Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Leek.
Hi Lydia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey actually started much earlier than most people expect—back in the fifth grade. I was completely obsessed with wedding shows on TLC like Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings, and I couldn’t get enough of The Wedding Planner’s Daughter book series. From a very young age, I was fascinated by the emotion, the beauty, and the meaning behind weddings. I knew I wanted to be part of that world.
Of course, growing up in a small area, I was told more than once that it wasn’t a realistic career path—that I couldn’t make money doing that here, or that it wasn’t practical. I took a few wrong turns trying to find something more “acceptable,” but the pull toward weddings never went away.
Eventually, I landed a role as a venue manager at a local wedding venue, and that was the moment everything clicked. I fell in love with the industry all over again—working with couples, managing the flow of a wedding day, and being the steady presence behind the scenes. I stayed in that role for five years, gaining hands-on experience and learning what truly goes into creating a seamless, meaningful event.
After the pregnancy and birth of my son, I took a leap and officially built my own business, A Touch of Gray Events. I wanted a career that allowed me to be the kind of mother I envisioned for myself, while still doing work I genuinely loved. Flexibility mattered, but so did purpose.
I named my company after my grandfather, who passed away in 2021. He embodied everything I strive to bring into my work—loyalty, honesty, integrity, and deep care for people. That legacy shapes how I approach every client and every celebration.
Today, I’m grateful to be doing the work I once dreamed about as a child—proving to myself, and maybe to others too, that you can build a meaningful career even when people say you can’t. My journey hasn’t been linear, but every step led me here, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way.
One of the biggest struggles was simply being told—repeatedly—that this wasn’t a realistic path. Early on, there was a constant undercurrent of doubt, both from others and at times within myself, about whether I could truly build a sustainable business in this industry and in this area. That doubt forced me to work harder, but it also took time to learn how to trust my instincts.
Another challenge was navigating seasons of change. Becoming a mother shifted my priorities in ways I didn’t fully anticipate, and I had to relearn how to define success. There were moments of burnout, financial uncertainty, and growing pains as I figured out how to balance motherhood, business ownership, and my own well-being.
I’ve also learned that growth isn’t always about doing more—it’s often about doing less, more intentionally. Saying no to the wrong opportunities, refining my offerings, and setting boundaries were some of the hardest but most necessary steps along the way.
Every challenge shaped how I show up today. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful, and each struggle helped me build a business that’s aligned with my values instead of just chasing momentum.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Touch Of Gray Events. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A Touch of Gray Events is a boutique wedding planning and coordination company built on the belief that weddings should feel meaningful, calm, and deeply personal—not rushed, overwhelming, or transactional.
I specialize in high-touch planning, design-forward coordination, and thoughtful logistics for couples who value beauty and sentiment just as much as a smooth wedding day. I’m known for being highly organized, detail-oriented, and steady under pressure—someone couples can trust to think five steps ahead while still honoring what matters most to them.
What sets my business apart is intention. I take on a limited number of weddings each year so every couple receives my full attention, care, and presence. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all planning or chasing trends. Instead, I focus on helping couples create celebrations that reflect their story, their families, and the legacy they’re beginning together.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed or unsure, and watching that stress transform into confidence and excitement is what fuels my work. My brand is rooted in honesty, loyalty, and calm leadership—values inspired by my grandfather, whom the business is named after.
I want readers to know that my approach goes beyond checklists and timelines. I care deeply about the experience couples have while planning, not just the end result. My goal is to create space for joy, clarity, and peace of mind, so couples can be fully present on their wedding day and remember it for how it felt, not just how it looked.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my focus is less on rapid growth and more on depth, sustainability, and alignment.
In the coming seasons, I’ll continue refining A Touch of Gray Events as a boutique, high-touch brand—taking on only a select number of weddings each year so I can remain deeply involved and present for every couple I serve. Alongside that, I’m expanding my consulting services for brides who may not need full planning but still want thoughtful guidance, reassurance, and professional support as they navigate the process. It’s a way for me to meet couples where they are while still offering the calm, intentional approach my brand is known for.
Behind the scenes, I’m also focused on strengthening systems and processes so the business stays organized, sustainable, and supportive of the life I’m building—both personally and professionally.
On a personal level, I’m stepping into a season I’ve long dreamed of. I’m expecting another child—a baby girl—which feels like a beautiful, full-circle moment after growing up loving weddings and stories like The Wedding Planner’s Daughter. It’s a reminder that the work I do and the life I’m building are deeply connected.
As I look to the future, I’m excited about continuing to grow in a way that feels intentional and values-driven. My goal is to keep creating meaningful work while leaving room for family, creativity, and legacy—proving that success can be both fulfilling and deeply personal.
Pricing:
- Wedding Design, Planning, & Coordination $9,299
- Wedding Planning & Coordination $4,999
- Consulting $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atouchofgrayevents.com
- Instagram: @atouchofgrayevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atouchofgrayevents
