Business Details
Your Trusted Houston Event Planning Partner
SwaLaRue Events is a certified project management and event planning firm dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for weddings, corporate events, and complex projects. Founded by Anshwa Lewis, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), we bring over 15 years of expertise in executing events for hospitals, nonprofits, manufacturing companies, and more. Our unique approach combines military-grade precision with creative flair, ensuring every event aligns with your brand, stays within budget, and exceeds expectations. We specialize in relieving busy professionals of planning burdens, offering full-service and customizable solutions tailored to your needs. With a proven track record of managing over 100 weddings across diverse cultures and locations, we deliver seamless execution for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in client testimonials praising our ability to handle logistical challenges, provide personalized service, and create unforgettable experiences. As a WOSB, VOSB, and SDVOSB-certified business, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Services
Wedding Planning
Corporate Event Management
Project Management
Day-of Coordination
Event Design
Highlights and features
- Certified PMP and SPHR professionals with 15+ years of event management experience
- Specialized in cross-cultural weddings across 6 countries and 100+ events
- Military-grade project management for corporate events and complex logistics
- Customizable service tiers from day-of coordination to full-service planning
- Proven track record with hospitals, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies
Associations and certifications
- WOSB
- VOSB
- SDVOSB
What people say
Lifesaver during planning
Seamless execution
Amazing ideas
Handled every detail
Stress-free experience
Services
Wedding Planning
Our comprehensive wedding planning services guide couples through every stage from initial concept to final execution. With expertise in cross-cultural ceremonies across six countries, we offer customizable packages including full-service planning and 60-day intensive coordination. Our military-grade project management ensures timelines, budgets, and vendor communications are meticulously handled while maintaining the romantic essence of your special day. Clients benefit from our global experience in venues ranging from cathedrals to national monuments.
Corporate Event Management
We specialize in creating impactful corporate events that enhance brand awareness and employee engagement. Our services include conference planning, incentive travel coordination, and team-building experiences tailored to organizational goals. With proven success in managing events for hospitals, manufacturing companies, and nonprofits, we handle logistics from vendor selection to on-site execution. Our unique approach combines strategic planning with creative design to deliver memorable experiences that align with corporate objectives and culture.
Project Management
Leveraging PMP-certified methodologies, we provide structured project management for complex events and initiatives. Our approach includes detailed scheduling, budget oversight, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication. With experience in managing projects for diverse industries including healthcare and education, we ensure deliverables meet quality standards while staying within time and budget constraints. Our military background enables effective crisis management and adaptability to changing requirements.
Day-of Coordination
This focused service handles all logistics during the final 60 days leading up to your event. We coordinate vendor timelines, manage setup and breakdown, and oversee day-of operations while maintaining your vision. Ideal for couples or organizations who prefer hands-on planning but need expert execution, our team ensures smooth implementation of your plans with attention to detail and contingency preparedness.
Event Design
Our design services transform event concepts into immersive experiences through thematic elements, spatial planning, and sensory details. We incorporate client stories, brand identities, and cultural elements into visual narratives that engage attendees. From decor selection to lighting design, we create cohesive aesthetics that align with your vision while ensuring functional flow. This service can be integrated with planning or used independently for existing event frameworks.
Questions
What's the difference between event planning and event design?
Event planning focuses on logistics, timelines, and vendor coordination, while event design creates the visual and sensory experience through thematic elements and spatial planning.
How many hours are you on-site for weddings?
Our standard service includes 10 hours of on-site coverage, with options to extend based on event complexity and client needs.
Can you work with our existing venue coordinator?
Yes, we collaborate with venue coordinators while representing your specific interests, ensuring both contractual obligations and your personal vision are fulfilled.
Do you handle events outside Houston?
We serve locations beyond Houston, with experience in New York, Washington D.C., Mexico, Jamaica, and multiple Caribbean destinations.
What service levels do you offer for weddings?
We provide two main packages: The Business Partner (final 60-day coordination) and The Executive Assistant (full-service planning), with customization options available.
How do you handle unexpected issues during events?
Our military-grade project management approach includes contingency planning and rapid response protocols to resolve issues discreetly and efficiently.
Videos
Reviews (16)
Miccrose
Jan 01, 2021
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SwaLaRue was everything we needed. My husband and I planned to still follow through with our wedding during the pandemic which yes was already stressful and beyond a heavy burden with nothing on place and set date 4 months away. We didn't have to worry about anything from the day we hired SwaLaRue. Anshawe was always at every meeting early and ready to work with questions and answers on hand. My only goal was to get to my husband at the alter and I did with a huge smile on my face because of SWALARUE EVENTS.
We had everyone wear mask and everyone felt safe, informed, relaxed and directed from the very start. I recommend SWALARUE EVENTS BECAUSE IT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS ONE. My wedding was virtual and limited guests and everyone were pleased and said it was beautiful. DONT LOOK FURTHER THAN HERE. I had a pandemic wedding and some called it the wedding of the century with a few viral videos! Go with SWALARUE
We had everyone wear mask and everyone felt safe, informed, relaxed and directed from the very start. I recommend SWALARUE EVENTS BECAUSE IT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS ONE. My wedding was virtual and limited guests and everyone were pleased and said it was beautiful. DONT LOOK FURTHER THAN HERE. I had a pandemic wedding and some called it the wedding of the century with a few viral videos! Go with SWALARUE
Lacandice Johnson
Dec 25, 2020
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I couldn't have been more stress free on this day! Talk about detailed, efficient, super professional, and super sweet! Anshwa listened to my concerns and wishes, then took my hand and walked me through each step along the way to ensure all my dreams came true. Talk about great communication skills which every bride wants when planning the most important event of their lives! My big day wouldn't have unfolded in a smooth manner if it wasn't for Anshwa, and I thank God for her gift to have kept this anxious bride calm in the midst of multiple storms. 10/10 service, definitely exceeded my expectations and beyond!
Bridgette Bell
Dec 18, 2020
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Anshwa's services are first-class! She provides timely proposals, in-depth analysis, and top performance during event execution. What I loved most about working with Anshwa was her can-do attitude and ability to work so well under pressure. She kept our clients informed and made sure we were abreast of any and all changes or requests for information in real time. I cannot wait to work with Anshwa on our next event!
Misty D. Bazan
Nov 10, 2020
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Ms. Lewis worked with our corporate office as well as our CEO for the grand opening of our hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Katy. Always very professional and accommodating, she engaged local vendors, talent and restaurants to achieve the community feel that we wanted. Our grand opening went off so phenomenally that we are still talking about a year later. Anshwa was a pleasure to work with and we would with a doubt, highly recommend her for any event large or small.
Morgan Davis
Oct 18, 2020
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My sincerest thanks and appreciation go to Anshwa and her SwaLaRue Events team! My husband and I and our guests had a blast our 10th wedding anniversary celebration in New Orleans this past December and we're still reminiscing on all the good times. Thanks for allowing me to flood you with ideas and questions and being so graceful during the planning process. I would highly recommend SwaLaRue Events any day.
Hillary Carnel
Sep 28, 2020
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I worked with Anshwa on the grand opening event for our new hospital in the Katy area. She was extremely professional and brought in top notch vendors, which made for a flawless and enjoyable event. We had a lot of special requests and she made sure that they were executed to our liking. I would definitely work with her again on an event!
Jazzmine Berry
Aug 09, 2020
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Almost two months after our wedding and I am still hearing our guests rave about the experience they had at our wedding! Anshwa thoroughly exceeded our expectations for design and execution! Houston's best kept secret!
Coryon Ross
Aug 05, 2020
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My overall experience with SwaLaRue events was of 5 star quality. And the most amazing thing that stood out was the communication with the whole wedding party. To keep us abroad an having a great event. Thank you for exceeding all expectations and planning our event that I will never forget. #RossRenaissance
Tips By Tiffiney
Jun 11, 2020
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Amazing! I hired SwaLaRue Events for my 40th birthday party. The event exceeded my expectations. Answha is very professional, knowledgeable and creative. She walked me through pulling my vision from my head to her perfect execution. She was able to work with some vendors I had hired before reaching out to her (I tried to plan it myself and it was too stressful). The entire process was not stressful and it was worth the investment to make my dream come true. I highly recommend her for any of your special events.
Verna Jackson
May 29, 2020
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I was in much need of an event planner and I met Anshwa she absolutely turned my vision into something GRAND! Anshwa is superb, very kind, outgoing, patient, very helpful and detail oriented. The decorations and the food were AWESOME! Very charismatic and genuine. Thank you so much for a wonderful, smooth, beautiful ceremony. It couldn't have been any easier and you were wonderful. Would highly recommend to everyone.
Amy T.
May 02, 2017
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Anshwa was AMAZING! She answered any and all my questions, was very flexible with meeting times, and is the most FRIENDLIEST person to everyone she meets. She has a great smile and was always willing to go above and beyond! At the weddding she did great, she always had ideas for me that worked and was always able to understand how I wanted things to go. She made sure all the people I had hired were there on time and where they needed to be, even checking on them a few weeks before the wedding.
She made sure we stayed on time for the wedding, as we had very time restricted services and vendors. My family loved her as well, they said that I couldn't have found anyone better to help with my wedding then her! If you need a wedding coordinator, or day of coordinator, I hands down recommend Anshwa! You won't regret it at all!
She made sure we stayed on time for the wedding, as we had very time restricted services and vendors. My family loved her as well, they said that I couldn't have found anyone better to help with my wedding then her! If you need a wedding coordinator, or day of coordinator, I hands down recommend Anshwa! You won't regret it at all!
Brooke Heinecke
Apr 16, 2017
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So glad that I worked with SwaLaRue Events for my wedding! I was nervous at first to entrust someone with such an important day for me, but thankfully I did. Anshwa and her team saved my day and did damage control when the venue staff was being difficult. She was so great to work with throughout the planning process, and I always felt like she was there if I needed her. Thank you for making our wedding day so special!
Stephanie Hernandez
Nov 20, 2016
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Anshwa and her team were a joy to work with. She helped me find amazing vendors that were within my budget and we're experienced. She was always well prepared and focused on what I wanted for my big day. She made me feel so comfortable. The day of my wedding everything was just as we planned. My family loved her and I will definitely recommend her to anyone that is getting married soon. Thanks Anshwa for everything!
Marlissa P.
Mar 04, 2014
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I found this vendor on the Wedding Wire site in mid to late September. If you are looking for someone that can endure any situation that is not the case here. This vendor terminated the contract due to my email etiquette and her being "uncomfortable" when several times she told me I was neither rude or offensive. She terminated contract 7 months before my wedding date without even so much as a warning.
Literally woke up and had an email that she was terminating contract due to HER being "uncomfortable" in which she NEVER UTTERED A WORD ABOUT PREVIOUSLY. Please always keep good records of how much you are spending because there were a couple of "accidents" in which I was quoted being charged for things that were either already charged to me or told they would be complimentary of the company. Beware and don't let the smile fool you.
Literally woke up and had an email that she was terminating contract due to HER being "uncomfortable" in which she NEVER UTTERED A WORD ABOUT PREVIOUSLY. Please always keep good records of how much you are spending because there were a couple of "accidents" in which I was quoted being charged for things that were either already charged to me or told they would be complimentary of the company. Beware and don't let the smile fool you.
Jeff & Amanda
Anshwa of SwaLaRue Events is a true professional, and deserves to be at the top of the Wedding Industry. We love working with SwaLaRue Events for several reasons, one is that they are very organized and secondly, by keeping the day exquisitely styled and put together, they allow us to focus on what we do best. We work very well together and we highly recommend SwaLaRue Events for all of her services that she provides. You have found the perfect planner that keeps you at the center of your day.
Sarah
If you're in Texas and looking for someone to complete your event and make it perfect, look no further. SwaLaRue Events is your choice! Anshwa is super sweet and so organized.