AboutUs
A Southern Soirée is a team of hospitality experts driven by a shared passion for creating refined celebrations that authentically extend our couples’ styles and personalities.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we’ve built close relationships with esteemed industry partners who share our dedication to delivering unparalleled quality and artistry.
We take pride in the Southern tradition of gathering and in the art of expressing love through exceptional cuisine and hospitality. Our passion for events is deeply rooted in this appreciation, yet while we are A Southern Soirée, our expertise extends far beyond this region. It’s our pleasure to bring our innovative approach and dedication to excellence to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, crafting unforgettable experiences for our clients.
Our approach
Wherever your vision takes us, we bring the same commitment: to exceed expectations in planning, designing, and executing meticulously crafted, full-service events and multi-day celebrations, all with an elevated yet inviting guest experience.
With an eye for refined detail and a passion for curating elevated yet warmly welcoming guest experiences, we create spaces where every element feels intentional and effortlessly sophisticated.
Owner AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Flake
As the owner and creative force behind A Southern Soirée, Elizabeth Flake is known for her discerning eye and unparalleled approach to event design.
With meticulous attention to detail and a flair for sophisticated, original concepts, Elizabeth crafts experiences that transcend the ordinary, creating timeless, unforgettable moments for her clients and their guests.
Elizabeth’s distinctive vision and dedication to excellence have established A Southern Soirée as a leading name in ultra luxury event planning, drawing clients who seek an exquisitely personal and flawlessly executed celebration. Her events have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Inside Weddings, and more.
Elizabeth resides in Durham, NC, with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys decorating their residence for the next holiday, searching for a perfect vintage find, and cheering on the Tar Heels.
LEAD PLANNER
Gina Johnston
With over 10 years with A Southern Soirée, Gina has produced hundreds of weddings, exceeding her client’s expectations every time. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry, along with her noteworthy leadership, have made her a glue of our team.
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.
Outside of work, if she’s not on a beach, Gina enjoys family breakfast dates with her husband and kids, as well as going to Hurricanes games.
LEAD PLANNER
Alyssa Schultz
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 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 is the proud mom of four boys, and when they are not at one of their son’s sporting events, she enjoys traveling with her husband.
LEAD PLANNER
Lacey Hardee
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Production Assistant
Jillian Jackson
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.
