A Circle of Support: Meet the Wife-and-Wife Team Behind Ovation Event Solutions
Most people don’t expect their event planner to have a background in Environmental Science or to have spent years as a Health Inspector and OSHA Compliance Officer. From inspecting commercial kitchens in Nashville to ensuring OSHA compliance at jobsites in North Carolina, I’ve spent my career obsessing over the details that keep people safe. Now, I’m bringing that same rigor to the world of celebrations.
At Ovation Event Solutions, we believe your milestone deserves more than just pretty decor—it deserves a Circle of Support. Whether it’s our commitment to featuring sustainable decor or our mission to provide a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, we’re here to prove that the most memorable events are the ones built on a foundation of integrity and care. For me, the transition from inspector to planner wasn’t a career change—it was a calling and continuation.
Ensuring Everyone Goes Home Happy & Whole
Before moving to the beautiful Piedmont region of North Carolina, I spent two years as an Environmental Health Specialist (i.e. a Health Inspector) for the Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Government. During that time, I everything from pools to schools and even prisons. I’ve audited complex HACCP plans for multi-level fine dineries and lectured local food truck operators on proper sanitation & hygiene to keep the public safe and healthy.
Working in the Food & Public Facilities Division, I saw it all. Roaches in dishwashing machines? Check. Roaches in water pitchers? Check. Roaches in fridges—you know what, I saw a lot of roaches. However, I realized the true “pest” was a lack of proper training and education—a gap I’m now dedicated to closing for my clients.
After my time in public health, I transitioned into a role as an OSHA Compliance Officer. For nearly two years, my job was to ensure that employees went home at the end of the day with the same amount of body parts they arrived with. It was a high-stakes environment where lapses in education and planning had a lasting impact on others.
Why does this matter for your wedding or gala? I understand risk. When I help you choose a caterer or vet a venue, I’m not just looking at the menu—I’m looking out for the safety of your guests. In the world of event planning, logistics can be chaotic. Tents need to be secured, electrical lines need to be safe, and vendors need to operate under professional standards. I want to take my high-level oversight and use it to consult and guide you through a stress-free event, rather than write up a citation.
The Heart of the Operation
While you’ll mostly see my face on the front lines, Ovation is a true wife-and-wife endeavor. My partner and co-owner, Elisha, is the steady hand behind the scenes. By day, she serves our community as a Breast Cancer Nurse, and that same spirit of advocacy and meticulous care is the heartbeat of our business. She has been my 50/50 partner in every sense—investing her heart, resources, and support to bring this vision to life. While I handle the logistics, she ensures our Circle of Care remains unbroken.
Our partnership is built on more than just shared resources; it’s built on shared history. Elisha and I made the move to Charlotte in 2024, drawn by the proximity to the mountains and the beach (though we are absolutely loving everything the Piedmont has to offer—minus those Palmetto bug-roach things! Miss me with those!). Both of us navigated the deeply personal and nerve-wracking experience of coming out within the last three years.
We officially became wives this past November 2025, and while it was the best day of our lives, I have to admit that the planning process wasn’t perfect. We encountered vendors who weren’t just unprofessional—they weren’t supportive of our celebration. We dealt with the fear, uncertainty, and disappointment that swells when the people you are paying to support you don’t actually support you.
That is why we prioritize our Circle of Support. We’ve been where you are. We’ve had the supportive families who stood by us and also the vendors who didn’t. At Ovation, our “Circle” is a safe space. We are here to support you no matter what, ensuring your vendors are as professional and inclusive as they are talented.
The Next Chapter: Education & Integrity
While my B.S. in Environmental Science gave me the technical foundation for sustainability, I believe in constant growth. I am currently enrolled in the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program at UNC Charlotte. I am bridging my years of hospitality-adjacent experience with formal training to ensure every “Ovation” we plan is technically perfect.
You’ll notice our decor is mostly plastic-free or re-used secondhand from DIY brides. That isn’t a trend; it’s an intentional choice. As an environmentalist, I can’t ignore the footprint of the event industry. By choosing specialty linens (like the ones arriving next week—yay!) and natural materials, we’re closing the loop on waste while opening the door to a higher standard of elegance.
Join the Circle
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate gala, or a milestone birthday, you deserve a team that sees the whole picture. From food safety and OSHA standards to inclusive, single-use plastic-free design—we’ve got you covered. We believe every event is worth a standing ovation. We’re so excited to bring a safer, greener, and more intentional way of celebrating to the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina Area. Let’s get started on a project together!