Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea McGilloway.
Lea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Prior to moving to Savannah, I lived in Center City, Philadelphia, working as a Server/Bartender. When COVID hit, I was out of work for 6 months and knew I wanted to join the Events Industry. I was given a chance at a Country Club in the Suburbs as their Events Coordinator, planning member events and executing private events, such as golf tournaments, weddings, and everything in between.
My director of Sales went to a Catering Company that owned 2 Wedding Venues, was the exclusive caterer at 3 other venues, and offered outside catering. She reached out to me a few months later and asked if I was interested in joining their team as an Assistant Event Planner. I knew that this would lead me to my dream career. So, I said yes!
Within 2 months, I was promoted to Event Planner. But during my time there, I was in a long-distance relationship. My partner lived in Augusta, GA. And whenever I would come visit, we would go explore new city. My first trip for a visit, we chose Savannah. I fell in love with the trees, the architecture, the character, the river, the people. We knew we wanted Savannah to be our home. 4 months later, I was packing a U-Haul with my 2 cats, Jameson and Bailey, and I was headed down South!
I was hired at the Mansion on Forsyth Park as a Catering Sales and Service Manager. Selling venue spaces in the hotel and working with wedding planners to ensure that everything went to the guests’ expectations. I made wonderful connections with some amazing people. Mark Royston with Elegant Savannah Weddings knew how much I loved weddings and asked if I could assist on wedding days when needed. I jumped on the opportunity.
Briefly, after, I transferred to the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District as the Catering Sales Manager. I had a Monday through Friday schedule, but I missed the rush of Wedding Days. I missed seeing couples walk down the aisle, glowing with happy tears and celebrating their love with family and friends. With the wonderful connections I made, I became a part of the Savannah Wedding Community and began assisting others when they needed an extra set of hands. Through recommendations, I met Alysse, Catering Sales Manager at Soho South, who said I should start my own business. I made excuses on why it wasn’t the right time. She said there’s no better time than now. I made a website, social media pages, pricing, and built a portfolio. I worked at JW Marriott during the day, and I would work on LM Event Coordination at night.
It’s been an incredible whirlwind of a year. I now have the opportunity to put my focus into LM Event Coordination full-time with thanks to the amazing wedding community in Savannah. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I have never left my hometown, with the exception of trips to Disney. When the idea of moving to Savannah arose, I was incredibly scared of failure, being homesick, not finding a job, or not adjusting to my new life.
When I started LM Event Coordination, I was working a full-time in a sales role for a luxury hotel. I had to give both careers 150% each and every day, no matter how I felt.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We at LM Event Coordination specialize in Weddings Planning, but we plan events of all types!
We’re most proud of the connection we build with couples prior to their wedding day. I want all of our couples to feel like they have a confidant! We have made some wonderful friends while planning their weddings and still keep in touch.
I would say the comfortably we give our couples during the planning process is what sets us apart. We want every couple to feel love, compassion, and trust every single time they speak with us and most importantly, on their wedding day!!!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has made my dream what it is today. Finding someone whose work you like and inviting them for coffee or drinks. Going to local networking events for your industry. Following local industry social media pages.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your main advocate for you is YOU! And if you don’t share your story, who will?
Pricing:
- Extensive Coordination – $3,250
- Month of Coordination – $2,250
- Week of Coordination – $1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: lmeventcoordination.com
- Instagram: @lm.eventcoordination
- Facebook: LM Event Coordination
Image Credits
Bronston Photography
