Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Lee.
Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I can’t tell my story apart from my dad, the person who inspired LoveLee Experiences.
My passion for wedding planning started in 2018, when I planned my own wedding. Growing up, I’ve always been into arts and wanted to pursue a career in graphic or fashion design, but I realized I was equally passionate about working with children as I studied to pursue pediatrics – though I switched to another profession the latter years of college. I spent most of my time in and post-college pursuing opportunities as an ABA therapist, foster care counselor, then teaching elementary school until we had our first kid in 2020.
In 2018 after finishing wedding planning, I felt confident that it could be a hobby as I continued teaching. I wanted to plan a vow renewal for my parents, whom celebrated 30 years that February. They grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution, and their opportunity to go to college was immediately stripped away even though they were stellar students in their class. Because of that, they didn’t have a lot of money for a grand wedding. Therefore, I wanted to use my craft to create something special to celebrate their love, a love that persisted through their journey to America… starting a new life, all for us.
Unfortunately, my vision for this celebration would’ve cost more than I could afford at the time coming out of college. I promised myself that I would plan this special vow renewal for them down the road.
In October 2019, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Shortly after, my husband and I found out I was pregnant with our first kid. We were able to share that news with my parents. My dad was also there for the gender reveal but didn’t make it to see the birth of his first grandchild three weeks after he passed.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the opportunity to plan a vow renewal for my parents anymore, but I’ve committed my heart to help others celebrate their marriage, a love that’s deeply rooted in sacrifices, trust, respect… a love that’s there to embrace you during your proudest moments… a love that does not waver and will hold your hand through the darkest storms.
My brand was initially built around intimate vow renewals, and I added on mini and destination weddings afterwards as I thought of all the couples that were impacted by COVID. Now, I serve couples and events of all sizes. I hope you find inspiration not only in what I’ve written but all the stories shared here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
With starting any business, an immense amount of patience is needed. I’m thankful for the connections I’ve made these past few years and look forward to continue building these friendships.
I’m very much a design-oriented person, so learning how to run a business is actually something I’m working on. Thankfully, my husband is very much a business-oriented person and will readily provide advice. Opposites do attract after all!
Right now, I’m working on growing my business, so being able to share about it on a platform like Voyage Houston is such a blessing!
As you know, we’re big fans of LoveLee Experiences. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m an event planner specializing in vow renewal, wedding, and destination. My experience in the industry was built from helping friends, designing my own styled shoots, and working for a wedding planning company over the years.
I love creating freely when I have the chance to. Usually, that’s through styled shoots, where I handpick every single detail from ceremony design to dress, table linen, all the way to accessories that my models wear.
As a planner, I usually wear many hats. Recently, I was a florist assistant and also stepped in as a guest for a styled shoot after setting everything up.
With designing, I like to create something unique to my couples, so getting to know them as individuals and as a couple help me learn what’s most important to them, their values, and inside jokes.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when I skillfully made two rings with construction paper on Valentine’s Day for my parents. Early morning, I carried them into their room on a tray as if providing room service and told them to enjoy. It’s a memory that my dad would bring up from time to time.
Contact Info:
- Email: loveleeexperiences@gmail.com
- Website: www.loveleeexperiences.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveleeexperiences
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveleeexperiences
- Other: www.pinterest.com/loveleeexperiences
Image Credits
Eric and Jenn Photography
Marni Wishart Photography
Studio Rendition
Kate Elizabeth Photography
Alicia Yarrish Photography
