Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gardner.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with weddings while working as a personal assistant to a planner in Colorado. The first time I led a wedding from start to finish, something clicked — it was the perfect intersection of creativity, logistics, and human connection. I realized I had found the space where my eye for design, my love for people, and my highly organized mindset all came together effortlessly.
Then COVID changed everything.
Like so many in the industry, I had to pivot. I stepped into a role working under a venue, trying to stay connected to the world I loved. But during that time, I was told by the venue owner that I wasn’t cut out for this industry. It was a moment that could have completely changed my path — I felt hurt, confused, and questioned everything for a second.
But deep down, I knew she was wrong.
I knew this was what I was meant to do.
So instead of putting myself back in a position where someone else could define my potential, I decided to build something of my own. I started Elizabeth Bliss Events — and I never looked back.
Now, six years into my career, I’ve had the opportunity to plan and design a wide range of events — from timeless, romantic weddings to vibrant quinceañeras, corporate galas, nonprofit fundraisers, and elevated, design-forward celebrations. No matter the scale or setting, weddings have always remained at the heart of what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not exactly — learning how to run a business isn’t for everyone. It takes an incredible amount of drive and resilience, which I was lucky enough to grow up around. My dad started his own business, and he instilled in me the importance of working hard and not giving up, no matter how challenging things get. That mindset is a huge part of why I’ve been able to push through the harder seasons of building my own company.
And this industry itself is no joke — wedding planning is often considered one of the most stressful jobs out there. Over the years, I’ve had to learn how to navigate that pressure with confidence and composure. From tornado warnings and blizzards to literal fires on a wedding day, along with navigating high emotions and complex family dynamics, I’ve experienced just about every curveball you can imagine.
But that’s really what defines a great planner — the ability to stay calm when everything around you isn’t. No matter what’s happening behind the scenes, my role is to handle it with grace, protect the experience for my clients, and ensure their day still feels seamless, joyful, and exactly as they envisioned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. Growing up, my mom enrolled me in all kinds of art and theater classes, which really shaped the way I think and create today. That foundation is a huge part of how I approach wedding design — I don’t just see a color palette, I see a full experience, a story, and a feeling that we’re bringing to life.
At Elizabeth Bliss Events, I specialize in planning and designing highly personalized, design-forward weddings and events. I’m known for creating elevated, immersive experiences that feel intentional down to the smallest detail — not just beautiful, but memorable.
One of the ways I’ve really developed and showcased my style is through styled shoots. I see them as an opportunity to push creative boundaries and fully bring a vision to life without limitations. Instead of following trends, I intentionally challenge myself to create something unexpected — themes that are bold, a little unconventional, and completely immersive. That willingness to think outside the box is a big part of what sets me apart.
My very first styled shoot was a Halloween-inspired wedding, and it completely took off. It went viral almost immediately — being featured in magazines, becoming a top-performing pin on Pinterest, and gaining over a million views on TikTok. More importantly, it connected me with couples who resonated with that level of creativity. That single shoot led to bookings in places like Miami, Cancun, and South Carolina, simply from people seeing my work and wanting that same kind of intentional, standout design for their own wedding.
Since then, I’ve continued to lean into storytelling through design — creating a celestial-inspired shoot based on the best-selling A Court of Thorns and Roses, a Wicked-inspired concept featuring models portraying Elphaba and Glinda, and even a fantasy woodland shoot with subtle, hidden Shrek-inspired elements woven throughout the design. Each concept is intentionally layered, blending inspiration with elevated wedding aesthetics to create something that feels both imaginative and refined.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a business rooted in creativity and trust — where couples come to me not just for logistics, but because they believe in my vision. I’ve created a brand where people feel confident handing over the details, knowing I’ll bring something unique and meaningful to life for them.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s anything I’d want readers to take away, it’s this — follow your dreams, even when they don’t make sense to anyone else. The path won’t always be easy, and there will be moments where people doubt you or where things don’t go as planned. But if something is placed on your heart, there’s a reason for it.
I truly believe that God gives us dreams with purpose — not to tease us, but to guide us. It’s up to us to have the courage to pursue them, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
Trust yourself, trust your vision, and don’t let someone else’s opinion define what you’re capable of. You’re often closer than you think — you just have to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethblissevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_bliss_events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethblissevents
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabeth_bliss_events
