From Newspaper Deadlines to Wedding Day Timelines
Twenty years ago, I traded my press pass for a bridal emergency kit.
At the time, I had just left my job as a newspaper reporter to stay home with my then 6-month-old son—who, somehow, is now a junior in college. (Don’t ask me how that happened. Time has a way of sneaking past us in the most beautiful way.)
What started as a fun summer weekend job—helping a friend with weddings and events—turned into something bigger than I ever could’ve dreamed. That “just for fun” gig became the foundation for what is now Elegant Affairs, and 20 years later, I’m still in awe of the journey.
A Business Built on Love, Chaos, and Champagne-Fueled Checklists
This business grew one love story at a time. Every couple, every vendor, every perfectly imperfect wedding day added to the heart of what we do. From rustic barns to luxe ballrooms, we’ve planned weddings in just about every kind of venue, each one unique and beautiful in its own way.
Here’s a quick look at what we’ve built together:
• 376 weddings and events
• Hundreds of incredible vendor partnerships
• Thousands of timelines, to-do lists, happy tears, and perfectly fluffed veils
• And a lifetime’s worth of stories, memories, and joyful moments
We’ve learned to pivot, to adapt, to laugh when the flower girl decides to nap mid-aisle, and to breathe deeply when the weather doesn’t follow the plan. And through it all, we’ve loved every minute.
Thank You to the People Behind the Magic
This milestone isn’t just about Elegant Affairs. It’s about the people who helped build it.
To my family: You’ve been there from day one. You’ve cheered me on through 2 a.m. breakdowns, endless event weekends, and deadlines that rivaled my old newsroom days. Oh, and I could never forget a Global Pandemic. You’ve helped load cars, organize rentals, and you’ve given me the space to dream big. I couldn’t have done this without you.
To every team member who’s worked for Elegant Affairs over the years: You’ve shown up with energy, grace, and the kind of hustle that makes weddings run smoothly. You’ve been the calm in the chaos, the voice of reason when things got hectic, and the heart behind the scenes. Thank you for showing up with everything you had.
To our amazing vendor partners: You are the reason wedding days come to life. Your talent, reliability, and dedication make what we do possible. You’ve been with us in the rain, the heat, the wind, and the occasional power outage. We’ve seen it all together, and I’m so grateful for every floral designer, photographer, caterer, DJ, rental rep, and creative pro we’ve worked alongside.
To our 376 clients: Thank you for trusting us with your most important days. Thank you for letting us into your families and your lives. Thank you for the kind words, the glowing reviews, the hugs, and the referrals. We’ve planned weddings, anniversaries, showers, and events for some of you, and each one has meant something to us. Your joy is the reason we do what we do.
The Social Attendant: Our Sister Story
In addition to Elegant Affairs, I had another dream growing. Over the years, I found myself drawn to helping other wedding professionals. I was mentoring new planners, helping vendors create workflows, and sharing social media and client tips without even thinking about it.
Eventually, that quiet little idea evolved into The Social Attendant, our sister brand designed to support wedding creatives.
Through TSA, I get to work with planners, florists, photographers, and boutique owners. We talk about strategy, content creation, automation, and how to grow a business without losing your mind. The goal is simple. Help wedding pros build businesses that feel good and actually work for them.
So yes, the girl who once left journalism to plan a few weddings on the side now runs two companies. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What I’ve Learned After 20 Years in the Wedding Industry
Let’s just say the lessons have been endless. But here are a few that stand out:
1. No wedding ever goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay.
Rainstorms, wardrobe malfunctions, and missing flower girls are part of the job. What matters is how we respond.
2. The best weddings are personal.
Your wedding should feel like you, not a Pinterest replica. Skip what doesn’t feel right and lean into what does.
3. The guest list affects everything.
From your budget to your layout, the size of your wedding plays a big role. Be intentional about who gets a seat.
4. Your vendor team matters more than you think.
Working with professionals who care makes all the difference. They bring calm, expertise, and a level of service that elevates your experience.
5. It's the quiet moments you remember most.
A first look. A parent’s reaction. A last dance. Those are the memories that stay with you.
What’s Next for Elegant Affairs?
We’re still planning full-service weddings in the Pacific Northwest. We’re still creating timelines, calming nerves, and bringing dream days to life. And now, we’re also offering wedding day content creation, for couples who want a full gallery of behind-the-scenes magic captured on their iPhones within 24 hours.
We’re continuing to grow The Social Attendant. We’re coaching new wedding pros, creating content bundles, and helping others find their voice in a busy industry.
Most of all, we’re focused on keeping things personal, beautiful, and rooted in what matters most. Love, connection, and celebration.
To Everyone Who’s Been Part of Our Story
Thank you. Thank you for believing in this business. Thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for showing up for us, for cheering us on, and for trusting us with your most treasured memories.
We’ve been lucky enough to celebrate with hundreds of clients. And now, we get to celebrate this milestone with you.
Here’s to the past 20 years. And here’s to whatever’s next.
With a full heart,
Lori
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.