We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan And William Shirley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan and William, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Cypress Tents and Events was born from our mutual love for hosting. William and I have always been the kind of people who light up when friends and family gather—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just an excuse to celebrate life together. We both believe that the environment you create for people matters; it sets the tone for how connected and joyful those moments feel.

After our wedding, we realized just how transformative thoughtful design and rentals could be. The right tent, layered lighting, and a beautifully set table don’t just look good—they make people feel welcome, elevated, and ready to celebrate. We loved the idea of bringing that same magic to others, not only for milestone events but for all the ways our community comes together here in South Louisiana.

Starting Cypress was a mix of heart and head. On one hand, it came from this deep excitement about creating spaces where memories are made. On the other hand, we knew there would always be demand in our region for high-quality events—after all, celebrating is such a big part of our culture. Pairing those two things together, it just felt like a worthwhile and fulfilling path.

What excites us most is that we aren’t simply providing rentals—we’re helping people create experiences. Every tent we raise and every table we set is an opportunity to make someone’s vision come to life and give their guests a night they’ll never forget. That’s the part that continues to inspire us every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We’re Morgan and William Shirley, the husband-and-wife team behind Cypress Tents and Events, a female-owned event rental company based in Baton Rouge. Cypress grew out of our shared love for hosting and creating spaces where people feel celebrated. We’ve always believed that the atmosphere of an event shapes the way people connect, and we wanted to build a company that elevates gatherings in Louisiana with fresh, timeless design and an emphasis on service.

Our journey into this industry was both personal and purposeful. After planning our own wedding, we saw firsthand how the right rentals—tents, lighting, tables, and décor—can transform an event from something ordinary into something unforgettable. That experience planted the seed for Cypress: we wanted to bring a curated, design-driven approach to event rentals while maintaining a sense of hospitality that feels distinctly Louisiana.

At Cypress, we provide everything from premium tents and custom-designed stage fronts to dance floors, bars, lighting, linens, and tabletop rentals. Our inventory is brand-new and carefully chosen to be both modern and timeless, so it pairs beautifully with any style. Beyond the products themselves, what we really provide is peace of mind. Planning an event can be stressful, and our role is to take that pressure off our clients—delivering rentals that are pristine, installed with care, and styled to create a seamless backdrop for their celebration.

What sets us apart is the combination of design and service. We don’t view ourselves as simply a rental company; we see ourselves as partners in the creative process. We love collaborating with planners, florists, caterers, and hosts to ensure the event feels cohesive and thoughtful. Our clients often tell us they appreciate not only the quality of our pieces, but also how genuinely invested we are in bringing their vision to life.

We’re most proud of the fact that Cypress is family-owned and deeply rooted in our community. Each project we take on is handled with intention, knowing we’re contributing to some of life’s most meaningful moments—weddings, fundraisers, tailgates, and family celebrations. More than anything, we want people to know that when they work with Cypress, they’re not just renting products; they’re gaining a team that truly cares about making their event as memorable and joyful as possible.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

From the very beginning, we understood how important social media would be for building our brand—especially in the event rental industry. People don’t just want to hear what you offer; they want to see it. They want to know what your team looks like, how the tents go up, and what the final product feels like when the lights come on and the tables are set.

We’ve found that our audience connects most with two things: the behind-the-scenes process and the beautiful finished events. The behind-the-scenes content shows the hard work, teamwork, and care that go into every project—it makes people feel like they’re part of the journey. Then, when we share the polished, completed events, it inspires them to imagine what’s possible for their own celebrations. That balance has really helped us grow an authentic and engaged following.

Right now, Instagram and Facebook are where we focus most of our efforts, because that’s where our clients and vendor partners are most active. Both platforms allow us to showcase visuals in a way that truly tells the story of an event, whether it’s through Reels, Stories, or photo galleries.

For anyone just starting out, our advice would be: don’t overthink it. Start sharing consistently, even if it’s simple. Show your process, highlight your wins, and let your personality come through. People aren’t only looking for perfection; they’re looking for connection. Social media is your chance to pull back the curtain, tell your story, and build relationships long before a client ever picks up the phone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that really stands out as a testament to our resilience happened during a tented outdoor wedding. Everything had been set perfectly—the tablescapes were glowing, the dance floor was ready, and the tent looked absolutely stunning. Just fifteen minutes before the reception was set to begin, we got the call that an unexpected storm with high winds and heavy rain was rolling in.

Without hesitation, both of us jumped in alongside our team. We rushed to the site to make sure everything was secure and that the evening could continue without disruption. While the tent held beautifully against the storm, water had blown onto the dance floor. Instead of panicking, we grabbed squeegees and worked shoulder to shoulder with our crew until it was spotless again. By the time guests entered, the celebration unfolded seamlessly, as if nothing had happened.

For us, that moment reflects what Cypress is all about. Challenges will always come—especially in the unpredictable world of outdoor events—but it’s how you respond that defines the experience for the client. Our priority is to protect their vision, no matter the circumstances, and to deliver service that is calm, capable, and committed. That evening reminded us that resilience isn’t just about weathering storms; it’s about showing up, working hard, and making sure our clients feel completely cared for, rain or shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cypresstentsandevents.com
• Instagram: @cypresstentsandevents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551399786543

Image Credits

Malia Henry
Laura Caraway Photography
Geaux Garcia