We were lucky to catch up with Shanea Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shanea, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
There’s always this moment when I walk into a room—whether it’s a meeting with a venue, a supplier, or an industry networking event. I scan the room from left to right, front to back, and it hits me: I’m the only one who looks like me. The only young Black woman here. I feel the weight of that, but I also feel the power of it. I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders, and move forward as if the room were filled with people just like me. I tell myself, This is my time to represent. For those who aren’t here. For those who haven’t had the chance to be seen yet.
In those moments, I make it my mission to connect. I want people to see me not just as a representative of my culture but as someone who is smart, compassionate, and relatable—someone they can engage with. Being approachable and engaging in meaningful conversations is crucial. I’ve learned to read the room, find the right moments to insert myself into discussions, and add value wherever I can.
Preparation is my superpower. Whether I’m negotiating with a venue on behalf of a client, coordinating with a vendor for a wedding, or representing a group of travelers to a supplier, I always show up fully informed and ready. I know my surroundings, I’ve done my homework, and I can speak to the details that matter most to my clients—whether it’s someone’s dream wedding or a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list trip. In every interaction, my goal is to demonstrate that I’m not only capable but that I truly care about the experience I’m creating. When people see me—poised, confident, and informed—I hope they feel a shift. I hope they see not just me but the countless others who could fill these rooms if given the chance.
Being the only one in the room isn’t just about representing myself; it’s about breaking barriers and opening doors. I want to inspire others—whether it’s someone who looks like me or someone who feels out of place in their own way. If they see me walking into those spaces, speaking up, and earning respect, maybe they’ll find the courage to do the same. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Because every step I take into a room like that is one more step toward making it easier for the next person to follow.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve built my business, Luxe Weddings and Travel, on the foundation of two passions: my love for travel and my dedication to creating unforgettable wedding experiences. I’ve combined these to offer the ultimate dream experiences for my clients, whether they’re planning a destination wedding or seeking an extraordinary travel adventure.
At Luxe Weddings and Travel, we are committed to making dreams come true—whether it’s orchestrating the perfect wedding day or curating a bespoke travel itinerary. My goal is to ensure every client enjoys a seamless and opulent experience, no matter the occasion.
On the travel side, we specialize in group bookings, romantic getaways, bucket-list adventures, and relaxing retreats. Our mission is simple: to craft unforgettable experiences that leave you breathless and craving more. But for me, the most special part of these journeys isn’t just the destinations themselves—it’s watching my clients experience them. Seeing their reactions when they visit a place they’ve only dreamed of, learn something new about the world, or create memories they’ll cherish forever—it’s pure magic.
When I lead group trips, I get to witness these moments up close. There’s a unique joy in knowing I was able to design an experience that people may not have pursued on their own. Whether it’s helping someone cross a destination off their bucket list, introducing them to the culture of a faraway place, or simply giving them the gift of seeing the world in a beautiful way—it’s the ultimate satisfaction.
On the wedding side, I bring that same commitment to creating once-in-a-lifetime moments. From the picture-perfect walk down the aisle to every carefully planned detail, I love knowing that my clients trusted me to make one of the most important days of their lives absolutely perfect.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to create experiences that connect people with joy, beauty, and unforgettable memories—whether it’s their wedding day or a trip around the world. That’s what Luxe Weddings and Travel is all about, and that’s what makes this work so special to me.
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?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey as a wedding and travel planner: patience, self-motivation, and relationship building.
1. Patience:
Patience has been essential, especially in navigating the complexities of working with brides and grooms who are balancing ever-changing trends, family expectations, and their own vision. Helping couples identify what speaks to them as a couple—rather than what feels like an obligation—requires understanding, empathy, and time. Similarly, patience is critical when working with suppliers who may have language barriers or operate differently due to cultural norms. These moments require flexibility and care to ensure the experience remains seamless and opulent, which is the cornerstone of my work.
2. Self-Motivation:
In this industry, no one is going to hand you everything you need—you have to take the initiative to learn and grow. For me, this has meant studying destinations and wedding trends, reviewing contracts, and staying informed about what’s current and relevant. It’s up to me to ensure I’m well-prepared and knowledgeable to provide the best experiences for my clients and uphold my promise of creating a seamless and opulent experience.
3. Relationship Building:
How you treat people can truly make or break your journey. Making clients, vendors, and suppliers feel seen and heard creates trust and smooths over challenges. Building strong relationships with vendors not only shows respect for their work but also ensures that the client’s vision is prioritized. These partnerships are key to delivering seamless, unforgettable experiences, whether it’s a wedding day or a travel adventure.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
For anyone starting out, here’s my advice:
Be willing to work hard under pressure: Sometimes you’ll need to start from what feels like the bottom. Take pride in learning the ropes and building your expertise step by step.
Find a mentor: Even if you don’t have direct access to them, study someone you admire from afar. Watch how they work, what they do, and how they approach challenges.
Never give up: There will be tough times, and progress may feel slow. Stay the course, focus on your goals, and remember why you started. Most importantly, approach every situation with a genuine desire to learn and grow. Every challenge is an opportunity to sharpen your skills and build your character while striving for excellence in creating a seamless and opulent experience.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of Luxe Weddings and Travel. I’m always looking to partner with brands, vendors, and creatives who align with my mission of creating unforgettable experiences.
In the travel space, I’m exploring opportunities to collaborate with brands through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and influencer partnerships. As more travelers look for inspiration online, I want to showcase products, destinations, and experiences that make exploring the world easier, more exciting, and truly memorable. My ideal travel clients are those who crave adventure but may not want to travel alone. Group travel is a big focus for me, so I’m eager to connect with brands that help enhance those experiences, whether it’s unique accommodations, guided tours, or travel gear that makes every trip seamless.
On the wedding side, I’m building partnerships with local Atlanta vendors—and those who are flexible for destination weddings—to create a cohesive and stress-free experience for my clients. My ideal wedding client is someone who’s excited about their big day but overwhelmed by where to start. They want a team that can guide them through every step, from finding the perfect venue to securing decor and floral packages that bring their dream to life. Partnering with vendors who share my attention to detail and commitment to excellence helps make this possible.
If you’re a travel brand, wedding vendor, or creative professional looking to collaborate, I’d love to connect! Together, we can elevate life-changing experiences for clients by delivering seamless and opulent moments they’ll cherish forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theluxevenue.com
- Instagram: @shanea_luxevenue
Image Credits
Chloe Ravina
Kapcha Photography
Bali Drone Guide
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
