Meet Megan Layne | Wedding Planner, Photographer, & Videographer

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

Hi Megan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
By far the most important factor in my success thus far was the day I decided to start saying “No” to any business opportunity that didn’t align with my principles, even if meant not making that extra $ when I needed it. I realized that by politely moving on from opportunities that did not come from my ideal client I had so much more room in my schedule and mind for those that were.

The more I was brave enough to be candid, raw, and truthful in my online and marketing presence about who I was and how it is to be a human running a small business, the more I drew in like-minded people. It’s not always about how you can make the most money or how you can grow leaps and bounds in your business in a short amount of time…but making sure that you’re still operating for the reasons you started. In my case, that was to tell the stories of people who were truly authentic, kind-hearted, and free-spirited, And now, my calendar is full working with those wonderful kinds of people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I really started from the ground up. I was teaching preschool back in 2015 and got my start photographing the families I taught. Eventually, I booked my first wedding and in the last almost decade since then, I have grown so much. When I decided to take my business full time, I struggled making ends meet as a single mom and just trying to figure out who I was as a person, let alone my brand identity.

But, I persisted – not only for my daughter who deserves the world but because I truly, from the bottom of my heart, love telling love stories. I want people to look at what I’ve created for them and be transported to that moment – to know how it FELT to be staring into their lovers eyes or sharing a tender moment with a parent on their wedding day. These stories inspire me every day, they give me hope, and they make me feel like everything is going to be okay.

300+ weddings later, I have added videography and planning services so I can really guide a couple from their engagement to their wedding day with complete ease of mind. Now, with a husband who never stops believing in me and our wonderful kids to strive for…it blows my mind just how far I’ve come since 2015 when I started on this journey of entrepreneurship. My style has evolved to reflect who I am. I am confident in my craft, skilled in more ways than I could ever have imagined when I started, and so excited for the future.

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.
I’m based in Columbus. So, there’s really no end to the exciting things to do here. From the arts scene in the Short North, to how rowdy campus can get on OSU game days. Personally, I would make it point to grab coffee and visit Flower Child or The Little Light Collective for some vintage shopping.

But, I am also very outdoorsy – so if I could take a friend to show them my favorite spots in Ohio, we are heading down to Hocking Hills to hike and explore, camp or kayak and end up at home getting some really good Italian or Japanese food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Truly, my family – for putting up with the endless odd hours at my desk or giving up weekend plans because “Mom has a wedding.”

And, of course, my incredible clients who become more like friends and family at the end of the process of getting to know each other and celebrate their love stories.

Website: meganlayne.com

Instagram: meganlayneeventco

Facebook: Facebook.com/MeganLayneEventCo

Image Credits
Emily Barbarita Photography