Collective
col·â€‹lec·â€‹tive | \ kÉ™-ˈlek-tiv
Each of us brings a specific skill set, perspective, and expertise that makes us amazing. But, when we combine forces, we are astonishing. As it is with the clients we serve, our differences are necessary and a collective can only exist as a unified group. More powerful, more productive, and more stunning - together.
Meagan Culkin
Owner, Lead Designer & Planner
Lauren Bunn
​Operations Manager &
Lead Planner
Samantha Johnson
Experience Coordinator & Lead Planner
I started coordinating weddings 17 years ago, and have worked on over 700 weddings and events since then.
I'm passionate about weddings that are logistically challenging and where you "let your weird shine through," so private residence weddings, museum weddings, and non-traditional venues are my jam.
I was a theater kid my whole life and I added an English Lit degree in college "for fun" because I love to read to much so-- I am really cool.
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I believe there's a place for everyone here, and want to do whatever I can to bring your unique visions to life.!
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Now I spend my days over at Heart of NC Weddings as the Associate Publisher while Lauren and the team handle the bulk of our day to day operations and bring wedding days to life.
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Fun facts about me: I love dogs more than people, am a firm believer than canned Diet Coke is the superior Diet Coke, and I will never be able to "fix my face" if I am feeling some type-a way.
I was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. I met Meagan while attending college at UNC Wilmington, where we were both in the Sigma Alpha Omega Christian sorority. After getting my degree in Marketing, I moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and happened to run into my now husband who moved me back home about 2 miles from where I grew up!
I have spent many years in the Human Resources field, where I feel like my passion for people really thrives! Outside of the "HR realm," my husband's family owns a rental business so I spend quite a bit of time helping with wedding and party rentals, as well as managing their business Facebook page! I love meeting new people, learning their passions and helping to craft a wedding or event that represents everything they love!
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My favorite part of the wedding is bringing the couple in for a "reception reveal"- where they can take in the moment when all of their planning comes to life- and also take a moment just for the two of them! Nothing brings me more joy than seeing joy on our couple's faces after months of planning together!
When I am not working, you can find me traveling or hanging with my two kiddos! I have a "8 going on 18" year old daughter...which is a second job in itself!
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Raised in North Carolina, I've worked in the service and hospitality industry for 15+ years. Whether I was waiting tables in downtown Wilmington or "making magic" for guests at Disney World, I've always found serving others and creating a memorable experience to be the most rewarding part of the job.
My journey into wedding and event planning kicked off after I planned my sister-in-law's wedding in the summer of 2023. A mutual friend who attended the wedding connected me with Meagan and I started assisting with Magnolia weddings just a few weeks later. Since then, I've transitioned full time into the wedding and events industry, and I find so much joy working with all of our amazing couples and learning about their love stories!
I love when couples aren't afraid to express themselves and bring in unique details that truly represent their love and the life they're building together - whether that means custom favors featuring their pet's portrait or swapping out a dance floor to make space for their favorite board games. I'm passionate about the details and connecting every single piece of the puzzle to bring a beautiful vision to life!
When I'm not triple-checking rental orders and building floor plans, you will likely find me playing with my two sweet fur babies or searching for the best food trucks with my husband!
Bailey Murad
Lead Coordinator
Emily Patton
Lead Coordinator
Abby Allen
Lead Planner & Coordinator- Virgina
Born and raised Raleigh girl here! I graduated from NC State with a degree in Fashion Product Development/Design.
I moved to a couple of different states after graduation to pursue those dreams, but eventually moved back home to Raleigh. Since I was little I always knew I wanted to work in the wedding industry and so I am very happy to be here now!
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With a background in design, my favorite part of weddings is seeing all the design elements come together from linens, to florals, and beyond. I also love to help create a virtual experience of all of our weddings on our social media.
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When I'm not working, you can probably find me at Chick-fil-A or watching Netflix or online "window" shopping.
I started as an intern with Magnolia Collective, then transitioned to an Event Assistant after graduation from ECU. I have my B.S. in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Special Events and Conventions.
My favorite part of a wedding is seeing an empty venue come to life with everything the couple has picked out - but I also love a first look and a first dance!!
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The Bachelor, Bachelorette, or Bachelor in Paradise are my guilty pleasures that I don't feel that guilty about!
I graduated from Radford University with a BS in Tourism/Special events and Johnson and Wales with a MBA in Hospitality. During her time at Radford she planned all the admissions programs and just knew it was something I truly enjoyed. After over a decade of venue management and catering operations, Meagan asked if I wanted to help a coordinate in the Fall of 2022 and I was hooked.
My favorite part of wedding days are checking in the Bride and Groom – the day is about them and they should feel the love and support from us. Nothing is better than going above and beyond for them on a day they will never forget.
When I’m not working a wedding I’m probably laying on the couch with my JackChi Mae or doing a Goodwill haul for things I ~absolutely~ do not need.
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Mary Smelcer
Associate Coordinator
Marianne Johnson
Lead Planner & Coordinator- Virginia
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Originally from Colorado, I went to the American University in Washington, DC and have been an East Coast girl ever since.I have been in Richmond, VA for a little over 3 years and always finding something new to eat or drink. I should have known from my CLUE birthday party when I was 12 that my future was in events.
During the day, I do events for VCU Alumni Relations and can't get enough so fill my weekends with weddings! I thrive in the chaos but remain calm to execute premier experiences. The sign of a successful event for me is when the lights are on, music is off, bars are closed, and people still don't want to leave.
When I'm not working, you can probably find me at a baseball game - my boyfriend and I visited 13 different stadiums last summer and hope to do more!
Mary Supple
Associate Coordinator
Day of Planner & Coordinator
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While I was born and raised in North Carolina, I attended college in Minneapolis and recently moved back after graduating with a degree in marketing in May of 2026. I've always loved weddings, events, and honestly any excuse to celebrate! During the summer before my senior year, I interned with Magnolia Collective, and that's where I completely fell in love with wedding planning.
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My favorite part of a wedding day is watching a couple's dream become reality. I love seeing all the details that make it so... them! And of course, as a former competitive dancer, I'm always looking forward to the first dances!
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When I'm not talking all things wedding, you'll probably find me with a good latte reading a romance, traveling, playing tennis, or spending time with my friends and family!
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Kelsey Anderson
Graphic Designer
Drew Marcin
Associate Coordinator
Christine Eakes
Associate Coordinator