We’re all ready to get back to orchestrating those in-person, live events that are the mainstay of our industry after a year of Covid calling the shots. But that doesn’t just happen by magic. Yes, vaccinations have begun and the numbers are looking more stable but it still has taken the power of industry organizations and some very dedicated individuals to lead the way. During the process, they’ve learned a whole new skill set that it takes to navigate governmental channels required to move us from one re-opening Phase to the next.
Since late Spring 2020, Washington State Wedding & Events Association (WSWEA) and it’s founding members have been leading the way to unify and advocate for the various sectors of the events and wedding industry. They’ve done an amazing job and deserve our recognition and applause for their commitment and thanks for the countless hours and energy they’ve devoted on our behalves.
You’re heroes in our book!
Re-Opening Status:
As of February 1, 2021, King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties are at Phase 2
For current guidelines, click here
WSWEA will be hosting a TOWN HALL meeting on Thursday, February 4th from 10-11:30am to go over this document, AND have our representative from the Governor’s office, Nick Streuli, join us for a portion of that call to answer your questions and to give some guidance as to what we can expect here moving forward!
Aaron Shook, CPCE
Perfect Storm Moments
rEvolve Hospitality Group
Ocean5 & Table 47
Aaron is Co-Owner of Perfect Storm Moments & rEvolve Hospitality Group with his wife Amy, as well as acting General Manager of Ocean5 & Table 47. With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Aaron is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the industry. Aaron is passionate about creating over-the-top moments, meaningful connections, and sustainable solutions for hospitality businesses.
Rebecca Grant
Owner
New Creations Wedding Design & Coordination
Rebecca is the owner of New Creations Wedding Design & Coordination based out of Kirkland, WA. She, along with her husband, are also the owners of Twin Willow Gardens Wedding venue based in Snohomish, WA.
Rebecca is considered one of the premier wedding planners in the greater Seattle area. She has been the Director of Wedding Network Seattle, and is currently serving on the WIPA Seattle board as Director of Membership and will soon be taking over the Vice President role. She has been featured on local networks such as King 5’s New Day NW, and From Ring to Veil and Get to Know Your Wedding Pro Podcasts.
She is known for her bold designs, rich textures, and colorful color palette in the weddings she helps design with her couples, and is Seattle’s only wedding planner who specializes in Asian and Pacific Islander weddings.
Holly Patton Olsen
Owner
Perfectly Posh Events
Holly executed over 300 events of varying size and scope, utilizing collaborative partnerships with vendors and clients. Passionate about logistics, business strategy, leading a team, creative projects and design. Solid project management and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task efficiently with keen attention to detail. Enjoys working effectively in a team or individually with a strong drive and a positive approach. Frequently interacts with a variety of people in high-stress situations while maintaining a calm demeanor, warm personality, and adjusting quickly to rapidly changing environments.
Kristen Wynne
Founder
Historic 1625 Weddings & Events
Kristen Wynne is the founder of Historic 1625 Weddings & Events: an award-winning venue in Tacoma. In 2005, Kristen and her husband Tim bought the 1940’s building that now houses Historic 1625. They immediately began a multi-year renovation to create the picturesque brick, slate and exposed-beam venue that it is today. Kristen opened the doors for business in December of 2011 and grew the business from 28 events in 2012 to 118 events in 2019. She credits Historic 1625’s success to their team’s commitment to exceptional customer service combined with the true elegance of the venue. Historic 1625’s list of awards is long and includes South Sound Magazine’s Best Event Venue 2020, South Sound Magazine’s Best Event Space + Wedding Venue 2019, Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Award 2015 -2020, Best of the Knot 2015-2020, and The Knot Hall of Fame. Kristen and her husband Tim are huge fans of Tacoma where they live with their two children and their Gordon Setter Zeus.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are honored to be part of a larger group advocating for our industry to unify the multitude of small businesses that rely on gatherings for their livelihoods. By the grace of God we will make it through this and come out better and stronger because of it.