Meet Rachel

Rachel’s planned everything from mega-celebrity events to intimate family weddings and knows how to make each everything you want it to be. Her favorite events are one that make someone’s dream come true (especially if there’s cake involved!). She knows the best-kept secrets in Hawaii and Florida, and she’ll share her secrets so that you get just want you want without the crowds.

10 Fun Things About Rachel

1. I am a total dog lover but I am obsessed with one breed in particular… Bichon Frise’s. I have no idea why, I’ve just always liked them a lot. It started when I was a little girl (about 10) and I saw one in a pet shop (I know, don’t buy from pet shops!) and begged my mom to let me have her. Since then my whole family has only had Bichon’s. And no more pet shops. We get our pets from rescue organizations.
2. My husband and I met through my hair dresser. I was getting my hair done and complaining about not finding any good guys and she said, “I know a perfect guy for you but unfortunately he is dating somebody right now.” Luckily about 3 weeks later that relationship ended and my hairdresser set us up on a blind date (that she actually attended as well) at Tortilla West in Norfolk. We hit it off and the rest is history!
3. I have a 3 year old son who keeps me hopping. Before having kids there were so many things that I said “I will never do when I have kids”. Never drive a minivan, never let them drink soda, never let them sleep in my bed, etc. The list goes on! I can say, I have done all of the above and then some!
4. I will only go in water that I can see my feet. I am a picky gal when it comes to beaches. I have been fortunate enough to visit some pretty incredible beaches. It now scares me out to go in water that I can’t see my feet.
5. When I was attending college in Florida, my parents lived in Hawaii so I got to spend all of my college breaks and summers in Hawaii. THAT WAS THE LIFE!
6. I was a color guard gal in high school and college! Yes, I was in the marching band. It was a lot of fun, especially in college at the big games.
7. I worked in Disney World for a semester in college at Epcot. I got to show people future products that IBM created. I still can’t believe that was my job because I’m not a “techie” person at all but I loved getting to learn the behind the scenes at such a magical place!
8. My dad was a Navy Diver so as a child, I moved around quite a bit and got to see and experience some cool stuff. I’ve lived in California twice, Virginia twice, Florida twice, and visited Hawaii quite often!
9. I took 6-7 years of piano lessons when I was a child and haven’t played for years. I really want to learn again!
10. I have a total sweet tooth. And yes, it gets me in trouble!

Meet Karen

Karen’s cheerful personality can make the most stressful moments serene, and she’s our resident bridal gown expert. Taffeta or tulle, she can repair it with her tool bag of tricks. She’ll help you get glowing for the big day with her skincare expertise, and can give you tips on all the best local wine to source for your wedding.

10 Fun Facts About Karen

1. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. Living 30 minutes outside DC I had some pretty cool field trips!
2. Parents retired from 30+ year government careers and moved from the suburbs to purchase a 10-acre property in Charlottesville, VA. They are loving a more relaxed, community based lifestyle in the mountains! I love visiting and checking out the countless wineries in the fall.
3. Many people are surprised to learn I was a competitive cheerleader for 9 years. I loved it! We travelled the country year-round competing and won several National Championships.
4. I legitimately love cleaning and organizing. Instant gratification.
5. My brother is in the Peace Corps, living in a small rural village in Cambodia. I recently visited him and met his host family there (who speaks NO English). It was quite the experience! I got to see how he has been living the past year and a half, and how he has been making a difference in their community as a public health volunteer.
6. I could live on Chipotle, sushi, and Italian food.
7. A year after I graduated from Old Dominion, two friends and I left our jobs, friends, and family to move to Charleston, SC. With no jobs lined up and not knowing a soul who lived there, it was quite the leap! We stayed there just under two years and loved it!
8. Apart from Emily Weddings, I get to help men and women get great skin with my Rodan + Fields business I began in 2015. It is one of the most empowering, fun and positive influences in my life.
9. Before I moved to Charleston, I worked at Maya Couture Bridal Salon in Norfolk helping brides find their dream wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos. As well as being an associate for Emily Weddings, I now work at Priveé Bride of Ghent, also under House of Maya. I have a passion for styling brides in the most breath-taking and elegant attire to match their unique taste and personality. Helping a woman feel her absolute best for her wedding day is beyond rewarding and I truly LOVE what I do!
10. Emily Weddings is unlike any of team of women I have been a part of. Each of us bring a different skill-set and personality to the group dynamic. We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and work seamlessly together towards the same goal- to make the couple’s day exactly how they imagined it to be.

Meet Kate

Kate is an artist at heart and brings an artistic touch to everything she does at Emily Weddings. She’s equally skilled with a makeup brush or a paintbrush, and will probably (definitely!) tear up during your wedding (thank goodness for waterproof mascara!).

10 Fun Things About Kate

1. I wear my heart on my sleeve and will sob at the mention of an emotional story
2. I am a proud Navy wife!
3. I hate- HATE- the word “treat”
4. I have been a designer from a very young age and have experience in everything from photography to cosmetics to interior design.
5. I am currently in the beginning stages of renovating a home with my husband! We are first time DIY’ers and are having a blast learning as we go!
6. I have had the same close-knit group of girlfriends throughout my entire life.
7. My wedding started an hour late because my husband was helping at the scene of a serious car accident that took place in front of our venue. Our story was printed in three different newspapers, and was even broadcasted on the local news!
8. I grew up in a quaint town in the “quiet corner” of Connecticut where my parents still live and are active members of the community
9. I was never very organized until later in life. These days, I have become the go-to gal for organizational advice!
10. I turned down a managerial position with a high-end cosmetic company to begin an unpaid internship with Emily Weddings. It was hands down the best decision of my life!

*Bonus fun fact- Donnie Wahlberg (New Kids On The Block) made out with Kate…We can’t make this stuff up! #covergirl

Meet Brittney

Brittney is the go-to gal at Emily Weddings for all things beach related. She’s loved weddings her whole life, and she especially loves marriage. Getting to orchestrate the details of a wedding so that a couple can focus on what matters most makes her heart sing with joy.

10 Fun Things About Brittney

1. I was the first girl born in over 100 years on my father’s side of the family. I am rocking blue jean overalls in my newborn pictures because of this!
2. I have the nickname “Ace” because I was born at 11:11am on 11/1/83 (8+3=11) and was the first grandchild on both sides of my family.
3. I had jaw surgery when I was a teen and have 3 metal plates and screws in my face. I think cartilage may have been removed from the tip of my nose during surgery because it is now hollow and feels like a clown nose if you squeeze it! Weird!!
4. I can fold my tongue into what looks like a 3 leaf clover.
5. I met my husband when I was a teen and married him young. We have been having a blast doing married life together for over 10 years! We have 2 awesome boys who were both the exact same weight when they were born. 6lbs 14oz.
6. I love black licorice. I will buy the bags of black jelly beans at Easter and love Good and Plentys! I always have candy in my bag on event days! :o)
7. I have traced my family back to living in Virginia Beach (Princess Anne County) to the early 1800’s. I love genealogy, learning about my ancestors and thinking about how they lived life! I am definitely an “old soul.” Antiquing is a hobby of mine.
8. Summer is my favorite season; the beach is in my blood! Besides our local beaches I grew up spending my summers on the beaches of the Outer Banks, NC. My husband and I enjoy exploring with our boys and teaching them the ways of the watermen. We are also a bit obsessed with searching for sharks teeth and sea glass; our collection is getting quite big! If you get to know me well, you will find out that I have a major love for all things coastal.
9. I love arts and crafts. I usually have more than one project going on at a time and love learning and trying new things. I especially love refinishing furniture. I would love to learn the art of stained glass next.
10. Home renovation is a major passion of mine. I love breathing new life into homes!