AboutUs
A Southern Soirée is a team of hospitality experts with a shared passion for producing timeless celebrations that are an authentic extension of our couples’ styles and personalities.
Because of our high standards of excellence, we have cultivated close relationships with industry partners that bring a like-minded approach and dedication to delivering their very best work.
We take great pride in how the Southern region values gathering, as well as our ability to express love through food and the gift of entertaining. Our passion for events is rooted in that shared appreciation of hospitality, and while we may be A Southern Soirée, our capabilities are not limited to this region. It is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to take our expertise and innovative process to some of the most picturesque and dreamy locations alongside our couples.
Our approach
No matter the destination or scale of your vision, our approach remains the same - committing ourselves to exceed client expectations while planning, designing, and producing finely detailed and customized full-service and multi-day events with elevated, yet unstuffy, guest experiences.
Much to our delight our clients and vendor partners often become our friends, with lasting relationships well after their events end.
PRINCIPAL AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Flake
Elizabeth was born a hostess at-heart and discovered her passion of entertaining and hospitality at a young age.
After graduating from UNC, Elizabeth officially started event and wedding planning for family and friends. She took the leap to full-time planning in 2019 when she joined A Southern Soirée.
Elizabeth’s journey continues
Elizabeth hit the ground running her new role, including (much to her delight) her own December 2021 nuptials being featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. In 2022, she purchased A Southern Soirée from the long-time owner and has worked diligently to continue the growth and success of the business. Her innovative planning, visionary designs, and commitment to excellence are what have made Elizabeth an award-winning and esteemed planner.
On her weekends off, you’ll find Elizabeth in the garden with her husband, decorating their home for the next holiday, porch-sitting, or lounging on the sofa with her dog Bella and binge-watching a show. You’ll never see her without at least one beverage - sparkling water (hydrate), coffee (caffeinate), or a cocktail (celebrate) - depending on the time of day.
LEAD PLANNER
Gina Johnston
A Raleigh/Cary native, Gina grew up with hospitality in her blood. After graduating from East Carolina University, Gina took off to Dallas, Texas to intern with the Four Seasons Resort and Club at Los Colinas. It is here where she learned the importance of exceptional and all-inclusive customer service, as well as what defines a luxury experience for clients.
With over 10 years with A Southern Soirée, Gina has produced hundreds of weddings, exceeding her clients’ expectations every time. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry along with her noteworthy leadership make her the glue of our team. Outside of work, if she’s not on a beach, Gina enjoys Friday dates to Crumbl Cookies with her son Conner, and Saturday morning family breakfast dates with her husband. She has more Chick-fil-a points than anyone else we know, and in true Gina fashion, is always willing to share the rewards with her friends and team.
LEAD PLANNER
Alyssa Schultz
Alyssa dove headfirst into hospitality immediately upon graduating from High Point University and joined A Southern Soirée in 2016. Alyssa contributes to the happiness of all those around her on the wedding day, giving each couple’s family and friends - as well as their entire vendor team - a smiling face and contagious warmth.
Alyssa approaches every event with one all-encompassing goal - to give her clients and their loved ones the smoothest day possible and to infuse as much joy as she can into their day. She enjoys taking on the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the day, while watching all the details come together that uniquely reflect each couple.
Alyssa’s other pride and joys are her three sons. When they are not watching Dad on the baseball field, they enjoy traveling and spending time outside with their friends. She has a knack for interior design and our team always turns to Alyssa for her opinion for our spaces.
LEAD PLANNER
Lacey Hardee
Lacey has 15+ years of experience across multiple facets of the industry. She joined A Southern Soirée in 2018 and focuses on the coordination components of every wedding day. Her optimistic personality and pleasant sense of humor help ease stress to keep both her couples and their vendors teams focused on what truly matters.
All of the qualities that make Lacey an excellent coordinator contribute to her success as exceptional support to fellow planners during high-touch events. Lacey is the logistical force that keeps us organized and on task like a well oiled machine.
Her favorite members of any wedding party are our couples’ dog(s). When she is not leading her own weddings or lending top tier assistance to the fellow planners on her team, Lacey loves spending time with her doting nieces and nephews. You’re likely to find her either at the most pet-friendly establishment or on the beach.
Production Assistant
Jillian Jackson
Jillian is a native to Durham, NC and is currently enrolled at Meredith College and working towards a dual degree in Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management. After interning with our team in Fall 2022, we quickly caught on to her work ethic and team-oriented attitude, recognizing her potential in this industry.
As a people person, the collaboration with other vendors to plan and execute events is what excites Jillian most about the industry. Weddings are her favorite events to work on, as she finds it fulfilling to be involved in a couple's special day and enjoys witnessing how they customize the experience for their friends and family.
While Jillian is still undecided on the specific facet of the industry she will pursue after graduation, she feels confident that her passion for organizing events will carry into her choice of career. In her free time, you’ll find Jillian spending time outside with her dog, Jack, and discovering new places alongside her friends.
