Meet Lindsay Parkin | Owner & Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Parkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my career on the venue side of events, working at a Marriott Resort, where I was deeply involved in planning weddings and special occasions. Fun Fact: I’m a Certified Marriott Wedding Planner!

It didn’t take long for me to realize that what I loved most wasn’t selling the hotel—it was connecting with the couples. I found myself more invested in their stories, their vision, and their experience than in the sales goals I was expected to hit.

That realization sparked something in me. I wanted to be in a role where I could truly focus on the people—not just the product. Starting LEP Weddings & Events was my way of doing that. I wanted to create a company that combined professional, detail-driven planning with genuine care and connection. My goal has always been to make the planning process feel personal, seamless, and full of heart—because I believe the journey to the wedding day should be just as meaningful and FUN as the day itself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career in weddings and events started on the venue side, working at a Marriott Resort. It was an incredible foundation that taught me the ins and outs of hospitality, logistics, and the energy it takes to run large-scale events. But pretty quickly, I realized something important: I cared more about the people I was planning with than selling the hotel. I loved connecting with couples, hearing their stories, and helping them feel supported and excited about their day.

That passion is what led me to launch LEP Weddings & Events. I wanted to create a company where couples didn’t just feel like clients—they felt like friends and family. Our planning style is all about having FUN while planning. Yes, we’re organized and detail-obsessed, but we also believe that this season of life should be filled with joy, not stress. We aim to be a calm, supportive, and positive presence throughout the entire process.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t always been easy. There have been long nights, unexpected challenges, and the growing pains that come with building a brand from the ground up. But what kept me going was the belief that I was creating something meaningful. I leaned into community, built a team I trust—especially our incredible Business & Social Media Manager, Janie Fraser—and never lost sight of why I started.

What sets LEP apart is our heart. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re showing up with energy, empathy, and excitement for every single event. We treat each couple like they’re the only one we’re working with, and we take pride in making them feel supported every step of the way.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Stay true to your values, and the right clients, team members, and opportunities will come. I’m proud of the brand we’ve built, and even more excited about what’s ahead.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that LEP Weddings & Events is a labor of love. We’re here to make planning feel effortless, meaningful, and—most importantly—fun.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit the Treasure Coast, I’d want them to leave feeling like they truly lived here for a week—experiencing all the charm, flavor, and fun this area has to offer. Here’s my dream week-long itinerary:

Day 1 – Welcome to the Coast
We’d kick things off with brunch at Berry Fresh Café—you can’t go wrong with their pancakes or seasonal specials. Then we’d explore downtown Stuart, do a little boutique hopping, and finish the day with dinner at The Chef’s Table. Not only is it a fantastic restaurant with incredible service, but it’s also one of my favorite event caterers for weddings and private events—so I love supporting them on both sides of the business!

Day 2 – Beach + Drinks with a View
We’d spend the day soaking up the sun at Jensen Beach, maybe pack some snacks and just relax oceanside. For dinner, Kyle G’s is the go-to—amazing food, stunning ocean views, and that coastal-luxury vibe that always feels special.

Day 3 – Fort Pierce Day Trip
We’d take a little adventure north to Fort Pierce, and take a boat trip to The Cove. It’s such a hidden gem—beautiful views, chill vibes & the clearest water.

Day 4 –Stuart Tiki Taxi
We’d spend the morning enjoying some sunshine—maybe lounging by the pool or taking a short nature walk. Then in the afternoon, we’d head downtown for one of my favorite local experiences: the Stuart Tiki Taxi! It’s a floating bar on a pontoon boat that cruises the St. Lucie River, taking you from Downtown Stuart to The TideHouse. There’s a full bar on board, great music, and it’s such a fun way to enjoy the water and the views without needing to drive a boat yourself.

Once we arrive at The TideHouse, we’d grab a table on the deck, order a round of fresh seafood and cocktails, and watch the sunset over the marina. It’s casual, breezy, and one of the most fun ways to see the Treasure Coast from a different perspective.

Day 5 – Home Base Vibes
This day would be all about comfort food and familiar favorites. We’d keep it low-key, hang out locally, and end the night at St. Lucie Draft House. It’s like home to me—nothing fancy, just great food, cold drinks, and the kind of place where everyone feels welcome. I’ve also worked here since I was 16 years old!

Day 6 – Culture + Coastal Charm
We’d take a scenic drive up to Vero Beach, shop along Ocean Drive, and maybe visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art. For lunch or dinner, The Tides is a must—beautifully plated food and an elegant but comfortable atmosphere. We’d stop at Waldo’s for a quick cocktail on the beach and stay at The Kimpton, Vero Beach.

Day 7 – Wind Down, Local Style
We would spend the day at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa and enjoy a spa day at one of my favorite locations to wind down the week!

There’s just something special about the Treasure Coast. It’s laid-back but full of character, with beautiful spots, great food, and a strong sense of community. I’d want my best friend to experience all of it—the places I love, the food I crave, and the people who make it feel like home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have shaped my journey, but I’d first like to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Their constant encouragement, listening ears, and belief in me gave me the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders from day one—even when the days were long and the challenges felt heavy.

I also want to recognize the incredible mentors I had early in my career, especially during my time at the Marriott Resort. They helped me build a strong foundation, taught me the value of professionalism and hospitality, and gave me space to grow. One particular leader always reminded me to “plan with purpose and lead with heart,” which still guides the way I work today.

A very special shoutout goes to Janie Fraser, our Business & Social Media Manager. Janie brings such passion, creativity, and drive to everything she touches. Her dedication to the LEP brand and the client experience has helped us grow in meaningful ways, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side as we continue building this together.

Lastly, I want to recognize the amazing vendor community I’ve been lucky to work alongside. Their creativity, teamwork, and dedication inspire me constantly—and having those strong relationships has made such a difference in the quality of events we deliver at LEP.

Success is never a solo act, and I’m deeply grateful to every person who’s poured into this journey.

Website: www.lepweddings.com

Instagram: @lepweddings_events

Linkedin: Lindsay Parkin

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lepweddings

Image Credits
@capturedbeautyphoto @lustre_chic_beautique Dawn Burns- Captured Beauty Photography Marisa DiSisto- Lustre Chic Beautique