REAL Exclusive Magazine

Lori Davis

Wedding & Event Planner

Just a Basket Case

By Ed Bertha

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Layout by Christian Lunardi

Poor, living in a laundromat as a young child, Lori Davis did not go without. Her mother worked two jobs to make ends meet and keep food on the table. Growing up Lori didn’t comprehend the sacrifices her mother made. With a tear running down her cheek Lori reflects, “I have the smartest, talented, most caring mother one could have. At that time I didn’t think so. It took age and maturity for me to appreciate everything.” Now her mother manages a law office. How things change.

As fate would have it Lori gained a stepfather and became a Texas military brat. Her stepfather brought strict military style rule to the household. “My stepfather taught me not to take no for an answer. He taught me discipline and aggressiveness.” Another key influencer in young Lori’s life was her grandmother who played a significant role helping to raise her. She taught Lori baking and most importantly love, which Lori wholeheartedly embraced. “I’m a lot like her,” she says beaming.

Timid Mother, Military Dad, Sweet Grandmother. Was this combination the impetus for her “I want to achieve it all” attitude?

At age 17 Lori set out on her own. She shares, “My mom said I came out of the womb running. I never needed anyone, but wanted to please my parents.” Lori started her career with Marriott, ultimately climbing to Assistant General Manager. “Marriott taught me how to be a manager from the corporate side. They also taught me the hospitality side of the business.” Leveraging that experience, Lori ended up at the Ritz Carlton as the head event planner, overseeing all of the wedding planners.

While working, Lori managed to earn an Associates of Arts degree in Culinary Arts & Pastry Design from the Western Culinary Institute. Continuing, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma State University with a major in Business Marketing and minor Public Relations. Always an overachiever, at age twenty Lori became a parent and obtained her pilots license. A Certified Wedding Planner by the U.S. Wedding Association of Texas rounds out her formal education.

Eight years ago Lori met the love of her life, Randy Lane. Traveling back to Texas to visit, she met Randy at a party. “He wasn’t my type,” she says laughing. Randy soon began continually showing up. “I couldn’t get rid of him!” Like turned to respect that blossomed into love, a fairytale ending. “Now I’ll never let him go!” she says with a twinkle in her eyes. Not yet finished, Lori alerts me to the fact that there is more than one love in her life. The doting mother takes over and I quickly learn it’s her daughter Erin Bufford, mother of her lovely grandbaby, Madelyn Rogers, and step son, Austin Lane.

Five years ago the two made Sarasota their home. It was Randy, who in the hallway of the home, playfully commented to Lori, “You’re a basket case!” Lori replied how Randy was a genius, but something was missing. Hence she said, “Let’s add Justa, because I am JustaBasketCase!” Now you know the story!

JustaBasketCase was born. Lori beams, “The truth is I love what I do and who I am. I have been doing weddings and events for almost twenty five years in some form or fashion and wouldn’t change a thing! I’m a wedding and event planner for all occasions.” From weddings, events and sporting functions to custom gift baskets, bridal favors, custom gift wrapping, to linen, chair & table rentals, JustaBasketcase does it all.

The list of accolades for this top planner include: Voted #1 Caterer in Tarrant City, Texas; Multiple Blue Ribbons for her pies; Top 3 Wedding Planner by Wedding Wire; Top 5 Ringling Wedding Planner and Top Select with Nuevo.

Asking what makes event planning challenging Lori beams, “People want the final chapter of a story book. The problem is it took 2,900 pages to get there. You need someone with my personality because it’s not a Jennifer Lopez movie! There’s the location, permits, licenses, rentals, invites, deposits and more. It’s all the little details that make the story book ending. Events are what I am good at, not who I am. It’s a passion, not a job!”

What does someone with unending energy do to unwind? “I love cooking and taking cooking classes,” Lori says smiling. “I’m a homebody. I love to read books. A three book night is my way to unwind! I also collect books,” she adds. Let’s not forget that Lori has her sights set on an instrument rating as flying is another of her passions.

JustaBasketCase. At the end of the day Lori Davis just loves putting a smile on everyone’s face!

Lori Davis
JustaBasketCase
Wedding & Event Planning
(941) 400.3039
JustABasketcase@myself.com
www.JustaBasketCaseEvents.com
5020 Clark Road, Suite 417
Sarasota, FL 34233

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Photography used under license from Giovanni Lunardi Photography
Photography Copyright © 2015 Giovanni Lunardi Photography