Meet Lauren Garza

We recently connected with Lauren Garza and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

As a wedding planner, my job revolves around creating joyful, meaningful moments for others — but I’ve learned firsthand how deeply personal pain and mental health challenges can shape our lives behind the scenes. I lost my dad to suicide on Father’s Day of 2021, and that experience shook me to my core. Grief, guilt, confusion, and a deep sadness were all part of my journey.

What’s helped me persist is learning to hold space for both joy and sorrow. I’ve allowed myself to grieve, to feel, and to ask for help — whether through therapy, community, or moments of stillness.

My work as a planner became both a refuge and a reminder: that love, connection, and celebration matter deeply. I carry my Daddy with me in everything I do, and honoring his memory has become part of my purpose.

I also advocate for mental health awareness in my industry and among my clients. Behind every event is a real, complex human story and I believe it’s possible to create beauty and light even when you’ve known darkness. That’s the balance I try to bring into every day and every wedding I plan.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a wedding planner who specializes in creating intentional, personalized, and unforgettable celebrations for couples around the world. My job is to bring visions to life, remove the stress off my clients’ shoulders so they can fully enjoy one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

From logistics and timelines to design and emotional support, I’m there for it all — walkie-talkie in hand and heart fully in the moment.

What’s most exciting to me is the magic of transformation by taking a blank space and turning it into a reflection of a couple’s unique love story, values, and style. No two weddings are ever the same, and I truly believe that the beauty is in the details and the relationships built along the way.

I also love the cultural richness of planning international weddings — there’s something incredibly special about weaving together different traditions and aesthetics.

I want every client to feel seen, supported, and completely at peace on their wedding day. That’s the energy I bring to every event.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a wedding planner have been:

-Strong Communication Skills
Being able to clearly and calmly communicate with clients, vendors, and team members is absolutely crucial. Weddings are emotional and high-stress events, and it’s our job to be the grounding force. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust.

-Adaptability
No matter how much you plan, things change —weather, timelines, even client preferences. Being able to pivot quickly and problem-solve on the spot is what sets a good planner apart from a great one.

-Attention to Detail
Success in this industry lives in the little things. Remembering a bride’s favorite flower, catching a timeline typo, or ensuring place cards are alphabetized — those small touches make a huge difference in the overall experience.

*Advice for those just starting out:

-Practice active listening.
Every couple is different, and really hearing what matters to them helps you tailor their day to feel uniquely theirs.

– Shadow or assist experienced planners.
You’ll learn so much more on-site than from a textbook. Hands-on experience builds confidence and teaches you how to think on your feet.

– Invest in organization tools and systems early.*
The more streamlined your backend, the more present you can be for your clients.

This journey is a mix of creativity, logistics, and heart — so stay passionate, stay curious, and never stop learning something new.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“Power Moves” by Sarah Jake Roberts

This book that truly impacted my growth — personally and professionally. It’s all about stepping into your purpose with boldness and learning who you are in Christ, even when you’re unsure or feel under-qualified.

As a wedding planner, where you’re constantly juggling expectations and leading others through one of the most emotional days of their lives, that message hit home.

*A few powerful takeaways:

-Power doesn’t always look like perfection.
Sarah reminds us that showing up as your *authentic* self is your greatest strength. Early in my career, I thought I had to appear flawless to gain credibility — but I learned that vulnerability, transparency, and realness build deeper connections with clients and teams.

-Discomfort is often the birthplace of transformation.
There were times I doubted myself — whether I could handle a massive event, navigate a tricky family dynamic, or even grow my business. But her words helped me realize that discomfort isn’t a sign to back down — it’s a signal that I’m leveling up.

-Move even when you don’t have the whole plan.
As planners, we live in the details, but “Power Moves” reminded me that progress starts with just *one* brave step. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin — you just need to be willing to grow as you go.

This book gave me permission to lead with heart, grace, and boldness — all of which are essential in the wedding industry and in life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Iriz Images
Sarah Thompson Photos
Ferro Visuals
Brownie Weddings
Timelesstx

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