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

Hi Megan, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is something I think every entrepreneur grapples with, especially in the creative and events industries where the hours are unpredictable and the demands can be all-consuming. As the owner of a wedding planning company, I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it is to let your business take over your life—because you care so deeply about your clients and the work you’re doing. But when I became a mom to two boys, everything shifted. Suddenly, I wasn’t just managing timelines and vendor calls—I was managing bedtime routines and preschool drop-offs too.

Starting a family while running a business was a choice I made intentionally. I knew I didn’t want to step away from my career, but I also didn’t want to miss the moments that matter most at home. I feel incredibly lucky to own my company and to have built something that gives me flexibility when I need it. That flexibility doesn’t mean things are always balanced—sometimes it means working late after the kids go to bed or taking a call from the carpool line—but it means I have the autonomy to decide what my days look like.

There are certainly moments where it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Balancing client expectations, team leadership, and the emotional labor of motherhood can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned to set better boundaries, ask for support, and give myself grace when things aren’t perfect. I think it’s important for other working parents—especially women—to know that you don’t have to choose between your career and your family. It is possible to have both, even if it takes constant adjustment.

At the end of the day, being both a business owner and a mother has shaped me in the best ways. It’s taught me to be efficient, empathetic, and fiercely protective of my time and energy. That perspective influences how I lead my company and how I support the other women on my team and in my industry.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company, Louise & Third, is a luxury wedding planning firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in high-end weddings in Southern California and destination locations. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to thoughtful design and seamless execution, paired with an approach that’s both elevated and approachable.

My background is in design—I studied it formally, and that foundation has been incredibly influential in how I approach weddings. From spatial planning to visual storytelling, having a trained eye helps me create events that are not only beautiful but cohesive and intentional. In addition to my design education, I’ve also worked in several facets of the wedding industry, from stationery design to catering to bridal styling. That multi-dimensional experience gives me a well-rounded understanding of how each layer of an event comes together, and it allows me to anticipate needs, communicate seamlessly with vendors, and bring a higher level of expertise to my clients.

I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built through genuine relationships, trust, and consistency. Each wedding I produce is uniquely tailored, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing my clients feel completely at ease on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. I’m also really excited about how my brand continues to grow—both in the type of clients I attract and the creative collaborations I get to be a part of.

The journey to get here hasn’t been easy. Like many small business owners, I started from the ground up—learning everything as I went, taking on every role, and working long hours to prove myself in a competitive industry. The early years were filled with a lot of hustle and trial and error, but I leaned into every challenge as a learning opportunity. Over time, I’ve built systems, and found incredible vendors and partners.

What I want people to know about Louise & Third is that this brand is rooted in heart. It’s built on years of hard work, intention, and a passion for creating beauty with purpose. Every detail, every decision, and every celebration is approached with care. This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of my story, my values, and the belief that love deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels truly unforgettable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for the first time, I’d make sure they experienced the city the way I love it: full of great food, iconic spots, hidden gems, and a little luxury sprinkled throughout. L.A. is such a vibrant, layered city with something for every mood. It’s creative, relaxed, stylish, and a little unpredictable in the best way.

We’d kick things off in West Hollywood with brunch at Republique and then we’d stroll along Melrose for a little shopping and people-watching. Later in the day, we’d wind down with cocktails in my old stomping grounds of Culver City at the Culver Hotel.

Mid-week, I’d take them out to the coast—maybe start with a sunrise walk on the beach in Malibu, followed by lunch at Nobu Malibu or Lucky’s for a chic seaside meal. Then we’d head to The Getty Villa for a bit of art and architecture. One day would definitely be reserved for Venice—coffee at Great White, shopping along Abbot Kinney, and maybe a sunset drink at Hotel Erwin’s rooftop.

No trip to L.A. would be complete without a little wellness—so I’d book a morning at The Now or Milk + Honey for massages, then a picnic at LACMA or Griffith Park. If the timing lines up, maybe even a show The Hollywood Bowl.

We’d definitely plan a night for laughs at The Comedy Store—it’s a classic L.A. night out, and there’s always a surprise guest or iconic comic dropping in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My older sister has always been a huge influence on me and my life, all the way up to my career choices. She also owns a small business in the events industry: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Website: https://louiseandthird.com

Instagram: @louiseandthird

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louiseandthird

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/louisethird/

Image Credits
Photographers: Lexie Hand, Anya Kernes, Sabrina Ryan, JS Rhos, Kendra Cates, Amy Golding, Madeleine Collins

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.