Kate Piontek holds an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise from Dominican University of California and brings over 2 years of event planning experience. Kate also has over 4 years experience in budgeting, finance and contract management and can assist brides with vendor contracts as well as with setting and sticking to their wedding budget.

"As I started to plan my own wedding in 2008, I knew I wanted to incorporate my passion for the environment into every stage of the process. What I discovered was a little disheartening. I found myself spending hours on the internet trying to research post consumer recycled invites, eco-friendly alternative wedding dresses, local and organic caterers and florists, the list goes on. Coupled with this, was the discovery that the average wedding emits anywhere between 9-16 tons of carbon dioxide into the air on a single day. I felt compelled to do something.

Emerald Weddings was created to reduce this burden for stylish Seattle brides who want to make a difference. Going green doesn't mean sacrificing style."

Monica Cripe brings over 5 years experience in Account Management and Vendor Relationships. Her corporate background has enabled her to work with various companies and personalities and has required her to cater to the needs of the diverse clientele.

"Planning a wedding can be so exciting, yet very stressful at the same time. I learned this lesson when I began planning my own wedding in 2006. I really wanted a wedding that was elegant and stylish, while still capturing my own personal style. Over the last three years I have been thrilled to see my hometown of Seattle take the lead in embracing eco-friendly business by offering brides chic, environmentally friendly options for their big day.

As my husband and I begin to plan for a family, I have started to think more about the future world we will leave for our own children. I know how important a wedding can be but I also recognize the carbon footprint they leave behind. Through Emerald Weddings we aim to reduce this footprint, but still maintain a stylish wedding that fits your needs."