects my clients’ vision and style. By curating top-tier vendors, designing immersive aesthetics, and managing logistics seamlessly, I create a high-touch experience from top to bottom.”
She’s frequently found working at some of Virginia’s most beloved venues, including Pippin Hill, Keswick Hall, and The Clifton Inn, but she’s always ready to discover new destinations.
“We love new venues and cities!”
Every planner faces obstacles—and Laurel is no exception. For her, the biggest challenge usually comes early in the process.
“Client expectations before being educated on what items cost.”
That’s why transparency is one of her top priorities.
“Managing and educating clients early on expectations vs. reality! The #1 place to cut is in the beginning and that’s your guest count. If that’s not possible, then really honing in on what your priorities are and focusing on those when budgeting.”
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but Laurel’s advice is simple, grounding, and refreshing.
“Take a deep breath! No one will know the alternatives that you are deciding between and everyone that loves you is truly just happy to be there to celebrate you and your love. Do what feels right for you and your fiancé and never feel pressured to do something that doesn’t feel like you!”
And if she could go back and give one piece of advice to her younger self?
“Hire an assistant sooner! ;)”
When we asked Laurel about her dream venue, her answer came with a sparkle of wanderlust.
“Villa d’Este in Italy!”
It’s a fitting dream for someone who approaches each wedding with vision, detail, and soul.
With her background in hospitality, her devotion to her clients, and her unwavering eye for design, Laurel Elise Events is more than a wedding planning business—it’s a promise of warmth, beauty, and a celebration done right.
For couples who value both structure and soul, Laurel is the planner who turns timelines into treasured memories.
