Today we’d like to introduce you to Lavonne LaPreze.
Hi Lavonne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is one of resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose through life’s unexpected turns. I proudly served in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army until I was medically discharged after being injured during my military service.
Leaving the military was one of the biggest challenges of my life. Like many veterans, I experienced my share of ups and downs and had to figure out what my next chapter would look like. There were plenty of bumps in the road, but each one taught me something about myself and strengthened my determination to keep moving forward.
Eventually, I found my niche when I started Vonnie & Kate Creations. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a successful business built around creating personalized products that help people celebrate life’s special moments. As the business grew, so did my vision. My daughter and I expanded into The Event Collective by Vonnie & Kate, where we have the privilege of helping couples and families create unforgettable memories through wedding and event coordination.
Today, I’m also involved in Foundation Leveling TX, where I manage much of the business operations, marketing, and customer communication. While it’s very different from the event industry, the heart of the work is the same—building trust, solving problems, and taking care of people.
I also serve on the board of RISE, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives after incarceration. Supporting others as they work toward a fresh start is something I’m deeply passionate about because I understand that sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean your story is over.
Looking back, every challenge has led me to where I am today. My military service taught me discipline and leadership. My setbacks taught me resilience. My businesses have given me purpose, and my community work reminds me every day that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about the lives you impact along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change the journey because every challenge has helped shape who I am today.
Being medically discharged from the military after being injured was one of the hardest transitions of my life. The military had been a huge part of my identity, and suddenly I had to figure out what came next. Like many veterans, I struggled to find my new purpose and direction.
Over the years, I experienced financial setbacks, career changes, and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path. Starting a business wasn’t easy either. There were times when growth was slow, mistakes were made, and I had to learn through trial and error. Building a business means wearing every hat—marketing, customer service, bookkeeping, problem-solving, and everything in between.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that setbacks are not failures—they’re opportunities to grow. Every obstacle taught me something valuable, whether it was becoming more resilient, learning a new skill, or finding a better way to serve my customers.
Today, I can honestly say those struggles made me stronger. They taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of never giving up. I wouldn’t be the business owner, leader, or person I am today without those experiences.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Event Collective by Vonnie & Kate?
The Event Collective by Vonnie & Kate was born from a passion for serving people and creating unforgettable experiences. What started as Vonnie & Kate Creations, where we specialized in custom gifts, décor, and personalized products, naturally evolved into a full-service event coordination business. We realized that we didn’t just love creating beautiful things—we loved being part of people’s biggest moments.
Today, The Event Collective by Vonnie & Kate is a mother-and-daughter team dedicated to making weddings and special events as stress-free and memorable as possible. We offer wedding coordination, event planning, décor setup, and personalized support throughout the planning process. We believe every event should reflect the people it’s celebrating, so we take the time to truly get to know our clients and their vision.
What sets us apart is the personal relationship we build with every client. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. From the first conversation to the final send-off, we treat every event as if it were our own. Our clients aren’t just another booking on the calendar—they become part of our extended family. We pride ourselves on communication, organization, attention to detail, and creating an atmosphere where our couples and families can relax and enjoy their day knowing we’ve got everything under control.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built for genuinely caring. We don’t just coordinate timelines and vendors—we solve problems before our clients even know they exist. We celebrate alongside them, support them through stressful moments, and work behind the scenes so they can focus on making memories.
At the heart of our brand is one simple belief: every celebration deserves to be as unique as the people at the center of it. Whether we’re creating custom pieces, coordinating a wedding, or planning a special event, our goal is always the same—to serve with integrity, creativity, and heart while creating an experience our clients will remember for a lifetime.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways people can connect with and support The Event Collective by Vonnie & Kate. Of course, if you’re planning a wedding or special event, we’d love the opportunity to help bring your vision to life. Whether you need full planning, day-of coordination, or help with décor and logistics, we’re here to make your celebration as stress-free and memorable as possible.
We also love collaborating with other small businesses, venues, photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, and vendors who share our commitment to exceptional service. Building strong relationships within our community allows us to create the best possible experience for our clients, and we’re always excited to partner with people who are passionate about what they do.
For those who simply want to support us, one of the greatest gifts you can give is a referral, a review, or sharing our work with someone who may be planning an event. Small businesses grow through relationships and word of mouth, and every recommendation truly means the world to us.
At the end of the day, our mission is about more than planning events. It’s about creating meaningful experiences, building lasting relationships, and serving our clients with integrity, professionalism, and heart. If that resonates with you, we’d love to connect and be part of your next celebration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theeventcollectivevk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeventcollectivevk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570947105962
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VonnieandKate
