Founded in 2010 by Treasa Leigh Brown, Leigh Event Group is a leading full-service special events planning, design, and management agency. Having worked with a number of seasoned professionals, brands and businesses in the event and entertainment industry, Leigh Event Group understands that breakthrough event ideas are only as good as the ability to execute meaningful and memorable moments.
Treasa is a mother, mentor, business leader, and philanthropist with a mission that far exceeds any of these titles. A change-maker at heart, Treasa harnesses her innermost strengths to make a real impact in her community. Every milestone in her life is a step forward to empowering her purpose of bringing women together, amplifying their voices, and opening new doors.
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
Prior to entering the wedding industry, my day job was working as a VP of Finance at a well known and credible institution. My passion for event planning bloomed while working there because I was also in charge of planning all company events such as christmas parties, corporate launch gatherings, and our global conferences. I figured that with my passion for curating memorable events and my strengths in event management and organization, it was only fitting to follow my passion and work to provide what I felt was missing in my community.
Why did you start Leigh Event Group?
One of the main reasons I started Leigh Events was because I was very passionate about providing what I felt was missing within the community when it came to traditional representation in weddings. I wanted the couples in my community to have a planner that was able to understand their wedding vision without them having to excessively illustrate or decipher what they truly wanted. Having a wedding planner that you’re able to traditionally and demographically relate to can undeniably eliminate some of the needless steps in understanding.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
If I could change one thing, it would be the pricing structure for wedding and event planning services. I believe that if all planning companies had the same pricing it would result in clients choosing planners based off of the important factors such as creativity, customer service, and overall quality of service, as opposed to finding the cheapest option and potentially having to compromise your wedding vision.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
As a planner, I like to ensure each and every client feels completely included in the entire planning process. Over the course of four years using Aisle Planner, several clients have openly expressed that the convenience of having access to a database that allows them to review their monthly checklist or just having a centralized place to view everything has tremendously contributed to why their experience was all the more stress-free. Many clients were also very impressed with the fact that we use a methodized planning software instead of Microsoft Word or Excel.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
If I had to choose just one, it would be the timeline feature. In my opinion, the timeline is the most complex component of the day and also an essential tool in the process because it allows us to conduct a thorough last check to see if we as the planners missed anything. The process of creating the timeline may be a bit tedious, but the end result is undeniably invaluable.
If you weren't the founder of Leigh Event Group what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
If I wasn’t the founder of Leigh Events, I know in certainty that I'd be self-employed, presumably an entrepreneur creating a community for women to come together to network and empower each other. I’ve always had a passion for creating experiences that could allow the women in our community to feel uplifted, included, and empowered, which ultimately led me to plan an event I hold yearly called the "We Rise Experience." I believe my passion for a positive impact in the community would result in my life becoming close to what it is now in terms of initiative.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
Three things that I could never show up without on event day are radios, the LE emergency kit, and my squad! The radios are essential to communicate privately and professionally, especially since the majority of the day the team is not together at the same time. The emergency kit is imperative because regardless of perfect planning there could always be an unforeseeable moment that requires the first aid kit, the sewing kit, or even the snacks that the emergency kit always has. Lastly, I can't imagine managing a wedding without my squad!
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
The journey to becoming a great wedding and event planner will be different for each person and very challenging, but a few things that I believe should be consistent in the process are staying true to yourself, staying on top of trends, prioritizing client experiences, and educating yourself. Education is critical in the development process because if you’re not willing to re-invest in yourself then you run the risk of becoming stagnant within the industry.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
According to past clients and guest reviews, my trademark in the industry is the ability to strategically multitask while professionally performing at a high level at all times.
Is there anything you're particularly excited about working on this year?
My entire team and I are super excited to work on this year's We Rise Experience. In October 2019, we held our first of many We Rise Experience in Toronto, Ontario with celebrity hosts, panelists, DJ’s, and more! The We Rise Experience is for women who crave connection, inspiration, and a sisterhood. It’s a sacred space where women can come together to break barriers, speak unapologetically, and step into their authenticity. The We Rise Experience focuses on building the entrepreneurial and creative spirits of women everywhere through meaningful interactions, representation, and supportive membership.
Just for fun
What’s the most used tool in your emergency kit?
Snacks and drinks!
Your favorite shoes to wear on event day?
My team and I wear all black professional attire to every wedding, so normally I’ll pair my outfits with my all black Alexander McQueen sneakers or my all black Valentino sock sneakers.
If you could plan any celebrity’s wedding, whose would it be?
Taraji P. Henson—I love her energy!
If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you would change about your wedding?
Every time I’ve been asked this question my answer has stayed the same. I'd undoubtedly hire a better photographer. I always stress the importance of investing in a good photographer because the memories captured will be the memories you and your family will look at endlessly. And, let's be honest, who wouldn’t want to be flawlessly captured in memories that will indeed last a lifetime?
If a client gave you an infinite budget, what would you do differently?
I'd focus on giving guests a momentous experience for the entire day. Every aspect of the day would be customized to embody exactly who the couple is. To say the least, the wedding would be far from the traditional cookie cutter wedding!
Want to see more from Treasa? Check out her website leigheventgroup.com!
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