Discussion Leaders

• Vogue.com Weddings Editor and CEO & Founder, Over The Moon
• vogue.com
• overthemoon.com

Alexandra Macon is the founder of the e-commerce platform and wedding and baby registry Over The Moon and the weddings editor at Vogue.com. She began her career at Ralph Lauren before landing an editorial assistantship at Vogue then went on to work at Domino and Interview magazine but eventually returned to Condé Nast to help lead the launch of Vogue.com in 2010 as the site’s managing editor, a position that she held for seven years. During that time she also started Vogue Weddings and Over The Moon—a curated online shopping destination that carries over 400+ brands across the RTW, bridal, jewelry and accessories, kitchenware, homeware, and children’s and baby categories. Over The Moon also specializes in exclusive product collaborations and capsule collections. In April of 2021, the site’s universal registry, which marries practical utilitarian capabilities with a high touch experience, launched. And most recently, in November of 2024, the company opened its first brick and mortar in Macon’s hometown of Charleston, SC.

• Wedding Dress Designer, Hayley Paige
• hayleypaige.com

Hayley Paige is a celebrated American bridal designer and TV personality known for her whimsical, romantic, and modern wedding gowns, which blend playful elegance with innovative craftsmanship. She has dressed more than 10,000 brides and high-profile names including Dove Cameron, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carrie Underwood, earning recognition from Vogue as one of the top luxury designers. After a landmark legal battle where she reclaimed her name, brand, and digital identity, Hayley relaunched back into bridal in September 2025 with her signature sparkle (and some shoes to match through her bold and elegant brand, She Is Cheval). She is also the founder of A Girl You Might Know Foundation, further extending her impact beyond fashion. Hayley is dedicated to amplifying young female voices, championing creativity, and encouraging women to pursue their dreams with confidence and individuality.

• CEO | Creative Director, Mark Ingram Atelier
• markingramatelier.com

Upon graduating from the prestigious NYU with a business degree, Mark Ingram’s fashion career began at the legendary Fifth Avenue specialty stores Bonwit Teller and Bergdorf Goodman. As a young merchandising executive at these venerable institutions in the early 80’s, Mark was exposed to the world’s top designers and arbiters of style. By 1986, Mark had embarked on a successful wholesale career in New York’s garment center, securing merchandising and sales management positions with designer and luxury goods manufacturers. In 1995, he joined the renowned bridal house Amsale as National Bridal Sales Director. In this role, Mark traveled to the best couture bridal stores, meeting brides-to-be nationwide. All of this helped prepare him to realize the dream of opening Mark Ingram Atelier in 2002, which now celebrated over twenty years as a premiere bridal retailer in New York City.

In 2018, Mr. Ingram established his own namesake collection, ‘Mark Ingram Bride,’ as a response to hearing firsthand the gowns that his customers were missing the most. The collection is inspired by a devout appreciation for chic, quality, and impeccable design, sold at his Flagship Atelier in New York City and esteemed bridal retailers both nationally and internationally.

• Co-Founder and Creative Director, Easton Porter Group
• eastonevents.com

As the creative force and co-founder of Easton Porter Group (EPG), a luxury hospitality company, Lynn Easton provides strategic vision and a well-honed stylistic eye on all elements of design and presentation for its highly acclaimed properties, including the celebrated Easton Events. The EPG portfolio is most recognized for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Zero George Hotel and Cannon Green; and its exponential growth landed it a spot on the 2015 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

Whether orchestrating elegant destination weddings for Easton Events or layering texture and patina in the boutique hotels, restaurants, wineries and event venues run by Easton Porter Group, Lynn is an inspired innovator and detail-driven design expert. Her background in television production in New York City lends itself well to event production across the globe, as every Lynn Easton project, property or marquee occasion showcases her intuitive sense of stage setting and classic but fresh design.

Lynn’s reputation for “high-touch” events and impeccable attention to detail is why Easton Events is regularly found on “best of” top planner lists by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings. Easton Events’ discreet client list includes individuals listed on Forbes 100, Grammy winners, Oscar winners and an array of lifestyle influencers.

Lynn divides her time between her residences in Charlottesville, VA and Charleston, SC.

• Owner | Creative Director, Todd Events
• toddevents.com

Todd Fiscus is the fearless leader and creative director behind all Todd brand companies – Todd Events, Party! Dallas, and Avant Garden and now, co-founder of PILLARS of Production. His 30+ years of experience in the industry include full scale event production, floral design, hospitality sales and management, culinary art, interior design and consulting, restaurant design and ownership, event space and logistical consulting, and more. At the heart of each of his endeavors is the desire to make others feel the joy and zest for life that he does – through beautiful experiences that thoughtfully bring people together. No one has the ability like Todd to pair “personal” with “pretty” in a way that makes everyone feel special, seen, and celebrated!

• Founder, Michelle Rago Destinations
• michelleragodestinations.com

Michelle Rago is a global entertaining expert and founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, known for producing weddings and events for some of the world’s most discerning clients—including billionaires, athletes, and celebrities such as Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz. Over the past two decades, she has partnered with the world’s most prestigious hotels, from Claridge’s in London to Belmond and the Maybourne Hotel Group, and is recognized as one of Belmond’s top global event collaborators. Her work is defined by taste, perfection, and sophistication, with events that seamlessly combine intimacy, detail, and atmosphere.Featured in Vogue (among other top-tier publications) and listed in Over The Moon’s Top Wedding Planner Registry, Michelle Rago Destinations balances immersive scouting, rigorous production, and design continuity across every moment—from welcome gatherings to ceremony, dinner, and late-night revelry.

Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in hustle, creativity and talent. At 14, she earned her first working permits in New Jersey, babysitting, selling crabs door-to-door, and later working in a candy shop and pizza shop. Encouraged by her mother, an early proponent for women in business, and inspired by her grandfather, an artist, Michelle pursued creative ventures that blended discipline and imagination. She launched her career with flowers, opening a floral studio in New York that caught the eye of Darcy Miller, who featured her in Martha Stewart Weddings and helped propel her into the spotlight.

From there, Michelle cut her teeth in catering and honed her expertise in hospitality at the iconic Hotel Macklowe in Midtown Manhattan. In 2004, she produced her first breakout wedding on Harbour Island, cementing her place on the global stage. She later published Signature Weddings: Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own with Penguin, offering readers a glimpse into her philosophy of crafting unforgettable experiences.

Today, Michelle is based in Lambertville, New Jersey, an antiques-rich enclave near Bucks County, where she designed her home with London-based interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan. She continues to travel extensively—recently to London and Peru, with Mexico ahead—drawing inspiration from the world’s most atmospheric hotels and destinations. With a career spanning florals, catering, luxury hotels, and high-profile events, Michelle brings a uniquely layered perspective to the art of entertaining, making her one of the foremost voices in the global events industry.

• Founder | Chief Creative Officer, Rafanelli Events
• rafanellievents.com

Bryan Rafanelli is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rafanelli Events, a globally recognized leader in event planning and experiential design. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has built a reputation for creating events that are both visually stunning and deeply personal—balancing creativity with strategic precision.

Under his leadership, Rafanelli Events has produced some of the most high-profile celebrations in the world, from weddings and brand launches to state dinners at the White House and major sporting events. Whether crafting an intimate destination wedding or an immersive hospitality experience, Bryan and his team are known for delivering seamless, detail-driven events that leave a lasting impression.

His work has been featured in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and he is widely regarded as one of the top event planners in the world. Clients turn to him not just for exceptional execution, but for the sense of meaning that he brings to each event.

Beyond production, Bryan is a respected entrepreneur and thought leader. He has grown Rafanelli Events into a firm that merges bold design with business intelligence, helping clients strengthen their brands, engage their audiences, and amplify their impact. His holistic approach—rooted in collaboration, intention, and innovation—continues to shape the future of experiential design.

• Founder, JZ Events
• jzevents.com

Named best of the best by Harper’s Bazaar and VOGUE, Jennifer didn’t always know she wanted to be a wedding planner. While studying at Cornell’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration, she fell in love with the art of hospitality. After graduation, Jennifer headed to California, swiftly rising through the ranksat iconic luxury brands The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. After becoming one of the youngest staff members to lead events—she knew she had found her passion.

Jennifer headed back to NYC where she co-founded boutique planning company, The Wedding Library, leading their events division for a decade, before launching the eponymous JZ Events in 2011. Methodical about the planning process, each event is a creative collaboration between clients and vendors, bringing their vision to life with flawless execution.

JZE marries Jennifer’s love for design, fashion, and travel with her solid business acumen and exquisite taste. JZE has planned hundreds of events in some of the most stunning destinations around the world, including Hawaii, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and England. Whether an intimate gathering for 10 or a grand celebration for 500, Jennifer knows precisely who to tap to carry out your exact vision.

Jennifer’s work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings and Over The Moon. She is best known for executing events for high-profile clientele, including Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s New Orleans nuptials. Jennifer is based in New York City with her family.

• Director, Weddings & Family Content, People Magazine

Emily Strohm has more than a decade of experience in print and digital news, with a focus on entertainment, pop culture and Weddings. She joined the PEOPLE team in New York City in 2012 and currently serves as the Senior Weddings Editor.

During her tenure with PEOPLE, she has held various writing and editing roles in lifestyle and entertainment, and has authored 40 cover stories for the magazine. In Oct. 2022, she launched PEOPLE’s Wedding initiative and currently leads the vertical’s print and digital coverage, which includes high-profile celebrity weddings, industry trends and viral content.

• Managing Partner, Master Connection Associates
• masterconnection.com

They call her The Radical Mentor for a reason. Cindy Novotny never stops. She says it like it is, and through the ups and downs of the ever-changing hospitality and events business, she has remained a light of positivity, helping hundreds of people not only survive but thrive.

Founder of Master Connection Associates, Cindy is an icon in the global hospitality and travel industry. Her expertise spans leadership, sales, and customer service excellence. Known as “a force to be reckoned with,” she brings energy, passion, and humor to every stage, captivating audiences with real-world insights and actionable takeaways.

Cindy’s impact extends far beyond hospitality, with experience in luxury hotels, automotive, real estate, and events. Her ability to connect across industries has made her one of the most sought-after voices in performance-driven leadership.

Having traveled more than 10 million miles, Cindy truly embodies the “road warrior” spirit. She’s worked with executives worldwide to sharpen focus, elevate team performance, and deliver exceptional service and sales results. She often says “I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning” because every new flight means another opportunity to inspire excellence.

Her second book “My Secret to Stamina” will be published in April!

• Co-Founder, H Three Events
• hthreeevents.com
• hughhowser.com

Hugh was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and has now established himself as the city’s premier event designer and lifestyle expert. With his distinctive eye for detail and boundless creative energy, Hugh takes his clients’ wildest dreams from imagination to reality while laughing the entire time.

While firmly established as Nashville’s go-to expert for events and weddings for A-list celebrities that include actress Nicole Kidman, and country superstars Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Wynonna Judd, Kenny Rogers, and Kings of Leon Rocker Nathan Followill. Hugh has been featured across the country on CBS, CMT, ABC TV, PEOPLE MAGAZINE, INSTYLE MAGAZINE, USA TODAY, VOGUE, HARPER’S BAZAAR and BRIDES offering his unique, fun approach as a Lifestyle Expert with his trademark style & sense of humor distinctively branded “Hughlarious”!

After graduating Belmont University, he initially worked at WTVF-TV NewsChannel 5 in Nashville on their daytime talk show “Talk of the Town”, and then eventually partnered with music industry power broker Anita Hogin to form H Three Events in 2007.

H Three Events is now composed of himself and Kate Steele. Hugh’s witty attention to design and Kate’s logistic expertise enable them to produce events and weddings world-wide with glowing reviews. “She pays the bills, and I decorate…. It’s a marriage to me!” – Hugh

When he’s not in a ballroom or a destination, you can always catch Hugh in a comedy club, podcast, or speaking engagement. He has teamed up with comedian Leanne Morgan, Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine…he’ll have you in the floor. Follow him @HughHowser on Instagram, you’ll see!

• PHOTOGRAPHER, CORBIN GURKIN PHOTOGRAPHY
• corbingurkin.com

• OWNER | LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER, LE RÊVE FILMS
• LEREVEFILMS.COM

• Founder | CEO, The Freeda Network
• joinfreeda.com

For nearly two decades, Anja Winikka has been at the forefront of both the consumer and business sides of the wedding industry. From 2006 to 2016, she helped pioneer the online wedding world as editor of TheKnot.com, speaking to millions of engaged couples and shaping how an entire generation planned their weddings. She later turned her focus to the business side of the aisle—creating education programs and workshops to help wedding professionals grow, innovate, and thrive. In 2019, AdWeek named her “The Knot’s Chief Innovator” for her work connecting thousands of local businesses to a social-savvy audience.

In 2021, Anja co-founded Maroo, a Y Combinator–backed payments platform built for the events industry, onboarding more than 7,000 wedding businesses within its first year.

In January 2024, she launched the Freeda Network (JoinFreeda.com)—a private, invite-only business network for established wedding brands and creative entrepreneurs serving high-net-worth clients. Freeda matches members into highly curated small groups that meet monthly for strategic, behind-closed-doors conversations, supported by expert-led business and finance classes and in-person gatherings around the country. Built for ambitious, seasoned creatives, Freeda is the trusted inner circle for those who want to connect, grow, and lead the industry forward.

• Engage! Co-Founder
• engagesummits.com

Kathryn Arce brings over 30 years of innovation and flawless event execution to her roles as Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits and Managing Director of Engaging Concepts.

Through her work with Engaging Concepts, Kathryn has successfully developed campaigns and global initiatives in the luxury wedding and honeymoon space for brand names such as The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Palace Resorts, Harley-Davidson, the Kessler Collection, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.

In 2008, she became the Co-Founder of Engage!, which came to life to better serve the global luxury wedding and event community through unmatched summits, experiences, and retreats. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” these events bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate and be inspired to take their successful businesses and, in turn, the wedding industry to the next level. Since inception, all 40 events have been sellouts with guests coming from 45 states and 30 countries, generating an unprecedented 45 million social media impressions and counting.

Kathryn began her career as a Wedding Event Manager for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, where she personally planned and executed hundreds of weddings and related events. With an unyielding penchant for phenomenal customer service, Kathryn was instrumental in developing the early high standards of service Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is known for today. She then stepped away from the wonderful world of weddings and was the Manager of Guest Services for the flagship Disney Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City where she facilitated all VIP Programs & Events. While living in NYC, Kathryn also worked with renowned wedding and special event planner Marcy Blum on the highest-profile weddings and events of the era, including Billy Joel & Katie Lee, Donald & Melania Trump, basketball legend Horace Grant, famed novelist, Tom Clancy, and more.

Kathryn has penned numerous articles on destination weddings and honeymoons which have been published in travel magazines throughout the US and Caribbean. She has produced events and live remotes for The TODAY Show, CBS’s The Early Show and “LIVE with Regis & Kathie Lee.” She was also named a BIZBASH Event Innovator Most Innovative People in Events and Meetings.

Known as a logistical maverick, Kathryn’s second-to-none grace of leadership and extensive guest service training paired with vast real-world wedding and event planning experience make her an invaluable resource for clients looking to “raise the bar” of their wedding programs.

She resides in Florida where her husband and two daughters have become respected members of Team Engage!

• Engage! Co-Founder
• engagesummits.com

Rebecca Grinnals is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the business of weddings & honeymoons. She is the Founder and President of wedding and honeymoon industry consulting firm, Engaging Concepts and Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits.

Engaging Concepts is known for successfully-positioning global brands in the wedding and destination wedding industry. The company boasts a lifetime client list that includes The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Palace Resorts, Harley-Davidson, the Kessler Collection, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.

Through Rebecca’s tenure at Engaging Concepts, Engage! Summits was born to bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate, and take the wedding industry to the next level. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” all 40 summits, experiences and retreats have been sellouts with guests coming from 45 states and 35 countries, generating an unprecedented 50 million social media impressions and counting.

Named as a BIZBASH Event Innovator: Most Innovative People in Events & Meetings, Rebecca is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, and business trend expert. She has been a featured guest on CBS’ “The Early Show,” CNN, Entertainment Tonight, CNBC and hundreds of other national and international television and radio programs. She’s been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, Forbes, Brides, and many more. And she has produced wedding events and remotes for, among others, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The TODAY Show” and “Good Morning America.”

Prior to creating Engaging Concepts, Rebecca Co-Founded Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons for The Walt Disney Company, and spent ten years developing the concept into an unprecedented success. She directed the complete branding strategy, development and implementation of the program, building it into almost a $100 million per year business for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney Cruise Line. These efforts resulted in over 20,000 weddings and the coveted status for Disney as the # 1 Domestic Honeymoon Destination.

With a home base in Central Florida, today the Engage! family is exactly that. Fifteen years into Engage!, Rebecca’s two daughters have grown up with the company and the legacy of these wedding initiatives is now multi-generational.