Hospitality is the best thing about the south and, in my mind, the best thing about weddings and events. I love helping guests feel thought of with every element from the save the date to the after party. With 10 years of experience in event planning, I know a thing or two about making your guests feel the love weaved into the design of your special celebration.
My style comes from an inherent love for classic design with modern twists. I am named after my grandmothers whom I try to emulate in both style and grace every day. When I'm not planning events I am most likely spending my time laughing with my sports-obsessed husband, Mike (go Dukes and Hoos!), and our chubby cheeked toddler twin girls Cam and Ellie. Life for me would be a little more dull without coffee, my friends and family, traveling, hydrangeas, a good book, the Blue Ridge Mountains, or Mexican food. And yes, those are in ranking order.
Hands down my favorite thing about weddings (besides all the pretty details) is the ceremony. Each one is different - yet each one has the same moment where a couple locks eyes and shares a knowing glance full of love before they start their lives together. I get goose bumps every time! A good marriage is one of life's greatest treasures. To be able to be a part of the beginning of that, by helping our sweet couples plan such a special moment in their lives, is truly a blessing.
marilyn speight
based in charlottesville, virginia
meet
The gentleman on his favorite bourbon, pocket squares, and why he never leaves home without an umbrella.
Sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur nisi ut alia?
Known for: leather boots, a glass of wine every night, and endless, organized checklists.
MEET JOHN
hello there
The elements that make up the most unforgettable weddings are at the heart of polished hospitality, cultivated design, and thoughtful execution. Cue a passion for list making, organizing, and the perfect color palette!
Since the moment I stepped onto the scene at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville has been my home. On a whim, as a first year, I worked my very first wedding and the second I snagged a sneak peek of the gorgeous tented reception, I thought THIS is it. I’ve been unable to keep myself away from weddings and have had the honor of working with the most lovely couples and extraordinary vendor partners from both the perspectives of full planning and venue coordination ever since.
There is nothing better in the world than a celebration of love. Turning plans and inspiration boards into day of dreams come true is my most favorite thing and I find myself infinitely grateful to do so amongst a team with implicit grace and talent. Crafting seamless and styled events that feel like our couples and reflect their essence in fit, flow, and flair is the greatest privilege and joy.
When I’m not planning events, you might find me exploring new hiking trails with my husband Evan and dog Covington along the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, sampling the newest wine selections at some of the area’s local vineyards, hosting Sunday suppers with our friends, or catching up on my book club reading.
emily king
based in charlottesville, virginia
meet
The gentleman on his favorite bourbon, pocket squares, and why he never leaves home without an umbrella.
Sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur nisi ut alia?
Known for: leather boots, a glass of wine every night, and endless, organized checklists.
MEET JOHN
hello there
Working behind the scenes to make dreams come true has been my passion for the last 10 years. It first began when I worked at Disney World and got to see the excitement of every kid (and sometimes their parents!) as they met their favorite characters and experienced the magic around them From there I moved onto UVA’s very own John Paul Jones Arena, planning corporate events, basketball games, and countless rock, country, and pop concerts, including the memorable A Concert for Charlottesville.
The absolute best part of being behind the scenes of a wedding is witnessing the sweet moments that most people don’t get to see. The hand squeeze before a father walks his daughter down the aisle, the teary mother adjusting her son’s boutonniere, and maybe my favorite, the look on the couple’s faces when they reach the end of the aisle after saying, “I do.”
I was born and raised in small town Ohio, but have fallen in love with Charlottesville since moving here in 2014. On non-event days, you can find me doing something inherently cozy, like snuggling with my two dogs (Loki Bear and Maisy Mouse), lighting a candle, drinking coffee, reading a book, or binging the Real Housewives of (insert any city you prefer). On the days my husband, Chris, convinces me to trade out my cozy socks for some heels, you can find me on the downtown mall, laughing with friends and drinking a spicy margarita.
I believe life, like weddings, should be a compilation of small, intimate moments paired with dance parties and celebrations with the people you love most.
alex carr
based in charlottesville, virginia
meet
The gentleman on his favorite bourbon, pocket squares, and why he never leaves home without an umbrella.
Sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur nisi ut alia?
Known for: leather boots, a glass of wine every night, and endless, organized checklists.
MEET JOHN
hello there
Since my birthday falls on Labor Day Weekend every year, and everyone seems to be out of town for their last summer hoorah, celebrations with family and friends have always been very important to me. Be it birthdays, graduations, holidays, showers, or weddings… I savor planning each detail and incorporating nods to each individual, hosts and guests alike, to create the true feeling of an event.
My mom owned a catering business when I was growing up, so I like to think that hospitality runs in my blood. Since those days of sitting on the kitchen counter as a little girl, I have helped plan and execute events in both corporate and non-profit settings between North Carolina and Virginia, including our very own University of Virginia, for over a decade.
Though I relocated to my hometown of Richmond in 2020, my husband and I visit Charlottesville frequently and love all that the area has to offer. I am an avid runner and enjoy cooking, traveling, and antiquing. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing in your journey to make your wedding weekend the most joyous, unforgettable experience of your lives.
emily rinehardt
based in richmond, virginia
meet
The gentleman on his favorite bourbon, pocket squares, and why he never leaves home without an umbrella.
Sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur nisi ut alia?
Known for: leather boots, a glass of wine every night, and endless, organized checklists.
MEET JOHN
hello there
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and emotional with the seemingly endless options (thank you Pinterest!), and the unsolicited advice that can come from everywhere. But with over 10 years of event experience in both corporate events and weddings, I will guide you through the process, so that it is fun, as stress-free as possible and easy.
When I’m not planning events, you'll find me at home with my husband Dan and our one year-old Fitz (short for Fitzpatrick) who keeps me on my toes! I also love going to UVA football, basketball and baseball games with my Dad (Wahoowa!). The first weekend of college football and March Madness are my favorite times of year. I’m fortunate enough that my family lives here in Charlottesville, so I get to spend a lot of time with my spunky niece Ava and adorable nephew Noah, to whom I am “Aunt Mo.” My husband Danny and I will visit a winery any chance we get, whether here or somewhere else in the world, as we like to think we know something about wine. One of my goals is to visit every major wine region in the world….sometime soon! We take every opportunity we can to travel and have loved our recent trips to Sonoma, Mexico, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Poland, Australia and New Zealand.
Oh and I love a good dance party. Once the wedding is underway, you can often find me standing in the corner of the room discreetly bopping to the music.
maureen mckenna
meet
based in charlottesville, virginia
Headshots by
jen fariello + rachel may
