Lauren Lehman Carter
Owner + Principal Event Curator
Boy Mom. Carb Eater. Scouted to be a Disney Princess. Advocate. List Maker. City Girl with a Small Town Soul. Interior Design Lover. Home in the Woods. Heart on her Sleeve. Recipe Experimenter. Restaurant Goer. Champagne Sipper. Traveler. Big TBR Stack. Sucker for Sentiment.
Lauren Lehman Carter, an esteemed event planner with two decades of experience, is an industry leader based in Chicago. Her track record showcases a gift for crafting awe-inspiring and unforgettable event experiences. Blending her meticulous attention to detail, organizational finesse, boundless creativity, and a genuine heart-centered approach, she has created some of the most breathtaking and memorable event experiences.
Lauren’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity is one of the cornerstones of her approach. Driven by her passion for fostering community and making a positive impact, Lauren dedicates herself to advocacy and service, particularly in support of under-resourced communities. Her dedication is not only reflected in her work but also in the relationships she cultivates, which form the bedrock of her success. Understanding the significance of personalized experiences, she selectively reserves her calendar for a limited number of weddings and meticulously planned non-profit and corporate events each year. By doing so, she ensures that every client receives a truly tailored experience and a celebration of the unique connections that bring people together.
Lauren’s journey in the event world began near Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she spent her formative years just blocks away. It was in 2001, while pursuing her studies in Interior Design and Communications at Purdue, that she discovered her passion for events as a floral design assistant ~ an experience that still resonates today as Lauren has delighted countless clients with her hands-on approach to creating captivating arrangements, with a keen eye for floral artistry. Thus, seeking a more art-centric experience, Lauren later transferred to Columbia College Chicago, graduating with a wealth of knowledge and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, with a minor in Vocal Jazz Performance. Lauren then embarked on a remarkable career that encompassed event marketing, large-scale public events, and private gatherings. However, it was in 2005 that she found her true calling, firmly establishing herself within the vibrant Chicago wedding and event scene. Lauren’s dedication to the wedding and event industry extends far beyond her role as a founding member of the esteemed WIPA Chicago Board of Directors. From 2017 to 2022, she served with distinction, including a pivotal term as WIPA Chicago President during the challenging year of 2020.
Throughout her career, she has helped over 175 couples tie the knot, jump the broom, smash the glass, walk seven circles around the fire ~ bearing witness to countless moments, memories, and traditions. Lauren’s portfolio encompasses a rich tapestry of diverse events that reflect her versatility and passion including impeccably detailed weddings for fewer than 20 guests, multi-day multicultural spectaculars for over 600, and everything in between, nationwide.
Through her work in the non-profit sector, Lauren has empowered organizations to exceed their fundraising goals with resounding success by seamlessly handling event production, logistics, and infusing fresh and imaginative concepts into fundraising campaigns and event flow. Her invaluable support allows development teams to focus wholeheartedly on nurturing donor relationships, ultimately fostering stronger connections and greater impact within the communities they serve.
From corporate celebrations to galas, children’s events to boutique openings, marketing extravaganzas to fashion shows, and intimate social gatherings like birthday and dinner parties, Lauren’s diverse portfolio showcases her versatility and passion for crafting unforgettable experiences. Her remarkable work has garnered recognition and praise, gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as Brides (national print), Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Style Me Pretty, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Modern Luxury Brides, Chicago Style Weddings, and The Knot, among others. Each feature is a testament to her artistry and her ability to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience her exceptional events.
While her professional path has been undeniably eventful, Lauren’s love for interior spaces remains an integral part of her life. She has even taken on interior projects for clients, bringing her unique artistic flair to transform spaces into stunning reflections of individual style and personality. She lives in the small-town suburb of St. Charles with her family.
Lauren’s creative philosophy is rooted in the belief that the most beautiful art emerges when one dares to color outside the lines. She embraces the notion that some rules are meant to be broken, echoing the wise words of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”