We take pride in your love
story at Essen, and specialize in making
your vision our priority.
Wedding planning is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve got your back. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the process. Let’s get a meeting on the calendar - we want to hear about your love story and vision for your wedding day!
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Our team is committed to celebrating diversity in the wedding industry and are fierce advocates for all of our clients to have the most important day - no matter what they look like, smell like, who they love, or what they believe. We love you.
As the owner + lead designer at Essen, Hailey has been smitten with planning weddings since preschool. Seriously, when she was 4 years old, she made her mom bring her back to preschool one night so she could marry her then, "true love". Long story short, he never showed - so they went to get a Dairy Queen treat instead. Currently, her days are filled with inspiration when she gets to meet with clients and hear about their engagements. There’s truly nothing more fulfilling than seeing couples through the engagement process from the moment they says "yes", to the moment they say “I do”.
Hailey is well-versed in going with the flow of an event, and is a strong believer in Michael Scott’s rules of business - adapt, react, readapt, apt. IYKYK. She is committed to your big day going off without a hitch, so that you can get hitched. But in all seriousness, Hailey wants to make all of your pinterest wedding day dreams come true before your eyes.
Melya Owens - Lead Coordinator
Melya is such a gem. She brings the party when she shows up for the day! She graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth with Management & Marketing and is now a Project Manager. She plays in adult softball and volleyball leagues in her free time, and is the designated DJ for all private events.
Melya’s favorite part of a wedding day timeline is making connections with the clients and providing a great event for them. She gets the warm fuzzies seeing smiles on their faces when the event is completed, which is always the biggest accomplishment!
Nicole Brennan - Lead Coordinator
Nicole is a true natural when it comes to events and marketing. She’s got a background to take seriously and is passionate about serving our clients, to see their special days come to life and make beautiful memories with all their close people. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in management and marketing. When she’s not working, she loves to designate time to get outdoors, go boating and golfing, and improve her photography skills!
She loves how each wedding is so uniquely beautiful, and loves getting to be surrounded by people who share the same desire to bring visions to life and create memorable experiences for the couple on their special day!
Ali Hohertz - Event Assistant
Ali is an events pro. With a background in Elementary Education and Children’s Ministries (kid events are a whole different kind of creative planning!) She can tackle any stressful situation with a smile on her face, and somehow make it fun at the same time. She is also a mom of three little girls. The craziest / weirdest thing she’s ever done is model in a rooftop fashion show in Malta while studying abroad.
Ali’s favorite part of a wedding day timeline is sending you down the aisle to get married! There is so much emotion built up in that moment, nerves, relief and above all things so much joy and love. Plus she ALWAYS gets goosebumps when it’s time to fluff the big train!
Victoria Hartzog - Event Assistant
Victoria has a creative spirit. She is a romantic at heart and is avid romance book reader, you will most likely find her nose in a book. She works in finance by day and loves to let her creativity run wild at night, whether that’s writing, baking or finding a home project to take on. A fun fact, she’s lived in 6 different states (all within the Midwest).
Victoria’s favorite part of a wedding day is the walk down the aisle. It’s such a special and beautiful moment, especially watching the couple’s emotions as they walk towards each other. The joy and emotion of brining two people together in marriage is what the day is all about!
Jackie Nguyen - Event Assistant
Jackie is the true meaning of an animal lover. She currently has a dog, kitten, and two guinea pigs. It fits, because she is so sweet + nurturing. Her favorite season of the year is Summer - with her top favorite activities being things to do outside: farmer’s markets + hosting bonfires.
Jackie’s favorite part of a wedding day is all in the details. Seeing all the thought + work that has gone into preparing for the big day fall into place to create the perfect atmosphere for such a special occasion with all of your most important people.
All photos on this page taken by The Byes Photo. We love them, and you should too. <3