We are more than just a team, we are a family comprised of artisans, designers, creators, pioneers, and mavens with a lifetime of combined expertise. We thrive on getting to know our clients' passions and dreams and making them a reality. We love to tell stories and create experiences through food and design. Everything we do centers around our passion for bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories.
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Chris has been in the event and hospitality industry since the age of 15. He began working for LUX over 11 years ago as a delivery and prep staff, and quickly fell in love with the company. Since then he has worked his way through nearly every position in the company. Chris is extremely passionate about every aspect of LUX and has a high standard of excellence, he thrives on creative challenges of all types. Chris never tires of the creative challenges involved in orchestrating events, and he truly loves sharing his passion for food and design with the LUX family of clients and staff.
Chris Sanchez
Managing Partner
Chris has been in the event and hospitality industry since the age of 15. He began working for LUX over 11 years ago as a delivery and prep staff, and quickly fell in love with the company. Since then he has worked his way through nearly every position in the company. Chris is extremely passionate about every aspect of LUX and has a high standard of excellence, he thrives on creative challenges of all types. Chris never tires of the creative challenges involved in orchestrating events, and he truly loves sharing his passion for food and design with the LUX family of clients and staff. -
Chris started his career in hospitality at the young age of 10, he would work in the dish room while his parents, John and Kelly Lake, were running events. Chris has worked his way through nearly every position at LUX throughout the years, and in 2017 became a managing partner. He is passionate about customer service and finances. Chris loves to spend his time away from LUX traveling and hosting parties of his own.
Chris Lake
Managing Partner
Chris started his career in hospitality at the young age of 10, he would work in the dish room while his parents, John and Kelly Lake, were running events. Chris has worked his way through nearly every position at LUX throughout the years, and in 2017 became a managing partner. He is passionate about customer service and finances. Chris loves to spend his time away from LUX traveling and hosting parties of his own. -
Kelly has been with the company since its beginning in 1995, and comes from a long history in the food industry. One of Kelly’s first dates with her husband, John, was working side by side at a wedding with him and his sister, Pat Slade. Kelly's passion and love for the business shines through every day working with employees, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to being a managing partner, she is also heavily involved with our sister company, LUX Hospitality.
Kelly Lake
Managing Partner
Kelly has been with the company since its beginning in 1995, and comes from a long history in the food industry. One of Kelly’s first dates with her husband, John, was working side by side at a wedding with him and his sister, Pat Slade. Kelly's passion and love for the business shines through every day working with employees, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to being a managing partner, she is also heavily involved with our sister company, LUX Hospitality. -
Betsy has spent most of her adult life in the hospitality industry, and began working in food and beverage at the age of 16. While living on the Big Island of Hawaii, she began her own catering business, all while working in various positions such as: event coordination, farm to table restaurant management, hosted wine pairings, and more. Betsy started her career with LUX in 2018 as an event lead and has since moved her way up to our Executive Director. She has a passion for creating relationships, meeting new people, and watching an event come together.
Betsy Solmonson
Executive Director
Betsy has spent most of her adult life in the hospitality industry, and began working in food and beverage at the age of 16. While living on the Big Island of Hawaii, she began her own catering business, all while working in various positions such as: event coordination, farm to table restaurant management, hosted wine pairings, and more. Betsy started her career with LUX in 2018 as an event lead and has since moved her way up to our Executive Director. She has a passion for creating relationships, meeting new people, and watching an event come together. -
Sarah has her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Utah and has an extensive background in administration and customer service. She started with LUX as an Event Producer nearly five years ago, and loved working with her various clients. However, when the opportunity to work with the executive management team arose she couldn’t pass it up! Sarah has a huge passion for everything LUX, and she loves sharing it with others. Sarah spends her time away from LUX photographing stunning weddings and elopements, traveling the world, riding motorcycles, and adventuring with her doggo.
Sarah McClure
Director of Marketing
Sarah has her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Utah and has an extensive background in administration and customer service. She started with LUX as an Event Producer nearly five years ago, and loved working with her various clients. However, when the opportunity to work with the executive management team arose she couldn’t pass it up! Sarah has a huge passion for everything LUX, and she loves sharing it with others. Sarah spends her time away from LUX photographing stunning weddings and elopements, traveling the world, riding motorcycles, and adventuring with her doggo. -
Dianna, originally from Seattle, has built a career focused on entrepreneurial finance for industry leading companies. She has brought her enthusiasm and expertise to LUX in the peak time, while we continue building on our history of innovation and excellence. When Dianna is not at LUX she spends her time with her dog, Rigo, golfing, spending time with her family, and enjoying time in the fresh air!
Dianna Chamberlin
Director of Finance
Dianna, originally from Seattle, has built a career focused on entrepreneurial finance for industry leading companies. She has brought her enthusiasm and expertise to LUX in the peak time, while we continue building on our history of innovation and excellence. When Dianna is not at LUX she spends her time with her dog, Rigo, golfing, spending time with her family, and enjoying time in the fresh air! -
Nishan graduated top of his class in culinary school in Pennsylvania in 2014, gaining experience in a wide variety of culinary establishments, including wineries, food trucks, glamour camping resorts, full service restaurants, and banquets at America's largest ski resort. He joined the LUX team after working for a corporation for too many years and was looking for a home that offered him a personal connection with his coworkers. In his free time Tom enjoys working on puzzles, listening to Disney & Christmas music, and playing with his pupper.
Nishan Garabedian
Executive Chef
Nishan graduated top of his class in culinary school in Pennsylvania in 2014, gaining experience in a wide variety of culinary establishments, including wineries, food trucks, glamour camping resorts, full service restaurants, and banquets at America's largest ski resort. He joined the LUX team after working for a corporation for too many years and was looking for a home that offered him a personal connection with his coworkers. In his free time Tom enjoys working on puzzles, listening to Disney & Christmas music, and playing with his pupper. -
Ryan was introduced to cooking and farming at a young age. He comes from a large family, who gathered frequently, and he remembers always being in the kitchen with his grandmother. He turned his childhood memories into his career after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu. Ryan has executed menus for events like the PGA Tour, US Tennis Open, and Barrent-Jackson, to name a few. He has been in the culinary industry for over 25 years and has had the pleasure of learning from and working with incredibly talented chefs. When he’s not at work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his two beautiful daughters, his supportive wife, taking road trips together, being outdoors, and riding/working on his motorcycles!
Ryan Nelson
Executive Chef
Ryan was introduced to cooking and farming at a young age. He comes from a large family, who gathered frequently, and he remembers always being in the kitchen with his grandmother. He turned his childhood memories into his career after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu. Ryan has executed menus for events like the PGA Tour, US Tennis Open, and Barrent-Jackson, to name a few. He has been in the culinary industry for over 25 years and has had the pleasure of learning from and working with incredibly talented chefs. When he’s not at work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his two beautiful daughters, his supportive wife, taking road trips together, being outdoors, and riding/working on his motorcycles! -
Tara Trueax
Pastry Chef
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Lizzie Steele
Pastry Chef
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Christian began his career in the catering industry while attending college at the University of Georgia. He loved the fast paced atmosphere of events, and seeing the joy and happiness his work could bring to the clients. Christian moved to Utah to chase his passion of being outdoors and found his love for the LUX fam, the culture, and our drive for excellence. When he’s not coordinating event logistics you can find Christian in the great outdoors hiking, skiing camping, or backpacking.
Christian Johnson
Logistics Manager
Christian began his career in the catering industry while attending college at the University of Georgia. He loved the fast paced atmosphere of events, and seeing the joy and happiness his work could bring to the clients. Christian moved to Utah to chase his passion of being outdoors and found his love for the LUX fam, the culture, and our drive for excellence. When he’s not coordinating event logistics you can find Christian in the great outdoors hiking, skiing camping, or backpacking. -
Liz has been in the logistics and operations industry for over seven years, she’s also been in the restaurant industry for over 10! Finding her way to LUX was the perfect mixture of both. She loves spending her days with her LUX Fam and grooving along in the warehouse with her team. When she’s not at work, Liz loves spending her time in the mountains, trail running and hiking, and loves lots of sunshine and GLITTER!
Liz Battad
Logistics Lead
Liz has been in the logistics and operations industry for over seven years, she’s also been in the restaurant industry for over 10! Finding her way to LUX was the perfect mixture of both. She loves spending her days with her LUX Fam and grooving along in the warehouse with her team. When she’s not at work, Liz loves spending her time in the mountains, trail running and hiking, and loves lots of sunshine and GLITTER! -
Stephanie McClure
Logistics Coordinator
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Kara Ramirez
Logistics Coordinator
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Jennifer began her culinary journey by attending culinary school, and after graduation becoming a baker at Deer Valley. She quickly rose to the position of Pastry Chef, and loved her time within the bakery. Throughout the next several years, Jennifer had experiences with running a franchise and training new franchisees how to run their businesses. Her love for training these individuals prompted a shift into the hospitality industry. Jennifer loves the service industry and working in the enthusiastic environment that LUX provides! When she’s not at LUX, Jennifer loves to entertain, be with friends and family, and loves to travel.
Jennifer McCune
Event Team Mananger
Jennifer began her culinary journey by attending culinary school, and after graduation becoming a baker at Deer Valley. She quickly rose to the position of Pastry Chef, and loved her time within the bakery. Throughout the next several years, Jennifer had experiences with running a franchise and training new franchisees how to run their businesses. Her love for training these individuals prompted a shift into the hospitality industry. Jennifer loves the service industry and working in the enthusiastic environment that LUX provides! When she’s not at LUX, Jennifer loves to entertain, be with friends and family, and loves to travel. -
Patrick Mannos
Beverage Manager
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Colleen has been lucky enough to work with earth's force of nature, flowers, for more years than she would like to admit. She’s spent the last 20 years of her career focusing on the beauty that is weddings and events. Colleen has had the honor of designing for world leaders, celebrities, and of course, LUX clients! Her passion is making events memorable through the language of flowers, she feels they’re a key part of setting the tone! When she’s not at LUX, Colleen enjoys spending a perfect night with a bottle of wine, incredible food, and spending time with the people she loves!
Colleen Hansen
Director of Floral Art
Colleen has been lucky enough to work with earth's force of nature, flowers, for more years than she would like to admit. She’s spent the last 20 years of her career focusing on the beauty that is weddings and events. Colleen has had the honor of designing for world leaders, celebrities, and of course, LUX clients! Her passion is making events memorable through the language of flowers, she feels they’re a key part of setting the tone! When she’s not at LUX, Colleen enjoys spending a perfect night with a bottle of wine, incredible food, and spending time with the people she loves! -
Jake is a Utah native from Logan. He has been in the service industry for over 12 years, and began at the young age of 15. Jake has worked in several restaurants and bars which has expanded his skill set and helped him thrive. He is a hard working, dedicated, and driven perfectionist. Jake started with LUX as an event staff and worked his way into his current position. When he is away from LUX he enjoys watching and following gymnastics and spending time creating memories with his friends and family.
Jake Flores
Experience Concierge
Jake is a Utah native from Logan. He has been in the service industry for over 12 years, and began at the young age of 15. Jake has worked in several restaurants and bars which has expanded his skill set and helped him thrive. He is a hard working, dedicated, and driven perfectionist. Jake started with LUX as an event staff and worked his way into his current position. When he is away from LUX he enjoys watching and following gymnastics and spending time creating memories with his friends and family. -
While studying at BYUI, Jadi worked in the events office for multiple years. During that time her passion for events grew, she loved planning everything and watching it all unfold. She joined the LUX Fam not long after graduating, and has loved every second of working with her clients and being with her amazing coworkers. When Jadi isn’t at LUX she’s spending her time having fun in the sun, hiking, swimming, boating, spending time with friends, and traveling!
Jadi Chisholm
Experience Concierge
While studying at BYUI, Jadi worked in the events office for multiple years. During that time her passion for events grew, she loved planning everything and watching it all unfold. She joined the LUX Fam not long after graduating, and has loved every second of working with her clients and being with her amazing coworkers. When Jadi isn’t at LUX she’s spending her time having fun in the sun, hiking, swimming, boating, spending time with friends, and traveling! -
McCall holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication with a Broadcast Journalism Emphasis from the University of Utah. She made her mark in the TV industry as the Senior Producer of ABC4 Utah's 2-hour LIVE lifestyle show, 'Good Things Utah.' After seven years of creating inspiring, entertaining and educational content that touched millions of viewers, McCall made a career shift to the event industry. With a producer eye for detail, this has been another venue for her to create and share beautiful elements and experiences with the world. The invitation and opportunity to design special moments and be a part of someone's long lasting memories is what McCall finds beauty in.
McCall Gray
Experience Concierge
McCall holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication with a Broadcast Journalism Emphasis from the University of Utah. She made her mark in the TV industry as the Senior Producer of ABC4 Utah's 2-hour LIVE lifestyle show, 'Good Things Utah.' After seven years of creating inspiring, entertaining and educational content that touched millions of viewers, McCall made a career shift to the event industry. With a producer eye for detail, this has been another venue for her to create and share beautiful elements and experiences with the world. The invitation and opportunity to design special moments and be a part of someone's long lasting memories is what McCall finds beauty in. -
Gracie graduated from Utah State University in 2019 with a degree in Social Work, she began her career in her studied field, but 2020 quickly left her feeling unfulfilled. She began brainstorming ways to interact with people and her community more, and quickly found herself in the events world with LUX! She loves spending her days being surrounded by her LUX Fam and taste testing our cocktails. ;) When she’s not at LUX, Gracie spends her time hanging out with her dog, her friends, and binge watching reality tv.
Grace Hawkins
Event Producer
Gracie graduated from Utah State University in 2019 with a degree in Social Work, she began her career in her studied field, but 2020 quickly left her feeling unfulfilled. She began brainstorming ways to interact with people and her community more, and quickly found herself in the events world with LUX! She loves spending her days being surrounded by her LUX Fam and taste testing our cocktails. ;) When she’s not at LUX, Gracie spends her time hanging out with her dog, her friends, and binge watching reality tv. -
Madisyn has a background in the caregiving industry, working as a nanny and CNA for years. She finds joy in helping others, which brought her to the hospitality industry! She was looking for a career path that would allow her to help others, while also using her talents for design, thus finding her LUX fam! She loves spending her days surrounded by all of her amazing coworkers! When Madisyn is not at LUX she spends her days having fun in the sun or traveling!
Madisyn Bingham
Event Producer
Madisyn has a background in the caregiving industry, working as a nanny and CNA for years. She finds joy in helping others, which brought her to the hospitality industry! She was looking for a career path that would allow her to help others, while also using her talents for design, thus finding her LUX fam! She loves spending her days surrounded by all of her amazing coworkers! When Madisyn is not at LUX she spends her days having fun in the sun or traveling! -
Lìze is originally from South Africa, and has a degree in business and sport science. She has a passion for making memorable experiences for both guests and colleagues. Lìze loves spending her days with the LUX team, brainstorming, and creating a once in a lifetime experiences. When she's not at LUX, she spends quality time with her husband and their adored great dane and enjoys the mountains in both summer and winter.
Lìze Cutright
Event Producer
Lìze is originally from South Africa, and has a degree in business and sport science. She has a passion for making memorable experiences for both guests and colleagues. Lìze loves spending her days with the LUX team, brainstorming, and creating a once in a lifetime experiences. When she's not at LUX, she spends quality time with her husband and their adored great dane and enjoys the mountains in both summer and winter. -
Zac has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years for places like the Salt Palace, South Towne Expo Center, Utah State Fairpark, Vivint Arena, and Rio Tinto Stadium, just to name a few. He was thrilled when the opportunity to join the LUX Fam presented itself. He’s proud to be a part of a team that loves hard, respects all, and takes care of each other, their clients, and the community. When Zac isn’t at LUX he’s out hiking in our National Parks, spending time with his family, watching sports, or doing something Disney related.
Zac Smith
LHG General Manager
Zac has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years for places like the Salt Palace, South Towne Expo Center, Utah State Fairpark, Vivint Arena, and Rio Tinto Stadium, just to name a few. He was thrilled when the opportunity to join the LUX Fam presented itself. He’s proud to be a part of a team that loves hard, respects all, and takes care of each other, their clients, and the community. When Zac isn’t at LUX he’s out hiking in our National Parks, spending time with his family, watching sports, or doing something Disney related.