We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Gayden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.

Alright, Jen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Choosing the name Vivian James Events was a no-brainer! My deep love for flowers and passion for creating art were gifts passed down through generations—from my Grandmommy Vivian to my mom and now to me. Although she’s no longer with us, I honored her memory by naming my daughter Caroline Vivian, inspired by everything she instilled in me. My son, Gavin James, was named after the James River in Lynchburg, VA, where I grew up. Since both of my children’s middle names hold special meaning, it felt only natural to incorporate them into the name of my business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My love for creativity began early, surrounded by family who loved gardening and flower arranging. In high school, I discovered portrait photography, and my passion grew from there. I continued studying photography at Elon University, After graduating, I moved to Boston to take classes in photography, watercolor, and flower arranging. I later managed a portrait studio in D.C., specializing in family and corporate photography. My journey led me to the wedding industry, where I learned event planning and floral design from a talented florist.

In 2010, I met my husband, and in 2012, we moved to Fort Worth to start our family. I continued my passion for event planning, floral design, and photography on a smaller scale while raising babies. As they grew more independent, I realized it was time to take the next step – and Vivian James Events was born!

What sets Vivian James Events apart is my focus on truly understanding my clients’ vision, communicating with kindness, and bringing that vision to life—whether it’s planning a charity event, capturing family portraits, or creating beautiful floral arrangements for a wedding.

I love connecting with the community through event planning, capturing unforgettable moments, and creating arrangements that brighten my clients’ days. I’m excited to announce the launch of flower subscriptions this spring and can’t wait to see where the future of Vivian James Events takes us!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is doing what I love every day. Surrounded by fresh flowers, capturing meaningful moments, and planning events allows me to connect with the community and bring joy to others. Life is short, so I make it a point to celebrate every milestone, whether it’s for my friends and family or for my clients.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals, both online and in person, have been the best source of new clients for me—happy customers truly make a difference! Hosting local workshops, sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media, and supporting local charities have all helped me connect with so many amazing people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vivianjamesevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianjamesevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivianJamesEvents/

Image Credits

N/A