Our Dream Team

Erica Swinson

Owner and Founder, Lead Planner

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, weddings.

She was born and raised in a small town an hour southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina called Mount Gilead. Erica has also spent time living in Aspen, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Saratoga, Wyoming; and now Eagle, Colorado is where she hangs her hat 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. 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, The Ritz Carlton, Hyatt - The Unbound Collection, Marriott International, 1 Hotel, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, 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, special events. Erica currently works full time as an Event Manager at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming.

She would be honored and thrilled to be a part of your special event or day. She strives to ensure your moment is made memorable and one that you will cherish always. She hopes you choose to become a part of the Rustic Roots family!

Joey Swinson

Financial Advisor

North Carolina + Southeast Market

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

Event 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!

Kathy Swinson

Lead Event Assistant

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.

Ashley Braun

Event Assistant

California + West Coast Market

Ashley is originally from California. She works in real-estate full time in the Tennessee market. Ashley is a bright light to any room she walks into. Ashley is such a people person and always manages to create great connections with anyone she meets. She is a dedicated worker, while paying attention to details ad always living spirits. A great asset to the Rustic Roots team!