Say to Our Crew
THE TEAM
"I Do"
we've got your back
One thing we aren't is unrealistic.
We're a team of dreamers and doers, creating what seems like magic THROUGH a COMBINATION OF DEDICATION, LOYAL CONNECTIONS, and big love for our couples.
ABOUT US
Ascend Events was born from the notion that climbing a mountain is very much like planning for the milestones of life; some trails would feel smooth and other paths more a challenge, yet there's always time to stop and take in the view. Oh, and just wait until you see that epic view at the summit!
When planning your event, we take the journey WITH YOU. Each step you'll have your guide to keep you on track, yet remind you to breathe the fresh air, smell the roses, and open your eyes to all the beauty that surrounds you as you plan for your wedding day!
Lead Planner & Owner, Kayla Griffis, has carefully selected team members who compliment each other and the different aspects of the planning process. We love to plan, we love to party, and we love LOVE.
SAY HELLO!
Kayla is the powerhouse behind it all—the owner, lead planner, coordinator, and designer for every event that comes through the door. When she’s not making event magic happen, she’s wrangling life at home with two wild Littles, a German Shepherd, her husband, and seven chickens (yes, seven). She’s recently become obsessed with gardening—specifically dahlias—but her true happy place? The lake. Growing up on the water in Washington taught her to appreciate those rare moments of stillness in the midst of chaos.
People describe Kayla as loyal, honest, and the life of the party. She’s always pushing boundaries, making the impossible possible, and turning wild ideas into reality. She makes jokes with her vendor friends, "It's dangerous to love me, because I will push you to do things you've never done before. And cheer you on the whole way." When asked to pick an object that best represents her, her best friend didn’t hesitate: “That’s easy… a diamond—made under pressure, beautiful, strong, transparent, and always striving for clarity.”
And honestly? That checks out.
FOUNDER + CEO OF CELEBRATIONS
Meet Araceli, but you can call her Celi!
She brings experience and knowledge to this ever growing company, with her years in the hospitality business. Celi thrives on problem solving and thinking outside the box.
Her passion for curating an experience started from a young age. Growing up her favorite movies were always the magical kind. A whimsical dinner party, or a regal princess wedding. Those memories have stuck with her through event and party planning. Celi has always said that she would rather be Fairy Godmother granting wishes than the princess meeting her prince.
However, now she is getting to do both. When Celi is not planning she spends her time with her husband Rich and their fur baby Jack.
LEAD PLANNER + DAY-OF VISIONAry
Meet Chelsey! A mother of two and the creative mastermind behind Fox and Fiddle Designs, specializing in design work, branded merchandise, boutique-style gifts, and accessories. In early 2023, she also launched Fox + Fairways.
Despite her brief bio, Chelsey is a powerhouse, expanding her business by hosting events at local golf courses and exploring new markets.
She thrives in festival settings and is usually found hard at work in her home studio. During her leisure time, Chelsey loves hitting the golf course with her husband.
DAME of DETAILS
This is Moriah, but to all who know her, it's Mo!
Mo has always had a heart for helping others bring their dreams to life. She also brings to the team her passion for organization. She loves the creative outlet that working with Ascend Events has provided, as well as the opportunity to meet new people with every event.
When she's not assisting Kayla, she's full time pre-veterinary student at Oregon State University, working as a technician at Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic and going on adventures with her new hubby and puppy Gus!
Mo would love to be a part of your next event!
Celebration Supporter
"Kayla and her team came in several weeks before the wedding and took over the vendor communications and small details leading up to the big day. We hired her for “day of coordination” but she went so far above and beyond that. Kayla and her team turned my vision for the day into a reality and it was truly better than I could have imagined. Any nerves I had leading up to the day about details and logistics were completely put to ease by Kayla and her team."
from TAYLOR:
"Hiring Kayla was the best decision I made for my wedding! She is amazing With everything she does. I didn't know much about weddings when I started planning mine and she helped me through the whole process gave me recommendations and listen to what I thought I wanted and when I had crazy ideas she would help made she they came to life!My wedding day was completely stress free thanks to Kayla she new exactly what to do and what needed to be done that I didn't get bothered and got to enjoy mywedding and not worry about a thing."
from BREANNA:
"Kayla is professional, thoughtful and so intuitive to what you need. She delivers amazing results and makes the process a breeze. She is an organizational mastermind and ensured I was actually able to enjoy my wedding. I would recommend her to anyone looking for help with ANY event. The value she brings is priceless!"
