Meet Our Team
BLAKE HERRERA
Chief Executive Officer, Certified Wedding Planner/Senior Event Planner
Blake began officiating weddings in 2013 and the same year he started his first company within the industry, Weddings By Blake. Over a two-year period, Blake officiated hundreds of weddings, but it was during this time that he discovered his true passion: wedding planning and execution. Through hard work and perseverance, Blake became a Certified Wedding Planner with The Association of Bridal Consultants. In 2016 Blake rebranded the company to Occasions Events & Design. For the next four years, Blake continued to provide the DFW area with the highest quality service. In 2020, Occasions Events & Design merged with Michaelz Media and became a powerhouse in the industry.
In 2021, Blake took a step back from Occasions to spend more quality time with his family, while taking a consultant role. During his time off, Blake never felt content and was overcome by the urge to return to the business he built from the ground up. He began a partnership with Tiffany Hartman, a graphic artist with over 20 years of experience (and current Chief Operating Officer), and together they began restructuring Occasions and its services while taking care to ensure our clients and their events are our TOP PRIORITY.
Our team is constantly growing, so while Blake himself may not be your lead coordinator, we can assure you he oversees every aspect of your event down to the last detail. One of Blake’s greatest strengths is his attention to detail, his eye for design is unrivaled, and his A-Z planning style will guarantee that your experience will be one to remember.
To schedule a call with Blake, please email us at hello@oedtx.com
TIFFANY HARTMAN
Chief Operating Officer
Tiffany Hartman is a skilled graphic designer with over 20 years of experience, and she has now channeled her creative talents into the event and wedding planning industry. Her expertise in design and passion for business has given her the desire to start focusing on the business side of the industry.
In 2018, Tiffany met Blake, a fellow entrepreneur who shares her passion for service and commitment to giving clients the best possible experience. Their shared values and complementary skill sets led them to join forces and restructure Occasions Event & Design. As partners in the company, they work side by side to provide clients with an added expectation that they are their top priority. With Tiffany's design expertise and Blake's event planning & coordination expertise, they have created a company that is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and exceeding their clients' expectations.
ALEX GOGGIN
Chief Customer Officer/Senior Event Planner
Alex began working in the weddings industry on a whim when Blake asked her to join the team for an event in 2017, and has been in love with event planning and execution ever since. Her passion is helping Blake grow the business and providing the highest level of quality for weddings and events of all sizes. For her there is truly nothing more rewarding than helping our clients create their dream event, whatever it takes.
After taking some time away from the industry to grow her family and focus on building her skills, she is excited to return to events and to Occasions as a partner with Blake and Tiffany. Alex has extensive recent experience in managing and leading operational teams, training top-notch staff, and managing client and vendor relationships, and she is ready to put her skills to work for our clients! As Chief Customer Officer, Alex will work with Blake to ensure every aspect of our clients' events meets their satisfaction, including training and staffing event teams, communicating with clients to build their vision with them, and cultivating relationships with our industry's leading vendors to provide the highest level of quality service. Along with her teams, she is ready to take on any challenge and help make your event a success!
"There is nothing more satisfying or rewarding to me than being able to see the look on our clients' faces when we execute their dream. I'm so excited to get to work!" - Alex Goggin
TJ MICHAELZ
Director of Events/Senior Event Coordinator - DFW
TJ’s love of organization and planning has followed her forever and always carried over into her work. Working as a project and office manager in the entertainment sector, she had the opportunity to plan conferences, concerts, and meetings for some of the most noted leaders, entertainers, and organizations in California, New Mexico, and Texas.
​
As a wedding and events planner, TJ has been able to hone in on her passion for helping clients create truly fantastic experiences. “There is nothing more satisfying than knowing my services made my clients’ day better.
​
TJ’s work has been featured multiple times on numerous blogs, social media platforms, The Knot, and Wedding Wire.
ASHLEA TOWERY
Director of Events/Senior Event Coordinator - Wichita Falls
Ashlea Towery, our Director of Events for Wichita Falls, embarked on her professional journey in 2015 after three fulfilling years as a stay-at-home mom. Initially seeking a change, she stumbled upon an advertisement for an office manager role in a wedding business based in Wichita Falls. Little did she know, this opportunity would ignite a passion within her for contributing to the magic of someone else's special day.
With her strong work ethic and keen eye for detail, Ashlea quickly progressed from coordinator to planner, finding immense joy in every aspect of the event planning process. Surprisingly, it was her mentor, Blake, who encouraged her to explore the role of an officiant. Though initially fearful, Ashlea embraced the challenge and discovered an even deeper love for uniting couples in matrimony.
​
While she temporarily scaled back her involvement in the wedding business, Ashlea continued to bring joy to the lives of loved ones by officiating ceremonies and crafting beautiful wedding decorations. Now, as she joins the Wichita Falls branch of Occasions, Ashlea's enthusiasm knows no bounds. Being a part of this esteemed team is an opportunity she eagerly embraces, ready to bring her expertise and passion to create unforgettable events in the vibrant community of Wichita Falls.
McKENZIE BELCHER
Director of Events/Senior Event Coordinator - Austin
Meet McKenzie Belcher, our Senior Event Coordinator and Director of Events in Austin, whose passion for planning and innovative design transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
McKenzie's journey in the event coordination realm has been marked by a profound commitment to the belief that each love story is as unique as the individuals themselves. With a keen understanding that weddings are a reflection of the couple's singular identity, she approaches her work with an artful blend of professionalism and personalization.
At the heart of McKenzie's philosophy is the unwavering commitment to crafting stress-free experiences for her clients. Her goal is not just to organize events, but to curate moments that resonate with the essence of the individuals involved. From the initial concept to the final execution, McKenzie is dedicated to ensuring that every detail aligns seamlessly with the vision of the couple.
McKenzie's objective is clear: to manage the logistics of your special day with precision and finesse, allowing you to savor each precious moment. Her organizational prowess and ability to navigate the intricacies of event planning ensure that your celebration unfolds effortlessly, leaving you with nothing but joy and beautiful memories.
ALISSON SMITH
Social Media Manager
Three years ago, Alisson discovered the wonderful world of wedding coordination, and it has been a rewarding journey ever since. This newfound passion resonated with her inner child who had always dreamt of planning her own wedding. As a wedding coordinator, her responsibilities include managing last-minute changes and ensuring that every detail is executed to perfection. Additionally, she takes pride in the unforgettable magic that happens when she cues the DJ to introduce the newly wedded couple. As your wedding coordinator, she is guaranteed to thrive amidst the chaos behind the scenes from the start of the day until the end. You can focus on creating cherished memories filled with love and tranquility, knowing that she has everything under control.
FRIDA NASH
Lead Event Coordinator
Frida is a special education teacher by day and an event coordinator on nights and weekends! Frida fell in love with weddings at a young age and always looked forward to the day of her own wedding. Frida started working weddings in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. With Frida’s level of detail and organization, your event will go according to plan! Frida always has a smile on her face and desire to help.
JENNA BRYANT
Associate Event Coordinator
With an impeccable eye for detail, Jenna ensures that no aspect of an event goes unnoticed. From the meticulous arrangement of decorations to the seamless coordination of vendors, she works tirelessly to create a flawless and unforgettable experience for every client. Jenna's innate ability to anticipate and exceed expectations allows her to transform each event into a fairy tale come true.
Beyond her exceptional organizational skills, Jenna's genuine care for her clients shines through in her unparalleled customer service. She takes the time to listen attentively to their dreams and desires, ensuring that their vision becomes a reality. Her warm and friendly demeanor instantly puts clients at ease, allowing them to fully enjoy their special day without any worries or stress.
PAIGE SHUCK
Associate Event Coordinator
Meet Paige, our dedicated event coordinator whose journey in the wedding industry began over two years ago as a photographer. Intrigued by the intricacies of wedding planning, she found her way Occasions, where she's delving deeper into the world of weddings and events. Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Business, Paige combines her academic acumen with a passion for travel, seeking inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes.
Paige's expertise lies in executing seamless weddings, ensuring each detail reflects the couple's vision. From meticulous timelines to maintaining high spirits, she strives to create a calm and intentional atmosphere, leaving couples relaxed and fully present on their special day.
With clear communication, quick decision-making, and genuine care, Paige is dedicated to making every wedding stress-free and memorable. Trust her to turn your vision into reality, crafting a celebration that will be cherished for years to come.
ASHLEY McCLESKEY
Associate Event Coordinator (DFW & Wichita Falls)
Meet Ashley McCleskey, our Associate Event Coordinator serving both our Wichita Falls and Dallas Fort Worth offices. With 16 years of experience as a nurse and a passion for organization, Ashley brings a unique blend of care and meticulous planning to every event she oversees. As a devoted mother to Kambree and Maddox, and with her upcoming marriage to Izzy, Ashley understands the importance of celebrating life's milestones.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her four beloved corgis: Gucci, Chanel, Prada, and Kors. Her love for love and all things weddings and events shines through in her work. Ashley is thrilled to collaborate with you to ensure your special day is nothing short of perfect. Let's make your event unforgettable together!