MEET OUR TEAM

 

We’re story tellers. We’re passionate list makers and .GIF senders. We laugh often and hustle hard. We’re delighted to cultivate relationships between clients and vendors to produce a spectacular and memorable experience that’s unique to you. We wear many hats but above all, our goal is to make the wedding planning process just as memorable as your wedding day itself.

 

SHAUNA KARVER // CEO

I’m one of those rare Portland natives. Not a transplant, a true Oregonian. I get my greatest inspiration and clarity when surrounded by nature. Oregon and the Pacific Northwest have so many breathtakingly beautiful views - truly hidden gems.  My greatest joy is sharing these hidden gems with our couples and marrying their personalities and styles with our stunning surroundings.

My husband and I live just outside of Portland in wine country with our two little boys, and our golden retriever. We love spending our time outdoors in Central Oregon or on the Willamette River. I’m an avid skier on both land and water which makes Portland so perfect - you can be on the mountain in the morning and on the river in the afternoon… and I’ve been known to do just that.

I’m a people person - I love building relationships and earning trust. Wedding planning involves attention to detail, a keen eye for design, a listening ear, and a sense of humor (did I mention we don’t take ourselves too seriously?). But in all seriousness, at the end of each event day, I feel so humbled and honored to play such a small role in the biggest day of your lives. I’ll cherish witnessing your joy for all of my days.

 

 
 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TEAM

Sabrina J29 Headshot

SABRINA PETERS // EXECUTIVE EVENT PRODUCER

Growing up in a large Italian family in the San Francisco Bay Area, I've always had a deep appreciation for gatherings of any kind. Whether it's a loud family dinner, a 50th-anniversary party, or a 400-person wedding, I love any excuse to bring those you love together. 

I've worked in the Portland advertising scene for the last 10 years, with experience ranging from brand and media strategy to corporate event planning. 

I enjoy every stage of the event planning process. One of my greatest passions is bringing someone's vision to life. I've learned that no idea or detail is too crazy or out of reach. With a little bit of charm and a whole lot of hustle, anything is possible. 

When I'm not at a wedding, you'll find me walking with family to one of our favorite Portland breakfast joints. 

 
 
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NICOLE COYNE // SENIOR PRODUCER

I've always loved creating great experiences. I'm a planner in all aspects of my life, extremely organized, and dedicated to making events as flawless and beautiful as can be. 

Originally from Los Angeles, I made my way to the University of Oregon. During my time in college, I fell in love with the PNW and moved to Portland after graduating where I now live with my husband and our two cats. 

My career has been in corporate and office events, but when I started planning my own wedding, I quickly realized that I love weddings. I was honored to join the J29 Events team in 2018 to work alongside such a creative and fun group of ladies and to be part of so many beautiful events. 

When I'm not planning and creating, you can find me binge-watching Friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring all that the PNW has to offer.

 
 
Liz J29 Headshot

ELIZABETH MCCOY - TIDLAND // SENIOR PRODUCER

Originally, I am from Southern California and come from a very large family which is where my love for hosting gatherings started. After graduating from Arizona State where I went to play water polo, I knew that I wanted to be in San Francisco absorbing and learning how to combine two of my biggest passions: helping people and events which is how I ended up at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I have always loved wedding planning since planning my own in 2013.

I continued my journey after moving to the PNW with my husband, and our border collie, Murphy, in 2014 where I was working in corporate event production. Seeing a vision come to life brings me great joy. I am extremely organized, almost to a fault.

In my free time, I am baking with my daughter, checking out local food trucks, and continuously exploring the PNW.

 
 

LOIS DITOMMASO // SENIOR PRODUCER

My love for celebration is almost certainly genetic given my mother is from a large Jewish- American family and my father is an accomplished Italian jazz musician. I have always enjoyed diving into the unique details of planning a special event. The tiny, personal touches that speak to the hearts of those being celebrated.

I studied Design and Merchandising at Drexel University in Philadelphia and then worked in the Fashion Industry in Los Angeles for several years. Working for large apparel companies allowed me to be a part of the organization, teamwork, and determination it takes to bring design concepts to life daily. I now live amongst the coastal redwoods of Northern California with my partner, son, and dog, Little Guy. I worked locally in interior design for 5 years. In this work, I learned that my passion is driven by the joy my hard work inevitably brings to my clients. Human connection fuels me.

Sitting down with a cup of coffee, starting with a basic inspirational concept and letting my imagination take me away on a wild ride to the final destination; Event Day. There is no greater thrill. Add to that the people, the love, the laughs, and the memories, and I can honestly say, “ I am living the dream.”

When I am not creating, you will find me exploring the endless, untouched beauty of the North Coast through the magic of my four-year-old’s imaginative eyes. At home, breaking a sweat with my boo Cody Rigsby or at the local cafe treating myself to a much deserved “Mom-latte.”

 

SADIE PETERSEN // LEAD PRODUCER

I spent my growing up years in central Oregon but eventually moved to the valley to attend college at Oregon State University where I studied interior design and met my husband. We stayed in the valley after graduation and started our family; we have four amazing kids!

I love old movies, unique old houses, learning about history, finding a deal, the outdoors, and my family. We recently moved to an older home on some property and I cannot wait to use my background in design to make the space feel like us… I look forward to gardening and eventually plan to get chickens and bees! I’m proud to be a part of this rockstar company!