Visitor Information Center
112 South Street SE, Suite 200
Leesburg, VA 20175
800-752-6118 | 703-771-2170
Speakers:
Keynote: Megan Garmers – The Wedding Masterclass
As a business and marketing consultant with experience spanning 27 years in multiple industries internationally, Megan's experience and network in the wedding/events, tech, beauty and fashion industries provide a unique understanding of what strategies solidify the best ROI for your target audience. The Wedding Masterclass produces events around the world dedicated to empowering wedding professionals by providing them with the connections, opportunities and insights needed to thrive. These events include Passport (the only US-based destination wedding conference), State of the Wedding Industry (local B2B networking events), Masterminds, and FAM trips for wedding professionals, both traditional FAM trips as well as ones focusing on creative editorial photo shoot production for marketing and promotion. Megan also coaches a select group of professionals to expand and optimize their businesses to scale, create online courses, speak at conferences, and identify new streams of revenue for long-term entrepreneurial success and passive income for years to come.
John Howard – A2Z Music Factory
John Howard, aka DJ John, has spent more than 30 years building unforgettable events as the founder of A2Z Music Factory in Sterling, Virginia, guided by the motto “Turn your event into an unforgettable experience.” He founded A2Z in 1994 at age 16, later blending his background in IT and business with his passion for entertainment to elevate the event experience. Known for customized playlists, seamless MC hosting, and state-of-the-art sound, his team delivers everything from elegant ceremonies to high-energy celebrations, complemented by luxurious draping and lighting. True to its name, A2Z offers comprehensive, white-glove service that makes the planning process simple and enjoyable from start to finish. John’s work and expertise have been featured in Washingtonian, Virginia Living, Arlington magazines, and The Washington Post. A respected industry leader and former president of the local American Disc Jockey Association chapter, John now leads a preferred DMV vendor known for effortless execution and memorable special touches.
Becca Mai – Wed 2 You
Becca Mai is a seasoned wedding industry professional with over a decade of experience crafting unforgettable celebrations for all humans. Her journey began in hospitality and has since evolved into a mission to champion true inclusivity, accessibility, and safe spaces for everyone. Beyond planning, Becca empowers wedding professionals by streamlining, automating, and organizing their businesses through the implementation of standard operating procedures. With mentorship, tool integration, and custom workflows, she helps elevate wedding businesses to new heights of success. A passionate advocate for diversity and adaptability, Becca combines her expertise as a wedding planner and business strategist with her lived experience managing multiple sclerosis. She is redefining what it means to create a truly inclusive and welcoming environment within the luxury wedding industry.
Jennifer Morris – J. Morris Flowers
Jennifer Morris is a master floral designer and the founder of J. Morris Flowers, a wedding and retail floral studio based in the heart of historic Leesburg, Virginia. J. Morris Flowers serves the greater D.C. area with exquisite collections of floral designs for all occasions and produces over 250 events annually with a team of 22 dedicated employees. What sets Jennifer apart is her people-first business philosophy. The mission of J. Morris Flowers is clear: service over sales, people over profits. Jennifer is committed to creating an exceptional experience for every customer and employee, while delivering the highest quality products and service. J. Morris Flowers has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Washingtonian Weddings, Munaluchi Bride, Virginia Weddings, and The Washington Post. In addition to running the business, Jennifer teaches floral design classes for both professionals and hobbyists through her school J. Morris Academy, and she is set to launch a comprehensive floral business course in 2026. Jennifer is a graduate of the Floral Design Institute and holds a B.A. in French from Albion College.
Veronica Reilly – White Dress Black Tie
At 16, Veronica officially entered the industry when she began working at Leesburg Bridal in her hometown of Leesburg, Virginia, where she learned client service, inventory management, purchasing, daily operations, and what it meant to truly serve people and run a business with care. Veronica then earned her degree in Business Management with a concentration in Hospitality and Events from George Mason University. After marrying her husband and welcoming their first child, she launched White Dress Black Tie, which has grown into a leading wedding-planning company with a team of 16 planners and produces around 200 weddings each year across Northern Virginia and beyond. Under Veronica’s leadership, the company is known for exceptional service, strong relationships, and seamless guest experiences. In 2023, Veronica and her husband expanded into venue management, now proudly manage eight venues, overseeing operations and guest experience across multiple event sites. Today, with her planning company, venue, and event management, Veronica has her hands in roughly 500 weddings each year.
Laura Weber – Stone Tower Winery
Lauren grew up in Roanoke, VA, and attended Radford University, where she received a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing. Following graduation, she attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received a Masters of Communication with a concentration in advertising and public relations. As fun and energetic as the event industry itself, Lauren was a perfect addition to the Stone Tower Winery events team in the Fall of 2015. Known lovingly around the winery as Lo, her positive attitude, problem (and riddle) solving skills, and ability to flip the ballroom in under 30 minutes make her an essential part of the Stone Tower family. In 2021, Lauren took on the role of Director of Events and has spent the past few years expanding the team and department. She loves the personal connections and creative outlet that the events industry brings!
David O. Weinschel – Celebrations Catering & Bluemont Station
David O. Weinschel is a hospitality industry professional with over 40 years experience, a reputation for excellence, and a mentor of co-workers and colleagues. He believes that the success of his business is elevated by their corporate culture which embracing the background and heritage that each associate brings to their position. When co-workers feel welcome and appreciated, they will provide an award-winning guest experience. David was educated in South Florida earning a multi-faceted degree in travel, tourism, culinary arts, and hotel operations. He has a passion for international travel and meeting people from around the globe. In this, he has enjoyed firsthand experiences and cultural insight which he has incorporated to his business and homelife and proudly shares with friends and business associates. David is a long-time resident of Northern Virginia, where his joy comes from raising his son and spending time with family and friends. Professionally, it is here he built the ever-emerging Celebrations Hospitality, Inc. which owns and operates the renowned Celebrations Catering Company, Bluemont Station Winery and Brewery, The Farm Tavern Restaurant and Whitehall Estate & Country Inn in the Loudoun countryside.
Maddy Williams – Maddy Williams Photography
Maddy Williams Photography is a fine art wedding photographer and Loudoun County native based out of Northern Virginia. With over a decade of experience, her work focuses on vibrant, film-inspired portraits that balance the composed with the candid. She's been named a top wedding vendor by Washingtonian Weddings since 2023, and her work has been featured in People, Southern Living, Style Me Pretty and more.
Katie Barchas Wilson – The Market Group
Katie Barchas Wilson is a seasoned marketing strategist, event planner, and brand consultant with over 13 years of experience helping businesses and professionals elevate their visibility and impact. Her expertise spans a wide range of event types, from brand launches and grand openings to intimate weddings and community-driven initiatives. As the founder of The Market Group, Inc., she collaborates with event professionals, venues, and destinations to craft tailored strategies that build stronger client relationships, enhance brand storytelling, and create unforgettable moments. Known for her sharp insights, creative problem-solving, and results-driven approach, Katie is passionate about helping her clients turn their vision into reality with confidence and clarity. Her ability to integrate digital marketing, loyalty programs, and content strategy into event planning ensures her clients stand out in competitive markets. Whether leading dynamic campaigns for high-profile clients like Tuskies Restaurant Group, Loudoun Times-Mirror, and The National Conference Center, or coaching businesses to refine their messaging, Katie is committed to delivering impactful results that elevate her clients' brands and businesses.
Joan Wolford – Savoir Fare Catering and C’est Bon
Joan Wolford has over 30 years of event planning and fine culinary experience. Joan moved from New Jersey when she was awarded a position at the Heart in Hand in Clifton, Virginia. It was there that she fell in love with the great hospitality and cuisine of the South. Joan left the Heart in Hand in 1986 to launch her own dream—the Hamilton Garden Inn, a fine dining restaurant and bed and breakfast in Hamilton, Virginia. Joan’s dear friend and loyal patron of the Hamilton Garden Inn, Mr. Gus Eyssell often expressed to Joan after his dinner that she had “such Savoir Faire.” In 1997, Joan decided to start her new catering company, Savoir Fare and opened its new commercial kitchen and today caters to many couples throughout Northern Virginia.
Kawania H. Wooten – Howerton+Wooten Events & The Enlightened Creative
Kawania H. Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skill to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and the Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality industry includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner. Kawania strives for professionalism, creativity and impeccable organization within every function planned by Howerton+Wooten Events. She is an adjunct professor in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts Department at Prince Georges Community College. Kawania has authored nine wedding planning guidebooks. She is currently working on book #10. Her advice has been featured in major publications, such as the New York Times, New York Post, Refinery 29, Wall Street Journal, EBONY, Headline News, Martha Stewart, and ESSENCE magazine. She holds a Bachelors degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, and she participated in the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program.
