The team
The people in the room when it matters most.
Shawna Jackson, Lauren, Aly, Kaylee, Vanessa, Fiona and Marissa — the planners, coordinators and bartenders who stay with you from yes to I do.
Owner & Planner
Shawna Jackson
I'm Shawna Jackson, the owner and lead planner behind Savvy Southern Events. I entered the wedding industry at just 18 and launched SSE in 2018. Weddings have been my world ever since.
I'm your planner, problem solver, professional hype girl and fierce advocate, all in one. Elevated service with a little Southern sass — every detail handled, so you can actually enjoy the day. And at 6 feet tall, I've been known to fix an arch, adjust a veil or swoop in and save the day without needing a ladder.
Outside of weddings, my favorite roles are being a wife and mom to three amazing kids. I love traveling, family adventures, shopping, and cheering my kids on from the sidelines. Stay in the SSE family long enough and you may meet my husband, Zachary — our unofficial last-minute wedding superhero.
This isn't just about planning beautiful weddings. It's about an experience where you feel celebrated, cared for, and completely confident from yes to I do.
Lead Coordinator
Lauren
Lauren has been part of the Savvy Southern Events family for five years, bringing a love of weddings, fashion and unforgettable celebrations to every couple she works with.
When she isn't making wedding-day magic with SSE, she is at Lacy Bridal as a bridal stylist, helping brides find the dress. From the gown to the grand exit, the wedding industry is her world. She is also a certified bartender — because coordinating weddings and styling brides apparently wasn't enough.
Outside of weddings, her favorite role is mama to her two girls. She loves dancing, shopping, getting dressed up and heading off on an adventure — especially when that adventure involves Fredericksburg.
Equal parts bridal expert, wedding-day problem solver, professional hype girl and fun-loving Texas girl. If there is a wedding happening, a dance floor calling, a boutique to shop or a Fredericksburg weekend being planned, Lauren is already there.
Assistant Coordinator and Office Manager
Aly
A longtime service-industry professional, Aly has spent the past three years bringing her experience and passion for hospitality into the wedding and events world. Her fun-loving personality keeps the energy light and everyone enjoying the moment, while her calm, attentive approach ensures unexpected moments stay small and stress-free.
Aly is also bilingual in English and Spanish, helping couples and their families feel comfortable, understood, and cared for throughout the planning process. She loves connecting with people, bringing creative ideas to life, and thoughtfully executing each couple's unique vision.
Wedding Coordinator
Kaylee
Kaylee's love for creativity began at a young age while working alongside her mother, who owned a wall mural and faux-finishing business. With more than 12 years of customer service experience, she has worked in a variety of industries, including sales, hospitality, food service, and banking.
Her creative background, eye for detail, and natural ability to understand others make her a wonderful Wedding Coordinator. She loves helping couples bring their unique visions to life while ensuring every detail is thoughtfully handled and their wedding day feels seamless and memorable.
When she isn't coordinating beautiful celebrations, Kaylee enjoys painting, building new things, and spending time with the people she loves. Above all, her favorite and most meaningful role is being a mom!
Lead Bartender
Vanessa
By day, Vanessa works full-time in clinical oncology research and has proudly spent 14 years in the medical field. Outside of work, she is a wife and mom of two, ages 8 and 18. Most weekends, you'll find her cheering loudly from the sidelines at her son's games!
When she isn't in the bleachers, Vanessa loves spending time with her family and friends—and she is always up for just about anything! As one of our Lead Bartenders, she loves meeting new people, celebrating life's sweetest moments, and helping make each couple's wedding day even more memorable.
Vanessa brings a warm, friendly, and positive energy behind the bar while keeping the drinks flowing and ensuring our couples and their guests are having the absolute best time!
Lead Bartender
Fiona
You'll usually find Fiona behind the bar keeping the drinks flowing and the celebration going, but you may also see her assisting our team on wedding days. She has been in the events industry for several years and truly loves learning everything she can while continuing to grow within the wedding world.
Outside of events, Fiona is a proud mama to her five-year-old daughter and a newlywed herself! Her warm, loving personality and firsthand understanding of the wedding experience help her connect with our couples and make every celebration feel extra special.
Assistant Coordinator and Bartender
Marissa
Marissa is the newest member of the Savvy Southern Events team, assisting our coordinators on wedding days and working behind the bar.
Work with us
Let's Get You On The Calendar.
Tell us your date and where you are in the process, and we'll match you with the right level of support.
Plan Your Celebration