Lauren Lehman Carter
Owner + Principal Event Curator
Mom of 2 Boys. Advocate. List Maker. City Girl with a Small Town Soul. Interior Design Lover. Home in the Woods. Heart on her Sleeve. Recipe Experimenter. Carb Eater. Scouted to be a Disney Princess. 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 focused on special nonprofit and corporate events nationwide. 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, rooted in connection.
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, she 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 clients each year.
Her journey in the event world began while attending Purdue University, where she spent her formative years growing up just blocks away. Seeking a more art-centric experience, Lauren later transferred from Purdue to Columbia College Chicago, graduating with a wealth of knowledge and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Lauren then embarked on a 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 industry. Lauren’s dedication to this 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.
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.
Her portfolio encompasses a rich tapestry of projects that reflect her versatility and passion. From corporate celebrations to galas, weddings to baby showers, 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 work has garnered national recognition and praise in esteemed event industry publications. 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.
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.”