Exploring Life & Business with Ashley McLaughlin of The McLaughlin Edit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McLaughlin.

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in Atlanta’s event industry back in 2016 with Modern Luxury, the largest luxury media company in the country. That role helped me build some incredible relationships that led me into my next chapter.

In 2018, I shifted into a position at one of Atlanta’s most prestigious venues, Park Tavern, where I spent more than six years planning unforgettable events. It’s where my love for details, design, and truly joyful celebrations really came to life.

After years of working closely with clients and producing events at a high level, I realized I wanted to create something that felt even more personal and intentional — a brand that reflected my own point of view, style, and approach to hospitality. That ultimately led me to launch The McLaughlin Edit in 2025.

Today, The McLaughlin Edit is really the culmination of everything I’ve built over the years — my experience in luxury events, my eye for elevated design, and my passion for creating celebrations that feel beautiful, seamless, and deeply personal to each client. It’s been incredibly exciting to step into this new chapter and build a brand that feels so aligned with who I am and how I love to serve people.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road — and honestly, I think that’s true for anyone building something meaningful. Every chapter of my career has come with its own learning curve.

Early on, one of the biggest challenges was simply gaining experience and learning how to navigate such a fast-paced, high-expectation industry. Events look beautiful on the surface, but behind the scenes they require an incredible amount of problem-solving, adaptability, and composure under pressure.

As I grew in my career, the challenges shifted more into balancing creativity with logistics, managing so many moving parts at once, and learning how to lead clients through what can sometimes be emotional or high-stakes moments with both confidence and care.

And of course, launching The McLaughlin Edit brought a whole new set of challenges. Starting your own business requires a lot of trust — in your experience, your vision, and your ability to build something from the ground up. There’s a lot you’re carrying at once, and that can be both exciting and stretching. But I really believe those challenges are what shape you and refine your approach.

Looking back, I’m genuinely grateful for those seasons because they taught me resilience, sharpened my instincts, and helped me become the planner and business owner I am today

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The McLaughlin Edit is a boutique event planning and design studio focused on curating meaningful celebrations with style, intention, and ease. We specialize in weddings as well as elevated social and corporate events, with an approach that blends thoughtful planning, refined design, and a highly personalized client experience.

At its core, the brand is about creating events that feel effortless for our clients, but deeply intentional behind the scenes. Whether it’s a wedding weekend, a milestone celebration, or a beautifully hosted gathering, I want every event to feel personal, polished, and genuinely memorable — not just visually beautiful, but emotionally meaningful as well.

What sets The McLaughlin Edit apart is the balance between elevated design and a calm, seamless planning experience. I think clients are drawn to us not only for the aesthetic, but for the way we guide them through the process. I’m incredibly detail-oriented and intentional in the way I plan, communicate, and serve, and I think that creates a level of trust that allows clients to truly enjoy the season they’re in.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that The McLaughlin Edit feels very clear in its identity. It reflects my love for timeless style, thoughtful hospitality, and celebrations that feel beautifully edited rather than overdone. I’ve always wanted the brand to feel refined, warm, and personal — and I think that’s exactly what it has become.

What I’d want readers to know most is that The McLaughlin Edit is about more than planning an event — it’s about creating an experience. My goal is always to make clients feel taken care of, understood, and fully present for some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. That’s really the heart behind everything we do

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A lot of the resources that help me do my best work are actually the ones that keep me both inspired and organized. Creatively, I often look to Pinterest, Instagram, interiors, fashion, travel, and hospitality for inspiration because they all influence the way I think about design and guest experience.

From a workflow standpoint, I really value any tools that help me stay efficient, detail-oriented, and client-focused. In event planning, there are so many moving parts, so having strong systems and organizational tools in place makes a huge difference.

I also think some of the most valuable inspiration comes from simply being observant — noticing what feels intentional, welcoming, and beautifully executed in everyday spaces and experiences. That kind of awareness has probably shaped my work just as much as any formal resource has.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themclaughlinedit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaughlinedit/?hl=en