Meet Laura McCasland of McArthur Weddings and Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura McCasland.

Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up and through college, I worked a wide variety of jobs. My first one was for a wedding photographer. By the time I graduated college, I had worked in housekeeping, catering, and even decorated cakes. When I was a sophomore in college, my first friend got married and she asked me to be her personal attendant. I had no idea what I was doing but just filled in the gaps for things that needed to be done on her wedding day. I went onto always be the personal attendant for all of my friends getting married.

Skip ahead to 2015; I was ready for a break after six years in the classroom as a teacher. Side note, teachers, can do anything because we have to be ready for anything. I ended up being an assistant to an amazing local wedding planner and knew this was a great way I could help people in some stressful times of their lives.

In 2019, I was asked by a friend to help her plan her wedding – this time equipped with some industry knowledge. I got my next client from a guest that was at the friend’s wedding. After that wedding, I knew I needed mores structure and to make this business legit. That’s how McArthur Weddings and Events was born.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, as I’m sure you know, 2020 was not the best time to have just started a business all about bringing people together. I had launched officially in October 0f 2019 and although I started getting clients soon after 2020 put a pause on all things weddings.

It was definitely a mindset shift that saved me. I decided 2020 would be the year I would learn and grow. My focus shifted to learning how to run social media, learning how to run a business, learn how to network, and care for people as the cornerstone of my business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about McArthur Weddings and Events?
McArthur Weddings and Events is named after my dad. His middle name was Arthur and Mc is the beginning of our last name. When my older sister got married, my dad gave a speech at her wedding. I remember thinking I wonder what he will say at my wedding. He suddenly passed away almost five and a half years ago. I will never get to hear that speech.

What I did get from him was loving people big. He was intentional. I have six siblings and he spent intentional time with each of us. He took the “scenic route” home to talk to us more, he was at every sporting event, and each of us went on a trip with just him. We never felt like there were a lot of kids; we never felt like number. His passing also helped me realize the value of memories. McArthur Weddings and Events was born out of a desire to see not just couples but their families get to make memories together without the stress that weddings can often bring.

Weddings are unique. They bring people together from all different times and places in your life. I want to be known for making that a sweet time that can be enjoyed by everyone. To be known as the company that helps you make memories with your loved ones is what I want to be known for and is definitely the clients we attract. I love when during and inquiry call, the couple says something to that effect. I know my dad would be proud of me for the business I’m building. A business that listens and doesn’t treat you as a number. That is intentional and values freeing you up to make memories with those that matter most. We offer services anywhere from two months out Event Management to Full-Service Wedding Planning.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Sara Brown from Sara Brown Weddings was the planner I started working for in 2015. After I got that first client, I wanted to make sure she was okay with me starting my own business. She’s been nothing but my biggest cheerleader and advocate and I owe so much to her.

While I’ve been building this business, I’ve also been a nanny. I worked for so many entrepreneurs taking care of their children, being invited into their families, and asking them questions along the way. They have been so flexible with me as this business has grown and supported me along the way. I honestly couldn’t have done it without them – especially in 2020.

Alea and Ashley LaRocque who were my very first couple to get married under the McArthur Weddings and Events name. They were not just clients but mentors, supporters, and friends. We now get to work together to make amazing experiences for couples that we share!

Of course, my family and friends. Who have supported me, proofread my writing, let me practice on them, verbally processed, help me name my business, and really all of the things.

Contact Info:

• Email: laura@mcarthurweddingsandevents.com
• Website: www.mcarthurweddingsandevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcarthurweddingsandevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcarthurweddingsandevents/

Image Credits
Stori H Photography Ashlee Crowden Photography Lizzie + Marco Photography