Happy Wednesday everyone!

I’d love to introduce you to three lovely ladies. They’re absolute rockstars and are my tribe. They are the people who have been with me on the long days of this wedding season, seen the beautiful events, and have witnessed the aftermath of my car’s clutter at the end of the night. They’re also the people who then help me sort through it and put life back into balance.

These three, they’re the best.

When I originally started Ashton Events, I desperately wanted to keep it small. I have always loved offering my clients a boutique experience, and intentionality is of upmost importance to me. Several times over the past four years, I fought the idea of adding people to my team, worried about the effect it might have on my company. As I think back on it, the most ironic part of that struggle is that I have been on teams for 20+ years of my life. From soccer, to basketball, to tennis, I grew up with a deep appreciation for working with others. I’m fully aware of the significance of iron sharpening iron, and am so grateful for the beauty of sincere relationships. I thrive in teams. I love the dynamic, the give-and-take, the blend of talents.

For most of 2014, I’ve been challenged by peers, mentors, and fellow industry professionals to take that leap. I heard so many people say “You’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner!” After lots of prayer, and a whole lot of conversation, I did it! I took the plunge and hired this little lady.

Meet Sarahi:

My dearest friends describe me as transparent, adventurous and grounded. I love and live for genuine relationships!

My favorite way to celebrate is with a Coke Slurpee at hand relaxing with those whom are dear to my heart.

You’d be surprised to learn that English is my second language and I often read people’s lips because there are still words I often don’t understand (Mind blowing for some considering I’ve been in the US for 16 years)!

The sweetest memory from my wedding was when I realized all my family and closest friends had come out to celebrate us! We had people from all over the nation and the world!

On a perfect day, you’d find me having meaningful conversation with friends eating some great food. Something always good happens when those two are in the mix!

The best part of my job is watching the groom see his bride for the first time… His “heart is happy” and there’s not many times one encounters such genuine emotion, it makes my heart happy too!!!

I hired Sarahi back in July, and she is now helping with the non-visual logistics for our clients. She loves a good checklist and is a champ with problem-solving and making wise decisions. She may be pint-sized (she’s actually standing on the curb in the picture above), but she is great at taking charge and helping execute our timelines! She’s also the most conscientious person I’ve ever met, and is quick to encourage the people around her.

*Little known fact: when Sarahi is tired, she often falls back into speaking Spanish. Naturally, that has made event tear-downs far more entertaining. 🙂

In August, I knew I needed to add on a few more hands to help manage the flow of wedding season. I put out a call for Fall Interns, and these two sweet girls eagerly applied.

 Meet Georgia Lynn:

My dearest friends describe me as artistic, tall, down to earth, talented, and funny.

My favorite way to celebrate is sharing a slice of Black & Brew’s chocolate cake with my friends

You’d be surprised to learn that over the summer I drove across the country. My best friend and I drove from Kansas to California and back again, and then my sister and I drove from Kansas to Florida!

The sweetest moment at a wedding is seeing the way a couple cuts their cake. It’s so fun to see what they do, whether it is lovingly feeding it to each other or romantically smashing it in their faces. It says so much about the couple, and no matter what you can’t help but smile!

On a perfect day, you’d find me outside! From kayaking on the lake to writing in my journal, I love to be outdoors doing things.

If I could learn anything, I would love to learn to play the piano. I think it’s such a beautiful instrument.

The soundtrack of my life would have to include a little bit of everything! My music taste is all over the place. As a Kansas girl, I would have to have some country in there- definitely Eric Church! But I also would need a little bit of everything from Zoe Keating to Mayday Parade.

Georgia Lynn is from Kansas and is constantly looking for inspiration. She’s got a creative eye and is quick to appreciate the details.

Meet Anna Marie:

My dearest friends describe me as funny, giving, and the best dancer while driving a car.

My favorite way to celebrate is eating as many tacos with my friends as I can bear.

You’d be surprised to learn that I can solve a Rubix Cube in under 2 minutes! (I learned from Youtube, I’m not a genius.)

The sweetest moment at a wedding is when the bride and groom enter their reception. There is so much celebration and joy! And most of time by this point, everyone has relaxed a bit and you get to see more of the bride and groom’s personality.

On a perfect day, you’d find me eating good food and reading a good book, after being just showered and sitting outside somewhere (assuming I’m not in Florida.)

If I could learn anything, I would love to learn how to speak Tonga. It’s the main language of Zambia, where I’ve visited 3 times and am going back to this summer for three months. I would love being able to directly connect with people.

The soundtrack of my life would have to include “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners, “David Livingstone” by Jon Bryant, and my absolute favorite–Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland.

Anna Marie is our group-elected playlist maker. On road trips to site visits, or for our late night car rides post-event, Anna Marie keeps us entertained. She is a task master, and can get through a to-do list in record time.

I am so, so grateful for these three. They bring so much life & talent to Ashton Events! Will you help me out by giving them a round of applause? Trust me, they deserve it! I also owe a big thank you to Jordan Weiland for taking our pictures!

Have a wonderful evening!