meet Kristie mann!
Owner of Scarlett Rae Events
Kristie Mann, founder and owner of Scarlett Rae Events, brings more than 35 years of experience in the wedding industry to every celebration she designs. Originally from Lilburn, Georgia, Kristie moved to North Carolina in 1993, where she continued building a career rooted in creativity, hospitality, and meaningful connections with couples and families.
In August 2021, Kristie launched Scarlett Rae Events with a heartfelt vision to create a legacy in the wedding industry and hopefully inspire her daughter, Lauren, to one day follow in her footsteps as a wedding planner.
Family has always been the center of Kristie’s life and inspiration. Her children and grandson are the light of her life, and the values of love, loyalty, and celebration of family are reflected in every event she plans.
many people ask about the meaning behind the name Scarlett Rae Events. The name carries deep personal significance. “Scarlett” was inspired by one of Kristie’s favorite film characters, Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. To Kristie, Scarlett represented courage and strength during difficult times qualities that resonate deeply with her own journey.
“Rae” honors Kristie’s father, Ray Ladkani, who passed away in 2019 and was truly her heart and soul. The name also celebrates her sister, Renee, whose middle name is Rae after their father. Renee has been a lifelong source of strength and love, serving as the foundation of their family.
Through Scarlett Rae Events, Kristie combines decades of industry expertise with heartfelt intention creating weddings that are not only beautifully executed, but deeply meaningful to the couples and families she serves.
Meet Lauren Mann!
Lauren Mann is the lead planner of Scarlett Rae Events and the heart behind so many of the beautiful celebrations we bring to life. As Kristie’s daughter and planning partner, she has grown up surrounded by a love for hosting, creativity, and meaningful gatherings, making wedding planning feel less like a job and more like something she was always meant to do.
Lauren graduated from Brevard College last May with a degree in Business, where she was also a member of the softball team. Her time as a collegiate athlete shaped her strong work ethic, team mindset, and ability to stay calm under pressure, all qualities that serve her couples well throughout the planning process.
Her favorite part of wedding planning is building genuine relationships with each couple. Lauren believes the best celebrations come from truly understanding her clients’ stories, priorities, and personalities. She values connection just as much as timelines and design details, ensuring every wedding feels intentional and deeply personal.
In addition to leading Scarlett Rae Events, Lauren is also a content creator and the founder of her own brand, By Lauren Renee. Her creative eye and experience capturing meaningful moments allow her to approach each event with a unique perspective that blends thoughtful planning with beautifully curated experiences.
