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

Hi EmmilieLynn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since I can remember I have loved and was destined to be an entrepreneur in some form. I was never cut out for corporate America yet have had many jobs that have shaped my life to where I am now and for that; I am beyond grateful.

I have worked in multiple outlets around either fashion, weddings, or business while being an entrepreneur in some form all along the way. Working for someone while working for myself I found was a great way to learn and grow through the process and climb the ladder to success. Which by the way… we need to always be climbing… do not stop!

I believe there are two strengths I am most confident in, and brings me great joy…
1-making things pretty and
2-bonding with people!
So, the wedding and event industry has become the perfect outlet for me and I LOVE what I do!

Now, I own an event company that offers a boutique venue specializing in almost every aspect of weddings, a white glove mobile garment prep and couture alterations service, host of multiple online IGTV shows, on staff at the prestigious Mrs. Globe Organization, spokeswoman for the Women In Need Foundation International, Wine-preneur with One Hope Wines, and I love to sing and write songs.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It all started when I was 16, my first job ever was a bridal stylist in Woodbury, Minnesota. Little did I know, fast forward a few decades later, and I now operate an event company that specializes in multiple aspects of the wedding industry. From a boutique venue to bridal gowns, from wedding design to planning and coordination. I have learned multiple skills throughout my life that has brought me to this exact moment.

After dedicating 4 years to a rewarding fashion design business, I experienced major burn out and decided to take a year off. Half way through that year, “C” (aka Covid) hit and little did I know hitting pause on the business actually saved me because I would have lost everything if I would not have taken that time off.

During the pandemic I worked a sales job to switch gears for the year and do something different. Well it was during the training of this new job that my world changed. There I was alone in a hotel room in LA, bawling my eyes out watching one of the most beautiful wedding videos in which my best friend officiated. It was then that my entire life literally flashed before my eyes and it was in that moment I knew… Love was calling me back.

After much prayer and thought; Le’Mon Event Company was formed. And you know what… it was NOT easy! Anything worth value… anything worth fighting for… is not easy. Because there I was, telling my husband my dream and the vision then trying to figure out a true plan… with not $1 to our name. Seriously! Not One! How do you start a company that you feel one thousand percent called to with not an ounce of money? I will tell you…. Faith and Focus! See during the next year I kept telling God that if this was His plan he would need to move mountains and open doors I cannot see. Next thing you know, clients were giving me things left and right! Couches, tables, plates, silverware, you name it… they were giving it to me, and I was not even asking! I was shocked! We found a home that lowered our overhead PLUS was already set up perfectly for boutique or “mirco” weddings (the story of how we even found it is another issue, haha)

Then it happened, during our planning process we booked our first wedding and I was hooked! It took WORK, alot of mental, physical, financial, spiritual WORK. We cried and we celebrated and at the end of the day… we succeeded!

One thing we definitely kept having to remember during this process is our why, it was so important! And for our clients the biggest goal was to be fully transparent and up front. One thing we noticed in the industry is a lot of hidden fees or added charges. I have heard for years on how what couples thought was going to be one amount ended up being so much more, including my own experience. We set out to separate ourselves by keeping it simple and efficient with NO surprises while offering unique features only available to Le’Mon clients. From our “no surprise price guarantee” to the private use of our private sailboat and exclusive dessert. Our clientele want their dream wedding with only those closest to them for an “Intimate Celebration, Forever Remembered”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow! Well just sticking with my city of Oceanside we could literally eat and drink our way through the city. One of my favorite spots though, of course, is my husbands Hawaiian inspired cafe right on the beach inside Tyson Street park. It has one of the best views, the best lunch and desserts, and offers everything you could need right there!

A stroll down the Oside pier is a must while stopping at Poppin Duo for a snack, and do not forget the harbor! One of my favorite spots is the Oceanside harbor and Dominic’s is the place to eat down there! One of my favorites is Ty’s Burger house and Rim Thalay, these would defiantly on the list! As well as Daja Mara, Johnny Mananas, Harney Sushi and Blade 1936.

Now traveling south we would checking out Sea World as well as hitting up any water park, Petco Park and Balboa Park! And traveling North would be touring wine country in Temecula for sure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hands down could not be where I am today without my family and close friends. Have I read multiple books, asked experts, etc, no doubt. And I could easily list those for you, however my true heroes that have helped me succeed are the following: -My husband Mike and our head chef! He not only allows me to dream, he is always my biggest supporter.
-My daughters, their love and support has been remarkable and their hearts are so big. My life became complete when they blessed me with their presence.
-Lindsay, my best friend and mentor. She motivates me daily to be my best self and without her friendship, I honestly do not know where I would be.
-Dr Tracy Kemble, Founder of the Mrs. Globe Organization and the Women In Need Foundation. Without her and every single team member or Globette… I would not be living out my dreams and I am forever grateful.
-My city! Without community no one can thrive and Oceanside’s locals have shown love and support in so many ways. Love on your locals and watch your city grow!
– My clients! Every single person who trusted me and hired me, without you I would have nothing! Thank you!
-I could literally write a book on who I could shout out but we would need to print a catalog. haha

Website: www.LeMonEventCompany.com

Instagram: @LeMonEventCompany @EmmilieLynn @Fairy.Gown.Mother

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeMonEventCompany/?ref=pages_you_manage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lemoneventcompany

Other: Zola: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/lemon-event-company

Image Credits
@TheJekaloCollective @SkyStoryMedia @uniqueandflawless @PoshBrides_sd @EmmilieLynn @fairy.gown.mother @kiaragiraldini @garrettanthony89 @stephaniesuefeld

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