At Ash Events, our interns are more than just extra hands on a wedding day, they are an essential part of the team and the heart behind the magic. From long setup days and last-minute problem solving to creative brainstorming and unforgettable celebrations, each intern leaves their mark on our company. We caught up with former Ash Events interns to see where they are now, reflect on their favorite memories, and hear how their time with Ash Events helped shape their paths beyond the wedding world.

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Cameron Jones

School: Clemson University
Current Role: Student

Favorite Wedding: Carlyn & Reed
Favorite Venue: Wachesaw Plantation

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
After a long office day, the team visited The Dressing Room to try on gowns, learn about dress styles, practice bustling, and film social media content. It was a fun, refreshing break and a great bonding experience.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Becca learned so many skills during her internship that she still uses today, including design skills on Canva through client design boards, creating real-time social media content, and professionally communicating with clients and vendors. She’s carried these skills with her into both her academic and professional career as she continues her time at Clemson and prepared for her future.

Fun Fact: Cameron is one of our 2027 brides!!!

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Becca Alper

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Social Media & Event Coordinator, Backal Hospitality Group

Favorite Wedding: Emily & Corey at Lowndes Grove
Favorite Venue: Lowndes Grove

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Working for Ash Events completely introduced Becca to the events and hospitality industry. She would have never had experience or even interest in this field if she hadn’t worked with Ashley. Becca shares she learned so much about marketing, pre-event planning, and on-site details, which has allowed her to excel in her current role.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry:
You have to have 100% interest and passion for this type of work and truly care about pleasing your clients. If you don’t have the drive to make your clients’ visions come to life, it can lead to burnout or dissatisfaction. That said, it’s an extremely rewarding industry, and seeing a client happy with their event is an amazing feeling.

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Paige Pfau

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Events Coordinator, The Post Oak Hotel

Favorite Wedding: Hannah & Chase
Favorite Venue: Caledonia

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
One of Paige’s favorite parts of working with Ash Events was getting to learn from Ashley. She is so passionate about Ash Events and works incredibly hard, which was inspiring to watch and learn from.

Fun Fact: Paige is now back working with Ash Events as a full time employee!

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Olivia Sweatt

School: Columbia International University
Current Role: 5th Grade Teacher & Wedding Coordinator

Favorite Venue: Brookgreen Gardens

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
One unforgettable moment involved Olivia noticing a horse lying down in a barn during a wedding setup. After alerting the owner, it was discovered the horse was seriously ill and needed immediate veterinary care. Olivia jokingly—but proudly—credits herself with saving a horse’s life.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Stay calm, be firm, and control the chaos. As a teacher, she uses these skills every single day — especially the “control the chaos” part.

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Sara Boufford

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Room Operations Manager, Marriott International

Favorite Wedding: Joy & Chad
Favorite Venue: Atalaya Castle

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
Sara’s favorite part of working at Ash Events were all the girls she met along the way. She still stays in contact and will always have something special in common from their time together.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry:
Always ask questions. You’re not meant to know everything, and someone around you will always have the answer. Stay true to yourself and always smile.

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Mary Muldoon

School: College of Charleston
Current Role: Job Searching

Favorite Wedding: Olivia & Dennis
Favorite Venue: Lowndes Grove

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
One of her favorite memories was participating in a styled shoot at Lowndes Grove in 2022. It was so fun creating dream scenes — from the dress and tablescape to florals, invitations, live painting, and accessories. Everyone involved had a great time, and the day was filled with laughter, snacks, and creativity. Seeing the final results was incredibly rewarding.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Her favorite part of working with Ash Events was the incredible group of women on the team. Ashley is the most understanding and encouraging boss, and every person was trusted, included, and valued. Being part of such a supportive environment taught her confidence and collaboration.

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Ny’quajhia White

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Event Decorator

Favorite Wedding: A fun outdoor wedding featuring an ice cream truck
Favorite Venue: Brookgreen Gardens

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Ny’quajhia learned to always arrive earlier than her clients to ensure everything is ready when they arrive. Time management is everything in this industry, and that lesson has stuck with her.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry:
Build a solid team you can trust, network often, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your willingness to learn will open so many doors.

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Kaitlyn Wargo

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Catering & Events Manager, AC Hotel CLT Center City & Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo

Favorite Wedding: Dani & Eric
Favorite Venue: Caledonia or The Pelican Inn

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Ashley taught her everything she knows about the wedding industry. Kaitlyn learned to always know the timeline, stay one step ahead, handle any issues quickly and discreetly, and be mindful of cameras at all times.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry:
Be willing to wear many hats. No task is beneath or above you — it’s demanding work, but incredibly rewarding.

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Sarah Elaine Hawkinson

School: Clemson University
Current Role: Director of Development, Hospitality & Outreach | Performer | Business Owner

Favorite Venue: Boone Hall

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
Behind-the-scenes moments with the Ash Events team and the strong bonds built while working together.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Ash Events prepared Sarah for her nonprofit role by teaching meticulous organization, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Although her events aren’t weddings, they require the same level of detail and care.

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Alex Ilkhani

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Owner, AJ Social | Owner, Alexandra Joy Photography | Senior Bridal Consultant

Favorite Wedding: Chelsea & Clark at Caledonia
Favorite Venue: Caledonia & Wachesaw Plantation

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
Attending a white party in Charleston with Ash Events after a busy season of weddings.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Professionalism, client care, and executing seamless event days.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry:
You have to truly love this industry — passion and patience are essential.

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Jamie Liberatore

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Server

Favorite Wedding: Ursula & Zach
Favorite Venue: Wachesaw Plantation

Favorite Memory from Ash Events:
Participating in a wedding dress fashion show during her internship.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Organization, time management, and building Google websites.

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Serenity Silva

School: Coastal Carolina University | University of Florida (Graduate Studies)
Current Role: Bartender & Social Media Manager

Favorite Wedding: The wedding where she got to hand out Taco Bell on the dance floor!
Favorite Venue: Brookgreen Gardens

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Her time at Ash Events prepared Serenity for both her Master’s program and her social media roles by strengthening content creation skills and understanding of digital storytelling.

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Mandy Palmer

School: Coastal Carolina University
Current Role: Marketing Coordinator at The Market Common | Homefed Corporation

Favorite Wedding: Shelby & Justin
Favorite Venue: Pelican Inn or Pawleys Plantation

Favorite Memory from Ash Events: Getting to light the Brookgreen Gardens Tree with the whole team. Bonding with the entire crew was always so fun and memorable.

Skills or Lessons Still Used Today:
Ashley taught her that every problem has a solution. Instead of going into panic mode, she is now able to stay calm and problem solve, a mindset she carries with her every day thanks to Ash Events.

Advice for Someone Entering the Industry: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Keeping ideas fresh and innovative is what creates viral and show stopping moments.

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Watching our interns grow beyond their time at Ash Events is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Each of these journeys is a reminder that the skills learned, friendships formed, and moments shared during an internship can last far beyond the wedding day. We’re endlessly proud of every former intern and grateful to have played a small role in where they are today. Once an Ash Events intern, always part of the Ash Events family!!!