MEET the TEAM
stephanie ridgely | owner + chief executive officer
At 16, Stephanie fell in love with weddings while working at a banquet hall in Connecticut. Since then, she has earned nearly 20 years of event coordination and management experience across the legal, wedding, and nonprofit industries. From creating floral arrangements for weddings to executing corporate fundraisers, Stephanie understands the inner workings of an event from start to finish.
As a Tremont resident, Stephanie saw the value in repurposing the former Holy Ghost church as an asset to the community and an opportunity for others to appreciate Tremont’s charm.
Stephanie knows that events can be overwhelming, and her primary goal is to take away all of the anxiety that comes with planning and even attending events. After all, the unofficial Elliot staff motto is… “Our job is party.” And as professional partiers, the team will help make your gathering one to talk about for years to come…and with none of the stress.
Stephanie is always up for a new challenge, including finding creative ways to make an event feel unique, intimate, and personal, even if there’s 200 people in attendance. Even after witnessing hundreds of celebrations, Stephanie always feels the same rush of excitement when the client sees their vision and all of their hard work come to life—not just through the layout and decor, but the guest experience and the moments they couldn't have even planned for.
When Stephanie is not at The Elliot, which is not often, she is with her family, best friends, and at the movies.
Stephanie’s Signature Cocktail: 1800 Coconut Tequila, Cold Brew, and Kahlúa. Garnished with toasted coconut & dark chocolate shavings. Don't forget the garnish!
jackie kvach | director of client experience + event operations
Jackie has spent the last several years planning weddings, nonprofit events, fundraisers, and celebrations of all kinds. She loves turning ideas into thoughtfully planned experiences where every detail has purpose and every guest feels genuinely welcomed. She says, “My goal is to take care of the details behind the scenes so they can be fully present, soak in every moment, and enjoy celebrating with the people they love most.”
She adds, “Give me an empty room, a vision, and a whole lot of moving pieces, and I'm in my happy place. Seeing everything come together after months of planning never gets old.”
Outside of work, Jackie is spending time with her husband and three kids, planning the next adventure, or tackling whatever DIY project she’s convinced “definitely needs to happen next.” She’s also a total foodie and love cooking old family recipes, trying new things in the kitchen, and baking yummy goodies whenever she gets the chance.
Jackie’s Favorite Flower For a Wedding Bouquet: I'm a sucker for flowers, so choosing just one is nearly impossible! But if I had to pick, I'd say a dahlia or a ranunculus. I love all the layers and texture they bring to a bouquet. They're the perfect mix of whimsical and elegant!
emilio ruiz | venue + event logistics coordinator
After meeting Stephanie and bonding over a love for karaoke, Emilio started at The Elliot as the Venue Assistant, and is now the Venue and Event Logistics Coordinator…and has loved every minute since! Emilio is the magic man behind the scenes making everything run smoothly, from chair set-up to fixture fixes. He’s got the company card, and he has fantastic taste.
Emilio is simply obsessed when he sees guests light up when they step into The Elliot for the first time on a tour and also when couples see the room set for their ceremony/reception.
In his free time, he enjoys going on runs, finding new crafts to do and taking his dog Ralph on walks in Tremont.
Emilio’s Favorite Wedding Reception Dance Song: Although the choice is very difficult, I would say my go-to wedding dance reception song would be "CUFF IT" by Beyonce.
erin mahoney | event programs manager + lead event coordinator
Erin lives and breathes Cleveland and events…so The Elliot is basically the perfect place to be. With experience at various event venues and catering companies, the knowledge runs deep and is super helpful for all of her Elliot Events clients.
She is very excited to continue planning weddings with The Elliot and can’t wait to see everyone’s excited faces on event days, even if it’s very early in the morning.
During every event day, Erin will be your BFF. After all, she cherishes the quieter moments before and after the big reveals. She shares, “My favorite part about weddings is being one of the first people to greet you after your ceremony. It's such a special moment to share with the two of you and I'm proud to be part of your day.”
Erin’s Favorite Place In Cleveland: The Lakewood Solstice Steps. I love to put out a blanket and read a book!
nick malloy | beverage program + inventory manager
Nick has been a vital part of The Elliot’s bar since 2022, and now manages the whole operation. So, when your glass is perfectly filled with a delicious beverage…that’s his work. He also hopes the team at The Elliot helps every guest to leave with memories they’ll look back on for years to come.
As someone who sees events often, Nick has a favorite part of every party…seeing everyone come together once the dance floor opens up. And a good bar makes the dancing extra fun! When he’s not mixing diving cocktails and mocktails, he’s probably on a golf course, taking a road trip, or watching the biggest box office hit.
Nick’s Signature Cocktail: A Paloma. It’s super refreshing and good for any occasion. Also, chocolate milk.
maria serra | social media + event promotions manager
Maria brings a goofy background to The Elliot team—literally. As a comedian, entertainment journalist, and recent bride, herself, she brings her trademark unhinged Gen Z energy to The Elliot’s social media presence.
She simply loves to show off the venue, The Rosehip Room, and all of the cutie patootie couples, companies, and groups that come through. It offers great inspiration for our future clients, too. And…she loves looking at all of the pet-themed signature cocktails, so keep those comin’.
Outside of work, she hosts comedy events at Imposters Theater, frequents emo/pop-punk shows in Cleveland’s array of venues, or tries new Trader Joe’s snack just to feel something.
Maria’s Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Is it wrong to say all of the flavors? I have never met a wedding cake slide, reception cookie table, or late-night ice cream bar, etc. I didn’t love. But…if I must choose…I will never say no to a chocolate cake slice with some ganache. MMMMM
