Today we’d like to introduce you to LaQuanda “LB” Harper.
Thanks for sharing your story with us LaQuanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I discovered my passion for planning at a tender age and I’ve dreamed of my wedding since I was a little girl. I remember being in grade school, picking wedding colors, and designing my gown. As I grew older, I continued to plan the details of my wedding, keeping up with the latest trends. After being a model, pageant queen, and television news reporter, I became even more consumed with the pomp and circumstance of event planning. Sharing my bridal ideas with others, friends started to ask if I’d help with their big day. I officially became an event planner in 2005. Over the years, I have coordinated corporate parties and social functions, as well as planned celebrity-style weddings from start to finish. Somewhere around 2015, I felt the desire to be even more involved in the event industry and started to focus on venue ownership wanting my clients to have a great space to host their events also if they don’t need my planning services. But me owning an event space…? I never really thought it was possible. It was just a dream I had. Until September 2019, when I opened the doors of The E. Loft Atlanta, a 2100 square foot event venue perfect for any intimate event. Now I get to spend every day in a chic industrial loft where my client’s mix and mingle with 100 of their closest friends, enjoy a seated dinner with 50, celebrate milestone birthdays, launch new products and find out the gender of their new baby.
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has not been without its share of challenges. Albeit polished, personable, and professional, keeping my feet wet in a heavily saturated Atlanta market where everyone is a planner was quite the obstacle. My biggest frustration was executing amazing events knocking them out of the park, receiving stellar ratings, but my clientele seemed to grow at a snail’s pace. Even being interviewed & cast for two wedding planner reality shows, neither was picked up by a network huge disappointment both times. But all of this has pushed me to grind even harder, be intentional about making connections, try new strategies, fine-tune my craft & revamp my hustle. This afforded me a greater appreciation for the industry…and made me stronger. I’ve learned over the years that adversity was not a detour, but rather a part of the journey.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As the owner of Savvy House Weddings & Events, my experience ranges from planning intimate affairs to designing and decorating upscale receptions. Weddings are definitely my forte’ but I can plan ANYTHING. Ask my clients, and they’ll tell you of my commanding presence, ‘You know when LB walks into the room, and she runs a very tight ship.’ I obsess over the details, and I’m consumed with ensuring my clients and their guests have a fantastic experience at any event I’m associated with. Even on a budget, I’m looking for ways to wow my clients. I love seeing the vision evolve. When they want simple, I add a little bit of drama. Or as much as they’ll allow. I’ve done it all from coordinating a helicopter exit with perfect timing to sending the new couple off to their honeymoon in a vintage Rolls. When I’m in charge, there’s always a grand exit. The flowers are always fresh. The pics are always feature-worthy. Everything must be on point. And I do it all with grace, wearing black lace gloves… really. It’s this type of energy that inspired me to open my event space, which is my biggest accomplishment by far. Though it’s not easy, venue ownership is one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever known. I’m prayerful my hard work and leap of faith into this business venture will prove to be even more successful than I could have dreamed. Not just for me, but for every person with a dream. You’ve got this. As I build this brand, I’ve re-ignited my passion for hosting social events. In January I hosted my first public event in years…” The Engagement Room”. It’s an open discussion about issues that are near to me and affect the community, from dating in Atlanta to financial wellness. And as of February, “The Engagement Room” is also a podcast that I co-host. And I love it!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Being born and raised in Jackson, MS, I absolutely love Atlanta. It’s a perfect fit for this ambitious southern belle with a big personality. Upon my arrival in 2008, I was definitely embraced by the city and felt that I could do whatever my heart desired. As a woman, I felt like there were no limits for what was in store for me in Atlanta. I love what this city offers. There’s culture. There’s shopping. There’s history. There’s diversity. There’s the amazing food. There’s so much to do. Anyone can come to Atlanta and thrive if they’re willing to work for it. There just aren’t enough Waffle Houses here. Lol.
Pricing:
- Full Service Event Planning starting $2500
- Partial Wedding Planning starting at $1800
- Month-of-Wedding Coordination starting at $1200
- Venue Rental Rates starting at $750
Contact Info:
- Address: The E Loft Atlanta
Savvy House Weddings & Events
255 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Website: www.theeloftatl.com
- Phone: 404-337-9131
- Email: info@theeloftatl.com
- Instagram: @theeloftatl
- Facebook: The E Loft Atlanta Event Space
- Other: @savvyhouseweddings
Image Credit:
Kim Walker (Lotus Lens Photography)
Sam Jasper Photography
Jolye Toi Photography
Mecca Gamble Photography
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