Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Legard.
Christian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
To walk you through how I started, I would have to begin in my early 20’s. (Darn, I’m now telling my age LOL) I am a native to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I begin planning events for fun with family and close friends over 11 years ago. My mother would always have family over the house and she would put food and games together. Everyone wanted to be at my mother’s house. We didn’t have a lot growing up as she was a single mom. My mother made everything work. It was the passion, love, dedication and appearance she put into the parties. I took over hosting events for free when it was a friend or family member’s birthday or any celebration, really. Fast forward, I decided after years of paying out of my pocket planning parties I would attend school for event planning. I researched local event planning and discovered wedding and event planning. I enrolled, paid my dues and became certified after less than one year. I educated myself and gained experience by booking friends and family. It became such a success I decided to make this out of a business in 2016.
I want to say maybe 2017 or 18 one of my friends in Atlanta invited me to an enormous bridal show where David Tutera and Sylvia Weinstock would be. I was a big fan of “say yes to the dress!” and many celebrity wedding planners. Long story short. I wore this shirt that said W.W.D.D. (Mimicking What would Jesus Do logo) but I changed it to “What would David Do”. This shirt was so popular that David’s assistant introduced me to David and we took selfies… then wait for it. He posted it on his Facebook and Instagram! (My one day of fame). I begin to see how marketing and promoting yourself helped. After taking pictures with David and Sylvia, I then won a David Tutera wedding dress during the fashion show. This gave me a boost of energy and passion for planning events I never knew I had. I had VIP status to take his classes thanks to my friend, so I learned a ton! I utilized that as a push to keep going and make sure everything I touched was a success.
Years later, after destination weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, I decided to change my business name to my name, Christian Avé Events. I wanted my brand to be what I stood for. Spirit of Excellence, Legendary customer service, and personalized, unforgettable experiences. I wanted to be legendary, how I treat my couples/clients. The thought of being responsible for planning the happiest day of a person’s life from beginning to end. Seeing others happy, watching their eyes glow when they see their vision alive in their dream location even though they didn’t have to lift a single finger. That look is priceless, and that is what impassioned and ignited me to pursue wedding and event planning classes and start my own business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every road has a bump or two in it, I believe. It’s how you handle getting over that bump. I will have to say the struggles along the way that I have had to deal with is making sure I remain authentic. What I mean by that is making sure I don’t mimic anyone else because they are successful at what they are doing. What works for them might not work for me. I had to learn that early on. I wanted to make sure that my personality was shown through my company. Every inch of it!
Another struggle was settling for any price. I would feel sorry for many couples stories about how they can’t afford my price. But then I would see them splurge on many items for their wedding. I would overwork myself and add my money into their wedding to make sure it’s successful (which I’m ok with still doing as long as they are happy to a certain extent). I learned my worth the hard way.
Lastly, I would have to say adapting to many personalities at once. Being that I am a people person there are times when I would have to play the role of a lawyer, therapist, caregiver, nurse (BC powder is a must-have lol), mediator and more. Its a gift to adapt well to a stressful situation and able to diffuses situations, has become very easy over the years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Avé (pronounced Ahh Vay) Wedding & Event Planning LLC, was established in April 2016. I recently changed the name in May 2020 to Christian Avé Events. I specialize in wedding planning, day of coordinating, design and managing small corporate events. I dont limit myself to any party (i.e. Birthday parties, Bridal parties, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties) I am a Certified and licensed event planner, which is a bonus for couples when booking certain venues. I plan a variety of events and host parties of all styles, especially ones that not most event planners are open to. Our doors are open to plan for the LGBTQ+community. We love to have a diverse group of clients no matter the religion, or race. My mission through Avè is to provide legendary service and ensure that your wedding day/event is a reflection and celebration of you!
I combine my flair for giving, certifications, creativity, multitasking, and working excellently under strict deadlines. I believe I have the brilliant ability to help you see your dreams come true, while gracefully guiding you through all the steps of making your celebration a beautiful expression of your unique relationship.
Based on my couples and piers, I am known for going OVER and beyond for my couples/clients. There is nothing I haven’t said “no” to yet. If they need or want it, I will go out my way to make sure it happens. If I cannot, I will always have an alternative.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the life of the party, always bubbly, always ready to create priceless moments. Until this day, I am the same. I was always a giving person. There are many stories my mother can tell you that she has purchased me watches, purses, etc and I have given it away to someone else that I felt may have needed it more than me or just wanted it because it made them happy. (Not thinking she just spent her last on this item) I always wanted to be involved in activities that stood for something positive. I wanted many friends and all of them to like me growing up. I always wanted to make sure everyone was ok. I didn’t have many hobbies as a child except playing on the Nintendo, hanging out with my family, school and church. Everyone mattered to me and how they feel, how they can be successful at what they were trying to accomplish ignited me to find out how I can assist with their success. I always had the attitude of putting my self last and “Never meet a stranger” attitude!
Pricing:
- $50 consultation fee for 2 hours face to face $25.00 for 1 hour virtually.
- Wedding management/Day of Coordinator is $2,000
- Destination weddings start at $3,000 plus airfare and lodging.
- Full wedding planning is based on event. Starting price is 4,000 but I work with every couple on payments.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aveplanning.com
- Phone: 214-210-0AVE (0283)
- Email: Weplanforyou@aveplanning.com
- Instagram: ChristianAve_Events
- Facebook: Christian Avé Events
- Twitter: ChristianAve_
Image Credit:
1. Misha Wynn with Lavishly Lux Studio based out of Dallas, TX (open to traveling)
2. Ken with CPSTUDIOZ based out of Baton Rouge, LA (open to traveling)
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
