BY AMANDA STEWART
Weddings and parties for two thousand people mean work is big fun for events planner Lavinia Stewart-Brown
THE wedding and events planner Lavinia Stewart-Brown started her creative life in the media, notably working on the picture desk of GQ, the men’s fashion magazine.
She has worked in events for 14 years and started her own agency in 2018. Lavinia Stewart-Brown Events is based in Henley, where she lives with her husband and family, but its reach extends across the world.
Lavinia, 38, says: “We are a boutique wedding and events agency and it is a completely bespoke service, ranging from a dinner party for five, to a children’s party for 20, a wedding for 150, and a charity ball for 2,000. I adore what I do and love meeting people and helping them plan an unforgettable event, big or small, that they will always remember and will leave them smiling.
“Although I run events and weddings across Europe and the UK, I am so fortunate that I have built a lovely local client base as well.
“I love how much Henley has to offer — the peaceful river, beautiful scenery and having the pleasure of working with some amazing local suppliers (Lucca Studios, who design stunning stationery, and the photographer Gabrielle McMillan, who hails from Henley) and I feel so lucky to be able to plan events here and beyond.
“The majority of my weddings and events are held at family homes in marquees, which offer a stunning blank canvas to work with which means no two weddings are the same.
‘I love my job as it provides me with another opportunity to be creative and think outside the box, no matter what the budget’
Lavinia Stewart-Brown is used to planning parties for large numbers of guests, along with phenomenal artists to perform at her clients’ private events
“My weddings do seem to have a slight running theme, which is very floral based, and we create a space which brings the outside in. Regardless though, every event is still different, which is why I love my job as it provides me with another opportunity to be creative and think outside the box, no matter what the budget.
“As a business, customer service has always been paramount to me, and I always ensure my clients feel comfortable and at ease when working together. We build a strong relationship and I feel so fortunate that my clients continue to recommend me to their friends and family. I have grown my business organically, from planning three sisters’ weddings over five years, to a 50th, 60th,18th and 21st for the same family. These long-term relationships are what have allowed my business to grow in the way I had dreamt of when starting out.
“I have also booked some phenomenal artists to perform at clients’ private events over the years, including the singer Olly Murs and the comedian Michael McIntyre, and more recently, some of the cast of Strictly Come Dancing for a charity gala.
Some examples of the exceptional venues, and experiences created by ‘Lavinia Stewart-Brown Events’
“I have always had a love for the creative world. When I moved to Henley in 2020, I was eager to immerse myself in the local creative scene where possible.
“Being given the opportunity to work for Henley Festival has been an incredible experience alongside my own business — the festival team is wonderful, and it’s been great to witness talented artists and dynamic entertainers perform.
“It’s inspiring to see the festival grow from the initial planning stages to the moment it all comes to life over those five days, and the team are so passionate about making it a memorable occasion for the thousands that visit each night.
“Having my own business has allowed me to get involved in events such as Henley Festival. I have loved being involved and watching the impressive line-ups of not only musicians but also art, comedy, and family activities, while also building connections with locals and businesses.”