Meet The Team

Originally from Richmond, VA, Kelsey relocated to Newport News to attend college at Christopher Newport University and stayed after meeting her husband through work, at NASA Langley. Though she holds a biology degree, she launched her own planning business after falling in love with planning her own wedding in 2014. Kelsey has been with the Museum since 2015, and serving as the Sales Manager since 2017. She has over a decade of professional event planning experience, and specializes in weddings as a Certified Wedding Planner through The Bridal Society.

When she's not working, she's spending time with her family - which primarily means keeping track of, and entertaining, a toddler and two cats!

"I fell in love with weddings as I planned mine - the process, the people, the choices we made to infuse our personalities into our celebration. So, it makes since that my favorite part about each wedding is seeing how unique and special every element is for our couples! I love seeing their dream come to life and being able to witness and help execute it is truly an honor."

Jennifer is originally from New Jersey, but went to high school and college in Florida and has called Hampton Roads her home for over 26 years now. A lover of books, museums, and the great outdoors, she stays busy trying to keep up with three daughters and a miniature schnauzer named Mitzy.

Jennifer joined The Mariners' Museum team almost three years ago, and it has been the best job of her life (although she loves it so much, she hesitates to call it a job).

"Making people's events a success is my passion. From initial conversations, to seeing the bride - or groom - walk down the aisle is such a joy to me. We have unique venues here at the Museum, and it's always so fun to see each wedding couple's vision come to life in different ways. I love details, and making people feel comfortable, so you can just enjoy your big day and know from the venue management standpoint that you are in good hands."

Shari is a native Virginian and moved back to “the 757” last year after having called 13 different cities “home.” She’s been married 27 years this May and is the mother of two young-adult daughters. After 16 years as a stay-at-home mom and trailing spouse, Shari successfully embarked on her "second-chance" career in tourism, landing at The Mariners' Museum last May.

“I am honored to have the privilege of working with families on one of the most important days of their lives. My goal is to help ensure an unforgettable event by “invisibly” managing the venue. If the bride and groom don’t remember me, I’ve done my job!”

Kyra is a Navy wife from Memphis with a passion for Art History, gardening, and travelling. She moved to Newport News 2 and a half years ago and has been working at The Mariners' Museum for almost 2 years.

"Being on the Sales Team and getting to work with our wedding couples - especially our Military couples - is such a joy! I planned my wedding while my husband was deployed, so I understand a lot of the unique challenges that military couples can face in the planning process."