The Team
Get to know the team behind the scenes of the most iconic and memorable weddings & spaces in the south.
Our services are set apart by the wealth of diversity in our team. While we hold training and processes in high regard, we also cherish the varied perspectives that each team member contributes.
Alexis Nelson
Alexis Nelson is a milkshake loving travel enthusiast who speaks French and dons a capsule wardrobe that belongs on Pinterest. She’s an advocate for positivity and living every moment to the fullest. She has grit and determination and it shows in the full and happy life she lives.
She has a combo of experience in the hospitality and legal industries. She maintains laser focus on the timeline and details of the day, while providing the support and encouragement that every couple deserves.
When she’s not making wedding dreams come true, you can find her leading the cheering section at the little league field for one of her 3 children. She and her husband love making memories together, most of which Lexy documents on camera.
Ashley Brien
Ashley can find a solution to any problem. With more than 12 years of customer service experience, she calmly faces every challenge with positivity and grace.
She's an LSU graduate and has extensive leadership training that builds upon her natural ability to lead. She has in depth experience as a liability and performance consultant and speaks fondly of her season in the corporate world.
Ashley is married to Clark, her best friend and fellow foodie. She’s an animal lover and a self-proclaimed homebody. Yet, she’s always up for a good time and we find her the life of the party! She is stylish and witty and makes her minivan seem like a corvette. Really, she’ll make you think minivans are that cool.
Amélie is focused, hard-working and reliable mixed perfectly with her contagious positivity and love for life.
Amélie has worked with venues and vendors across New Orleans and the Northshore and has established a reputation as a top wedding professional. Amélie is an LSU grad with a BS in Education.
Amélie’s couples have noted her stellar work ethic and how that makes things swing in her favor when obstacles arise. She's cool under pressure, finds joy in anything, commands the room, and organizes like a true boss.
In addition to being a published designer, planner, and coordinator, Amélie serves as our YouTube strategist. She is the mastermind behind the development, production, and editing of our YouTube show.
Amelie Pizza
Maria Gomila
Maria is that calming voice that can stay cool under even the highest levels of pressure. She’s a registered nurse, with experience in both surgery and trauma. If that doesn’t convince you of her poise, she’s also successfully raised two children … into adulthood!
And even with those serious accomplishments, Maria Gomila doesn’t take life too seriously! She’s fun to be around, quick to laugh, easy to open up to. She also knows all the good NOLA shortcuts, and can park her pickup truck like it's a Fiat! She starts her days with coffee and ends them with a good book, skipping TV altogether!
She’s that peaceful presence you want standing next to you right before you walk down the aisle. It’s her favorite part of the day, and she’ll make sure you’re 100% present for it!
She’s also down for saving your dress and/or shoes in a flood … not that we expect that to happen twice … ask her about it!
Lizzie Frederick
Lizzie is the one you want by your side. She is remarkably calm, detail-oriented, and adaptable, will make your day stress-free, and anticipates all of your needs.
Lizzie was formerly a producer for CNN, working under pressure every day. She left to explore her interests in hospitality, planning, and event management in both NYC and Nashville. She continues to pull from those experiences as well as her vast field of resources. In 2023, she negotiated our first destination wedding and is a brand ambassador for us in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and wherever her travels take her.
On her time off, you’ll catch her reading the latest romance in the backyard, taking walks with her husband, or being the best aunt ever to her niblings. She loves immersing herself in carnival season and will gladly hop on a Mardi Gras float any chance she gets.
Lizzie has an easy smile and a warm heart that will immediately welcome you (and your guests) in. She gently takes charge and makes room for the joy she wants every couple to feel on their day.
Natalie Atkinson
She's super organized, relaxed, experienced, good-hearted, and FUN to be around. She loves new people and appreciates unique styles and tastes.
When’s she not hustling to make couples’ wedding dreams come true, she’s playing with her son, hanging with her girlfriends, or sippin’ wine on the back porch with her hubby.
Natalie has worked in the service industry since she was 17 - as a server, bartender, expediter, hostess, and floor manager. She knows the ins and outs of every position in this field. She can also mix any drink you can think of! Combine that experience with her 10+ years working in commercial property and general liability insurance and you’ve got a uniquely qualified wedding planner and coordinator.
Laura Rogan
Pastry chef, wife, mother of three (terrific children), fearless Girl Scout leader and role model, retailer, and wedding guru. Now, we’ve scratched the surface of Laura’s colorful and rich life! She’s the perfect mix of detail-oriented and fun-loving. If you’re looking for a coordinator that’s hard-working, conscientious, and down for a good time, she’s your girl!
At happy hour she will ask to see the cocktail menu, but will always order a Jameson & Ginger. On a day off you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her kids, or having dinner at a new restaurant with her husband. Really, ask her if you need a NOLA restaurant recommendation.
We know you’ll love Laura’s self-assured and easy personality from the day you meet her, but even more on wedding day!
Tori Heier
She’ll give you her unwavering support and all the grit needed to make your day happen the way you’ve dreamed. Tori has a contagious and fun-loving spirit that makes work feel like play and challenges feel like adventures.
She is a teacher by day, coordinator by night, break and weekend! She holds a BS in Education from OLHC. Tori's newly married and knows personally how to help you fully experience your wedding day.
When she is not coordinating or teaching, you’ll most likely find Tori at Tiger Stadium, on the St. Charles Parade route or waltzing down Main Street at Disney! She’s a true Louisiana girl with a love for the Big Easy.
She has a caring and energetic spirit, but if you need her to clear Jackson Square, refocus unruly groomsmen, or find your runaway ring pup she’s here for that too!
Brianne Dees
Her warm smile and easy disposition will put you at ease within a few minutes of meeting. And then her can-do spirit will quickly begin to lift the stress from your shoulders.
Brianne is a reliable and hard-working leader that can confidently take the reins to execute your wedding day.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the SLU and has training in leadership and PR. She maintains high levels of positivity, dedication, organization, and care for each of her clients.
She’s a wife and proud mama to two beautiful babies. She relishes in their company and never misses a chance to sneak in a family walk or mini-vacay. But if she’s going big, you’ll find her at a beach resort, fresh lime margarita in hand.
Brianne is also a total sucker for a great party. Her gentle directness will guarantee that your wedding day is just that…. A GREAT PARTY!
Jeny Himel
Jeny has worked in New Orleans hospitality most of her adult life, and therefore knows ALL the best spots, all the best chefs, and all the best venues for all the things! She’s uber-organized, sees a problem arising from a mile away, and knows just what to do to ease a worried mind.
20 years ago she married the love of her life (destination wedding BTW) and together they share a beautiful, smart amazing daughter. Jeny loves throwing a good party, is a certified travel agent, and evens holds down a tax accounting business. In her spare time, she’s probably hanging out by her pool with a good book in hand.
Jeny’s smile is contagious and her positivity will rub off on anyone! Also, she can sew … and that comes in clutch on wedding day. She’s a hard worker, dependable, and such a joy to have on our team. Getting her on your team will be one of the best decisions you’ll make for your wedding day, we know it!
Naomi Hill
Naomi is loyal, outgoing, funny, and can anticipate others’ needs like no one else. She’s always one step ahead of problems and navigates them with ease and grace. Plus, she’s forever coming in clutch with the comic relief!
Naomi is a graduate of James Madison University, where she earned a BS in Public Administration and a MsED in Human Resource Management/Adult Education. In her 9-5, she consults on HR with a team across North America. Then she brings all that expertise to her wedding clients as a Lead Wedding Coordinator.
Being on Naomi’s team is a total joy for us, and we know you’ll love having her on your team as well. She’ll cherish the chance to bring your vision to life, and you won’t be able to wipe off the smiles she brings to your face!
Twana Hayes
She’s off the charts on intuitiveness and can quickly pick up on the most subtle cues. It’s like a superpower and one that every wedding desperately needs! You’ve heard of mother’s intuition, Twana has that, but we like to say that Twana is the mother of intuition! (see what we did there).
If you’re looking for a coordinator with a warm welcoming presence that will instantly put you at ease, hire Twana … like yesterday, you can thank us later! She brings all the smarts and organization and throws a little fun in as lagniappe.
Twana attended Florida A & M and is a certified doula. She has experience in healthcare, hospitality, wedding planning, and education and is even an ordained wedding officiant. But if you ask her what she’s proud of she’ll tell you about riding all the rollercoasters at Universal this past year!
On a day off you’ll find Twana spending time with her family, gardening, reading a new book, or getting a little yoga in. She’s easy-going and aligned just like her routines and interests. In a world full of worry, Twana can instantly make you feel grounded and free of all the stress
Torie Barberio
We’re going to let you in on a little secret about Torie, she thrives under pressure. You’ll probably never get to see that because she prepares and anticipates problems so well. She is positive and solution-focused in even the most complex situations.
She has been with UC since 2017 and has accomplished some pretty fun things since she started. Of those, we must note her work as a Bellhop in Disney’s Tower of Terror. Ask her for a pic in uniform! She has a B.A. from LSU in public relations and experience in sales, customer service, leadership, and events.
Torie loves nature, a good workout, and relaxing with a book or a spa martini …but maybe not all simultaneously!
If you’re looking for someone to orchestrate all of the moving parts on your wedding day, without breaking a sweat, she’s got you covered. Torie is routined, disciplined, and well ya know a boss. But the first thing you’ll notice about her is her kind, welcoming energy. She's the real deal!
Nicole Smith
Every timeline, vendor contract, and logistical aspect is thoroughly scrutinized and flawlessly executed under Nicole’s watchful eye. We rely on her logical thinking, calm demeanor, and resilient outlook in the most stressful situations.
She is no stranger to hard work, earning her first paycheck at her parent's hardware store as a young teen. She’s worked in events, community management, customer service, and as a teacher. She holds a bachelor's from the University of Central Florida.
Nicole finds immense joy in her role as a wife and mother to three wonderful daughters. On her well-deserved days off, you can often find her by the poolside, creating cherished memories and enjoying quality time with her family.
When there is just one chance to get the job done right, you want a coordinator with innate intuition, refined skills, and an invested interest in your day. You’ll find that with Nicole and so much more! She’s a natural wedding coordinator, and one we feel downright lucky to have.
Kaycie Guillot
Kaycie has the natural intuition and leadership that you simply must have in a wedding coordinator. She confidently makes decisions that line up with her careful research of her client’s wants and needs. We seriously appreciate her organization and her eye for design, and how she’s always down to roll up her sleeves and get the job done!
Kaycie has a bachelor's degree from Southeastern and most recently has worked as a teacher and wedding coordinator. She and her husband just rebuilt a home and are enjoying all the fun of making it their own. Kaycie is a hostess at heart and is the happiest when she is throwing parties and events. Though she’ll still take a few lazy weekends complete with hot coffee and cozy sweatpants!
She has a background in dance and theater and it shapes her careful attention to the production of the wedding day. Kaycie sees all the details and makes certain that the vision comes to life. From the setup of the venue to the choreography of the exit, she doesn’t miss a beat (dance pun intended). Let Kaycie handle all the details, you'll be so relieved that you did!
Meryl Cusimano
She doesn’t sit down. Like maybe never. Meryl is a powerhouse that manages this chill happy-go-lucky vibe while also holding down endless detail in perfect order. She sees the big picture and instinctively understands how to put all the integral pieces in order.
Meryl’s coffee comes before anything! She savors it on her porch alongside her dogs. She’s a newlywed to her husband Eric and they had an epic NOLA wedding! It was complete with a 610 Stomper performance where Meryl stole the show by knowing ALL the choreography.
Meryl holds two undergraduate degrees plus a Master’s of Public Health. She credits both her parents for instilling her work ethic. “They've worked so hard to give me and my brothers great lives, all while doing things they love.”
She knows what you need, sometimes before you know it! We love that she is up for anything and someone we can always rely on. Get this ray of sunshine on your wedding team, we bet its one of your best wedding planning decisions.
Brookelyn Sweeney
Brookelyn lights up a room. She’s bubbly, fun and good to be around and at the same time is highly organized, quick-thinking, and hard-working. She's a former collegiate athlete, so you can imagine the level of work ethic we are talking about! She anticipates what’s next and joyfully keeps everything running smoothly.
Brookelyn has a bachelor’s degree from Young Harris College in Business Administration. She’s an early riser, always making time for coffee and playing with her Golden Retriever Nash. Plus she loves to cook and is a sucker for a new recipe, much to the pleasure of her husband!
She’s an animal lover and has a soft spot for finding every animal a loving home. She has all the kindness and compassion you want in a wedding coordinator coupled with a determination to make sure your vision comes to life. Her clients love that she takes all the pressure off of them while maintaining her natural relaxed and calm demeanor. You’re going to love having this woman in your corner!
Mary Grace Burkes-Gambill
Cheerfulness and kindness flow through Mary Grace and spill over to everyone around her. She’s fun, loving, and intuitively helpful. And along with that light-hearted spirit is a strategizing achiever that can untangle even the most complex problems.
She holds a B.A. in Industrial Design from ULL and has experience in sales, marketing, leadership development, design, and event planning.
In her spare time, you’ll find her playing with her 3 adopted pups or relaxing with her husband by the pool, margarita on the rocks in hand. She loves painting, sunshine, and Sunday naps!
She'll be your biggest cheerleader while effortlessly implementing your unique plans. Vendors love and trust her ability to organize and time the day to the minute. She's a natural, and we're pretty certain you'll say she was the best decision you made in planning your wedding!
Brie Dey
The thing about Brie is that you can trust her with anything. She’s dependable, uber-organized and one of the best listeners on our team. She is solution focused and has that crazy ability to help others find their own answers without telling them what to do! And she manages to throw in a good dose of fun alongside ALL that!
She has been with UC since 2020 and has worked across the city and the Northshore in just about every venue out there. Brie holds a master's degree in counseling and experience in psychology, retail, service, sales, and events. Well-rounded may be the understatement of the year here!
On a day off you’ll find Brie working on a good DIY house project, spending time with her husband and son, and winding down over a glass of Pinot. If experience, trust, dependability, flexibility, and fun are on your wedding coordinator must-have list, Brie is the one!
Lisa Long
Lisa is intentional but adaptable, fierce but bubbly, adventurous but disciplined, and that versatility is dynamite as a wedding coordinator. She is exceptionally skillful in executing a project from start to finish while gracefully managing all the moving parts and people involved.
On a day off, you can find Lisa reading for hours in a local coffee shop, or exploring New Orleans as if it's her first day living in the city (although she is a local). She enjoys spending quality time with her husband by watching old movies with their pets, running races with her father, and baking pastries, cakes, and sweets for her family and friends.
Lisa attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and graduated with honors with a BA in Film and Television Production and a double minor in Women's Studies and Creative Writing. In addition to coordinating weddings, Lisa uses her flexible leadership skills as a 1st Assistant Camera in the New Orleans film industry.
She is constantly preparing for any circumstance that might happen. She gives clear direction and quickly gains the trust of the professionals around her. Lisa is a strong and reliable member of our team who takes on challenges without hesitation. It would be hard to find anyone better suited to coordinate your wedding, all biases aside!
Lia Antonetti
If hard-working, diligent, and calming are on your list for the ideal coordinator, look no further! Lia has 15 years of hospitality experience and most recently worked as a chief stewardess on superyachts. She also has a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations.
She makes her bed every morning, rollerblades, and loves a good spicy margarita. She longs for warm days on the sea but is also down for a lazy Sunday ... sleeping in, brunch with friends, a good home magazine, or a long walk with her pup. Lia’s a big animal lover and has volunteered with many shelters and rescues over the years. #adoptdontshop
She’ll enjoy making your day just as you’ve dreamed. Plus she has every skill in her wheelhouse to guarantee it happens with ease. She’s warm, approachable, joyful, and ready to stand by you on one of the biggest days of your life. What can we say, we think she’s pretty great.
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During the actual wedding weekend, everything seems so seamless and I know that's because of all of her work in making sure it felt that way.
-cassidy s
Natalie was the best wedding coordinator I ever could've dreamed of!
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-JESS H
Ashely was our Lead Coordinator with Laura, and they both went above and beyond to make sure the day went smoothly.
I am here to tell you to HIRE UNCOMMON CAMELLIA!!
“
100% RECOMMEND
-Kate B
Booking with Alexis was the BEST decision I made for my wedding. If I could give her 100 Starts I would.Alexis and Brie allowed me to fully enjoy my day, they thought of things I didn’t and made sure everything ran flawlessly!
“
-rACHEL L
my wedding went perfectly!
I had Heather and Brie as my planners. When there was a problem they took care of it right away...I couldn't recommend them enough. I don't know whay I would have done without them.
“
Hiring Maria Gomila from Uncommon Camellia to be our day of coordinator was HANDS DOWN the best decision we made for our wedding.
We were able to feel totally at ease, and enjoy our big day with absolutely zero worries...
-JESS H
“
Amelie and Krystle were absolutely wonderful!!
-Nicole
We planned the wedding from California and they made it absolutely beautiful. Amelie was so helpful and wonderful during the planning process and she made our stress non existent.
Our work environment is one of encouragement, and one that nurtures the need to live, to learn, and to feel valued and significant. We require comprehensive internal certification that includes initial and continued training, extensive experience, mentorship, tested skill competency, and ongoing support. We pool our knowledge, expertise and experience to bring the highest level of service to our clients within a positive and encouraging culture.
Uncommon Camellia provides wedding design, planning and coordination through qualified and vetted contractors who have completed our internal training program. As a prospective client, you have complete access to a bio about each of our team members (above) as well as team member qualifications. Before booking, you’ll have a no obligation consultation with your Lead Coordinator or Lead Planner. This is the person that will work with you directly from booking through the wedding day. We want you to have the chance to get to know that person before booking. You can rest assured knowing that your UC team member is trained in our uniform processes, has access and competency in utilizing our trademarked tools, and is thoroughly supported to provide the same level of professionalism and excellence that we deliver to every one of our clients.
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A professional team to back up the promise
of a seamless wedding experience
You’re hiring a team of seasoned professionals, with more than 20 Lead Coordinators, 5 Planner/Designers, and another 20 Assistant Coordinators. We spread the workload intentionally so that your wedding gets the attention it deserves. We know that many wedding professionals burn out due to the high pressure environment and predominantly weekend work. But our strategy protects you and our team from those problems.
Just ask your other vendors, they’ll attest to our standards of professionalism, ethics, and care for our clients.
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