About Us

Lauren

Founder and Director

Lauren has worked in the wedding industry for over a decade, with experience spanning both the UK and the French destination wedding market. She began her journey with a successful wedding cake business in the UK, combining creativity with a love for celebrations and detail. Her passion for weddings and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led to the launch of French Wedding Venues in 2018, following months of planning and industry research.

Since then, the platform has grown rapidly into the largest English-speaking wedding venue directory in France, connecting English speaking couples from around the world with stunning venues. As the founder and director, Lauren oversees all aspects of the business alongside her husband, Oliver—from platform development and marketing, to nurturing venue relationships.

She is deeply committed to delivering an exceptional experience for both venue owners and clients, and loves being part of such a meaningful chapter in people's lives.

When not immersed in weddings, Lauren enjoys travelling, running, and spending quality time with her young family.

INFO@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.CO.UK

Oliver

Director

Oliver’s professional background began in the fast-paced corporate world, where he spent several years working in the city. With a strong entrepreneurial drive and a passion for the events industry, he co-founded French Wedding Venues with Lauren in 2018. What began as a small idea quickly evolved into the largest English-speaking wedding venue directory in France.

As co-director and director, Oliver focuses on developing new relationships within the wedding industry, growing the platform’s reach, and ensuring it continues to serve both venue owners and couples at the highest level. His strategic mindset and natural ability to connect with people play a key role in the business’s continued success.

Outside of work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his family, following motor racing and rugby, and exploring new places.

OLIVER@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.CO.UK

Josie

Wedding Consultant

Josie chose a romantic destination wedding, combining it with a holiday shared with friends and family—an experience that inspired her to begin working with French Wedding Venues. Finding the right venue proved to be a real challenge, and this insight now helps her support others navigating the same journey.

Her role at French Wedding Venues focuses on promoting the platform to venue owners seeking greater exposure, as well as assisting with any questions they may have along the way.

Josie also manages a château remotely, giving her valuable perspective from the venue owner’s point of view. This allows her to understand what venue hosts are looking for when it comes to marketing and client communication.

With extensive experience in wedding industry marketing, she’s previously worked with premium destination venues to showcase all they offer and increase visibility.

She loves travel and languages—having studied both formally and spent time living and studying abroad. Josie now lives with her young family and continues to combine her passion for events, culture, and communication in her day-to-day work.

JOSIE@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.CO.UK

Karen

Wedding Consultant

Having fallen in love with travel and languages from a young age, Karen went on to graduate in French from Lancaster University.

She spent eight years working as an English teacher, supporting both school students and adult learners, before moving into the world of international real estate.

Karen is passionate about all things weddings and loves helping couples find their perfect venue for their special day.

Her background as a translator and client liaison has given her strong insight into understanding people's needs and finding the best possible outcome. This now enables her to tailor venue recommendations precisely to what each couple is looking for.

Having organised her own destination wedding, Karen also brings personal experience of the magic and detail that goes into planning a day to remember.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two young sons, making every effort to nurture their bilingual development, as well as walking, cooking (and eating!), football, and all things VW Beetle!

KAREN@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.CO.UK

Sabrina

Wedding Consultant

People often tell me that a sense of service and care for others is something you're born with. But it was through seven years of working with leading luxury fashion brands that I truly learned what exceptional service looks like. Once I realised how much more I could offer clients, I launched my own business. I’ve now been a wedding planner for nearly a decade, supporting couples in finding extraordinary venues and creating unforgettable celebrations.

By combining my background in luxury customer service with years of hands-on experience in weddings, becoming an online consultant for French Wedding Venues felt like a natural progression.

I'm bilingual and come from a multicultural background, with a passion for languages, discovering new cultures, and exploring the world. In my spare time, I enjoy great food and wine, caring for animals in need, and volunteering with local community and sports groups. I’m also a proud parent to two children and two cats, and enjoy the peace of life just outside a busy city.

I truly believe love conquers all—but planning a wedding can still feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of the French Wedding Venues team, helping to make the process smoother and more joyful for every couple I support.

SABRINA@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.CO.UK

Katie

Sales Executive

Katie transitioned into the hospitality and events industry in 2019 following a successful career as a purchasing manager for a luxury automotive group.

After stepping away from corporate life, she spent a year travelling extensively in a motorhome, exploring new places and discovering a deep love for the food, culture, and people she encountered along the way. Eventually, she and her husband Dan settled in a rural area where they renovated an old barn and now run a thriving property management business, alongside a couple of wedding-focused ventures.

Since making the switch, Katie has gained significant experience in hospitality and customer service. She spent several winters managing operations for a premium chalet company and has worked closely with numerous venues and wedding suppliers during the summer months to deliver seamless, high-quality events.

Communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to professional, timely results are second nature to her. Katie’s journey into the wedding world began early, helping her mum’s floristry and event business and learning the ropes from her hotelier and chef father. After a break for university and a 20-year career in procurement and project management, she returned to the wedding industry and now brings with her a wealth of experience from hundreds of successful events.

Katie finds true joy in all things wedding-related, especially in helping couples discover their ideal venue.

In her downtime, she’s often in the garden tending to her allotment and beehives—or out on the slopes enjoying the snow during winter.

KATIE@FRENCHWEDDINGVENUES.COM

Harriet

Social Media Manager

Harriet lives and works in London and is our resident social media guru!

Harriet graduated from Loughborough University with a 2:1 in Business and Marketing and has worked for the past three years in the social media industry specialising in the entertainment sector.

When she is not at work she loves travelling, good food and an accompanying G&T (or two). 

Rafferty

Office Dog

Rafferty is our miniature wire-haired dachshund and has been a treasured part of the team since the very beginning. As our unofficial mascot and daily morale booster, he keeps spirits high while we help couples find their perfect wedding venue across France.

With a keen nose for style (and snacks), Rafferty likes to think of himself as the expert in sniffing out the most charming venues and talented suppliers for our platform. He keeps a close eye on the team during long days at the desk—ensuring everyone takes the occasional break (especially for belly rubs).

When he’s off duty, he loves nothing more than basking in the sun during summer or snoozing by the fire in the colder months. Whether he's curled up nearby or popping up in our social media feed, Rafferty brings a little extra joy to our day-to-day.