The Sales Team

 
 

Rachel Henderson

assistant director of sales

Get to know me:

I love meeting new couples and learning about how they fell in love. Weddings are my specialty, and my absolute favorite part is the first dance. Watching the couple take a deep breath after they’ve taken their vows knowing that “they did it,” is heartwarming. I'm married to my supportive husband, Justin and I have a beautiful baby boy, Luke. Our Beagle, Riley, has so much energy and keeps us on our toes. We enjoy going to the local farmer's markets and exploring various neighborhoods around San Diego.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Acai bowls, no matter what the temperature is outside!

  • My passion is: cooking

  • Knife, fork or spoon? Spoon, you can use it as a fork or a knife ;)

  • Favorite childhood food memory: Every holiday my mom would make a giant spread of yummy foods. My favorite is during the Jewish High Holidays, she would make Kugel and apples with honey.

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love trying new flavors and seeing what blends together well. I'm not afraid to try new foods or explore different cultures. I'm introducing foods to my son and watching him explore his palate has been so much fun! Messy, but fun!

 
 

Lisa Gradillas

CATERING Sales Manager

Get to know me:

I have worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. I truly love doing what I do. Food is one of the most importance things to me. I have a passion for menu development. At the end of the day, I love helping people achieve their culinary visions.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Hawaiian food, I lived in Kona for 10 years

  • Favorite childhood food memory: Making tamales every Christmas with my mom

  • Buzzword: Kindness

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Homemade peach ice cream

  • Why I’m a foodie: Food brings everyone together!

 
 

Jen Hawley

Catering sales manager

GET TO KNOW ME:

I absolutely love my job and am so happy to have a career that does not feel like work! I have been in the hospitality industry on and off since high school. The energy, relationships, creativity and passion in this industry are unmatched.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Sushi & sake

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Lobster tacos

  • My television obsession is: Chef’s Table

  • The Oscar should go to: Oprah

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love how food brings people together and how it can make you feel. Sometimes a bite of your favorite childhood food can bring you back to those moments of warmth and love as if you are reliving it all over again. Where there is food, there is happiness.

 
 

Myra De Leon

sales coordinator

GET TO KNOW ME:

Life really is too short to sweat the small stuff! So I've learned to take things in stride, that things are really not in my hands and that being kind is worth more than its weight in gold.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Avocado folded into vanilla bean ice cream

  • My favorite aroma is: Roasted garlic— it usually means something delicious is coming

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Cracker chicken! Mostly, because my dad would put crackers in a zip lock and let ME smash them up.

  • Dark or milk chocolate? YES PLEASE

  • Why I’m a foodie: Food is universal - everyone eats! Whether it's a dish or the story behind the dish or the people you're having the dish with, there is always something special about what you're eating.

 
 

Jordan Petty

event coordinator

get to know me:

I have been in the food and event industries for over 13 years. I started in the event industry more than 7 years ago. The first wedding I worked at I knew that this is what I wanted to do. Seeing couples fall happily in love and interacting with guests who are ecstatic to celebrate makes me smile every time. I worked my way from being a server, to event manager and now I’m doing what I love coordinating weddings and curating memories with my amazing couples.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Flat iron steak with mini red potatoes and a Gin Bramble

  • The love of my life is: Ice cream

  • Knife, fork, or spoon? Spork

  • I’m inspired by: The hard-working people around me

  • What I want to be when I grow up: A wedding planner

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love how our food and events bring people together

 
 

Taylor Carney

Sales coordinator

get to know me:

I have worked in the events and hospitality industry since I was a junior in high school. Learning all the aspects that go into creating and executing an event. I have found that I have a great passion for the industry. Connecting memories through food and or experiences allows for new memories to be created that will last for years. Seeing how appreciative and ecstatic the clients are makes it all worth it!

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Tacos & Margarita

  • My favorite aroma is: Lemon or Rose

  • I started cooking when: I was able to hold a spoon to mix the ingredients together

  • Favorite childhood food memory: Baking cookies and desserts with my Nana

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love how food is a universal ingredient that brings different individuals together and can make a memorable experience. It allows for old memories to be tied into new experiences and allows for people to expand their taste buds and try new things.