BEHIND LION HOUSEThe story, the spirit, and
the perspective that shape
every celebration we touch.
Lauren Watson
OWNER & CREATIVE DIRECTORAfter nearly a decade of planning wedding weekends, here’s what I know for certain: the planner–client relationship sets the tone for everything. When the vibe is right and the trust is real, the entire experience becomes more meaningful - for you, your families, and for us.
Born and raised in North Carolina, with stints in Rhode Island and San Diego, Lauren brings a natural warmth and a lifelong go-getter energy to everything she touches. With an unexpected background in ocean engineering - including early work in underwater robotics for the U.S. Navy - she approaches weddings with both an intuitive creative lens and a mind wired for clarity, structure, and problem-solving.
Her work is rooted in the belief that a wedding should feel beautifully lived-in: personal, welcoming, deeply considered, and reflective of the families at its center.
Lauren’s impact extends far beyond her client’s events. As the Founding President of WIPA North Carolina, she spent two terms building a chapter that celebrates and amplifies the extraordinary talent in her state. Lion House has since been named Best Planner & Designer by Loverly, with work featured widely across the industry.
Behind that calm, confident leadership is a woman with a life full of rhythm and spontaneity alike. Lauren is a recent tennis enthusiast and a believer that a well-set table can change the tone of a room. She has built a home where friends are always welcome, music plays often, and Pizza Fridays are a standing tradition - small but meaningful rituals that shape how she thinks about hosting and hospitality.
Travel and fashion inspire her, music fuels her, and at home, her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband - an effortlessly talented cook - keeps their kitchen buzzing with creativity. Mornings start with her favorite, Sightglass coffee, and weekends often include Sunday local donut runs. Life with her two children, Hayes and Evelyn, brings both chaos and magic to each day - constant reminders of what it means to create spaces that feel loving, joyful, and beautifully lived-in.
She loves curated spaces, but she also loves systems, spreadsheets, and the kind of thoughtful order that gives creativity room to rise.
Every bit of her story informs the way she leads - bringing ease, energy, and heart to every celebration.
THE CREW BEHIND THE EXPERIENCEMeet the Lion House Team
From design to logistics to the weekend itself, our team supports your celebration with calm confidence, genuine care, and that signature Lion House ease.
Taylor Rybczyk
LEAD PLANNER & PRODUCTION ASSISTANTTaylor is our go-to-gal and joined Lion House with an unparalleled enthusiasm and many years of experience from various hospitality and event planning roles in San Diego. A graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Taylor studied Hospitality and Event Management and brings incredible attention to detail to the planning and execution of our events.
We love her strong work ethic and passion for event planning, and Lion House clients agree, she’s always on top of it, prompt, and has a memory like no other.
When Taylor isn’t laser-focused over your wedding details, she can be found breaking a sweat in a boutique fitness studio or exploring local restaurants and bars with her fiancé.
Lisa Hayakawa
OPERATIONS ADMINLisa joined the Lion House team as Operations Manager in 2019 and is a behind-the-scenes superwoman or sorts. Lisa’s work experience spans working in large corporations as well as a small start up and even a church preschool.
Over her career she has worn many hats and enjoys being involved in the day-to-day operations.
She is a producer, acting as a daily asset to the team, and is in frequent communications with our vendors and clients. Lisa enjoys wordsmithing the perfect email, helps to deliver a seamless planning process, and strives to ensure our clients have an enjoyable experience.
Lauren and the Lion House team
are truly special.
Working with Lauren was the best decision we made for our wedding. What impressed me most was how gracefully she handled a literal monsoon that rolled in during our ceremony. Instead of panicking, she and her team worked with such calm professionalism that I never once felt anxious. I was able to be fully present and enjoy the day, which is the greatest gift she could have given me. So many of our guests commented on how wonderful Lauren was, and I couldn’t agree more. She is talented, organized, and truly goes above and beyond. If you’re looking for a planner who will bring your vision to life and give you the gift of an stress-free, joyful wedding day, Lauren is the one!!
Sara Wilder & Andrew
