Our Team
Erica Swinson
Owner and Founder, Creative Director
United States + International Market
As a young girl, Erica always enjoyed being the life of the party, but even more in planning the party or event to ensure the experience was memorable. Erica enjoyed organizing holiday parties, dinner parties, birthday parties, and much more. As she grew older that soon turned into to a career path rather than a hobby and she began to focus on real time events like: corporate events, private social events, and obviously her favorite focus, luxury weddings.
She was born and raised in a small town an hour southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina known as Mount Gilead. Erica has also spent time living in Aspen and Vail, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Eagle, Colorado; Saratoga, Wyoming; and now Lebanon, Tennessee is where she hangs her hats and boots. In her free time she is a dog mom of 2; Atlas Jae and Aspen Joy; as well as a horse mom of 2; Ada Joe and Aiken Jean. She enjoys camping, traveling, concerts, line dancing, and anything outdoors with her significant other Steven. Erica has never met a stranger, she is the perfect person to make all your guests feel welcomed and like family.
Erica is a woman who values experience and education. She has received 3 college degrees earning the following: B.A. in Dance and Choreography, B.S. in Hospitality Management, and a M.S. in Event Management. Go UCF Knights!
In her professional career Erica has worked for companies such as Carmel Country Club, Marriott International, The Luxury Collection, The Ritz Carlton, Hyatt - The Unbound Collection, 1 Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Brush Creek Ranch, The Hythe Vail, and more. She has worked in various avenues of the Hospitality Industry such as food and beverage, outdoor recreation, entertainment, luxury lodging, and her favorite, luxury special events. She has been certified by the Wedding MBA as a Certified Event Planner and Designer.
She would be honored and thrilled to be a part of your special event or wedding day. She strives to ensure your moment is made memorable and one that you will cherish always. One of her main goals is to allow the ability for all her clients to be present in the moment by providing stress-free and seamless service. She hopes you choose to become a part of the Rustic Roots family!
Joey Swinson
Financial Advisor
North Carolina
Joey has been the financial advisor of Rustic Roots since the start of the company. He was born and raised in North Carolina and still resides there today. He has always been logical and business minded when it come to budgeting, finances, stocks, and anything to do with numbers. Joey manages a couple other business opertions for finances and is amazing and skilled at his job. Joey is a blessing to have on this team as a guide in our financial and business endeavors. Rustic Roots is lucky to have him onboard.
Lauren Owen
Wedding Assistant
Tennessee + Midwest Market
Lauren is a Nashville native and in the medical field as her main career path. She loves helping people and putting a smile on peoples faces. In her free time she enjoys spending time with animals of any kind. Lauren is a very detailed oriented and determined person. Once she puts her mind to something it gets done. She love working for Rustic Roots because she can witness and support others on their special day! Lauren is such a blessing to have on our team!
Elohah Nunag
Wedding Assistant
South Carolina + East Coast Market
Elohah first became a wedding assistant to better plan for her own wedding, but quickly fell in love with the job along the way. She balances a full time career as a restaurant manager in helping run her family mobile bar business. She enjoys bringing creativity, organization, and positive energy to any celebration or event. Being a part of the magic that makes a couple’s day unforgettable is what she enjoys most. We are thankful to her for being dedicated to our Rustic Roots team!
Kathy Swinson
Lead Wedding Coordinator
North Carolina + Southeast Market
Kathy has been an assistant with Rustic Roots since the beginning. She was born and raised in North Carolina and currently works full time in Insurance. Kathy is a blessing to have to the team as she is dedicated, time efficient, attentive to detail, and always willing to lend a hand where its needed. Kathy is a great people person and just the face you want to see walking around the venue when you need guidance or have questions. She looks forward to every event and would be ecstatic to be a part of yours.
Steven Flamm
Photography Partner
United States + International Market
Steven is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania. He works in hospitality operations full time in the Colorado market. Steven is a bright light to any room he walks into. Steven is such a people person and always manages to create great connections with anyone he meets. He is a dedicated worker, while paying strong attention to details and always thinking outside the box. We are thankful for our partnership between himself and the Rustic Roots team!