We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lea McGilloway. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lea, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
Right now, I feel more loved than ever. My partner, David, is the most amazing person to share my life with. For years, I was with the wrong person and, as I’m nearing my 30s, I worried I was wasting all the love I had to give. Then the universe sent me David, someone who loves me, flaws and all. And for the first time, I truly feel seen, cherished, and like I deserve it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lea McGilloway, owner and lead planner of LM Events. We’re based in Savannah, Georgia, and plan weddings throughout the Lowcountry – from Charleston to the Golden Isles.
My journey into wedding planning really started with a love for people and meaningful moments. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating experiences that bring joy and connection to others, and weddings felt like such a natural extension of that. What began as helping friends and family plan their special days eventually grew into LM Events. A company built on heart, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for love in all its forms.
Our couples come to us because they want their wedding day to feel like them. Not a version of someone else’s Pinterest board. We focus on what’s real: creating a day that feels genuine, effortless, and filled with intention. And while we love beautiful details, what truly drives us is making sure each guest feels part of the experience and that the couple can be fully present for it all.
Whether it’s an intimate coastal ceremony or a weekend-long celebration under the oaks, we’re here to make the process feel smooth, enjoyable, and deeply personal. At the end of the day, we’re not just planning weddings, we’re helping couples celebrate one of the most meaningful moments of their lives in a way that’s true to them.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without a doubt, my grandpa. He saw something in me long before I ever did. He used to tell me I was destined for bigger things and constantly reminded me of that, even when I couldn’t see it myself. He passed away nine years ago, but his presence is still such a strong part of who I am and of my company. His belief in me is what gave me the courage to start LM Events and to pour my heart into creating something meaningful.
His birth flower was the daisy, which is why it’s part of my logo. It’s my way of carrying a piece of him with me in everything I do – a reminder to stay grounded, lead with heart, and keep chasing the bigger things he always knew I was capable of.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would tell her that all of her struggles are worth it and that the universe will prove it tenfold. Growing up in a low- to middle-income neighborhood in Philadelphia, it was hard to see a path forward. With parents who struggled with addiction and constant reminders that I was “meant” to stay stuck in that environment, it often felt like my dreams were out of reach.
But looking back now, I see that those challenges shaped me, strengthened me, and prepared me to pursue something bigger. I would tell my younger self to trust in herself and the journey, because every hardship has a purpose, and she is capable of far more than she ever imagined.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. It’s me, 100%. I’m funny, a little goofy, a huge animal lover, and I always put my people first. Whether that’s my family, my friends, or my couples.
I don’t believe in putting on a polished version of myself just for business. The couples I work with deserve to know the real me, because I want to know the real them. That’s where the magic happens – when everything feels genuine, human, and full of heart.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I led with kindness and heart. That I made others feel seen, loved, and supported – both in my life and in my work. I hope they remember me as someone who showed up for her people, poured love into everything she did, and never lost her sense of humor or joy along the way.
I also hope the story they tell reflects the impact of LM Events. That the company was an extension of who I am: thoughtful, authentic, and committed to celebrating love in all its forms. That through our work, couples felt truly seen, guests felt cared for, and every celebration was infused with intention and heart. More than anything, I hope people remember that I helped others believe in themselves and their love stories the way my grandpa once believed in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lmeventcoordination.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lm.eventcoordination/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmeventcoordination/
Image Credits
Ashly McCoy Photography
Justin Leon Brown Photography
Greddins Visuals
Bronston Photography
Mackensey Alexander Photography
Rachel Fosbenner Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
