Karla Curry
Owner
Karla has been a part of the Occasions family since 2006, succeeding the original owner Jennie Hannah in 2012. Over the last 16 years, Karla has assisted with hundreds of events, and still continues to have a passion that helps produce excellent events for all our clients. Karla's background in Interior Design and Graphic Arts have made her a natural in the event industry, and a wonderful resource for our clients. Her favorite part of each event is seeing the joy on a clients face, whether it be a happy newlywed couple or another event planner, when it all comes together and knowing that she and Occasions got to help make their event amazing!
Her passion for rescue animals brought her three dogs (Alli, Tucker & Isabel) as well as her two ducks. Though she has a passion for traveling, she is also just as happy spending her days off in her backyard with kids, family, friends and all the animals.
Favorite Menu Item: Grilled Flank Steak with Chimmichurri Sauce & the Mashtini Bar
Emily Fields
Wedding & Event Coordinator
Emily is a Georgia Peach who has moved and worked in many states across the U.S! She has worked in the service industry for 18 years before she learned that helping people organize events was a passion of hers. Emily lives locally with her boyfriend and two cats (Meadow & Valley). In her spare time she loves to go hiking, do water sports & belly dancing!
Favorite Menu Items: Rosemary Walnut Chicken and the Charcuterie Display
Jessica Forcier
Wedding & Event Coordinator
Jess joined the Occasions family after growing her career in the hosting and management side of the culinary world. She has a passion for providing amazing food and service to people while doing her all to have a positive impact on people through service.
When Jess is not in the office or coordinating events, she likes to spend time with her family, going on bike rides, for hikes, and walks in the duck park where her and her daughter give the local ducks oats. Jess also has a passion for home cooking and hosting party's for her family.
Favorite menu items are Baron of Beef, Garlic bread and Cavatappi Pasta with Artichoke-Basil sauce, Feta & Bacon Cream or Rosé Sauce.
Jessica Lacy
Head Chef
Chef Jessica joined the Occasions family after moving to Washington from Hampton, Virginia. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Virginia, Chef Jessica has worked in the culinary industry for over a decade. Growing up in her family-owned bait and tackle shop Jessica began her training, and a life-long interest, in seafood butchery and cookery.
When Chef is not in the kitchen working on an amazing new recipe, she likes to spend time with her family and her dog; exploring her new home of Washington.
Favorite menu items are the Cougar Gold Mac and Cheese and the Kahlua Pulled Pork Sliders.
Adisson Lopez
Sous Chef
Adisson joined the Occasions Catering team 2023, working concurrently while attending Evergreen State College, where he studied environmental science and was a outside back for the school’s soccer team. When he is not defending the pitch, Adi loves to learn new recipes and cooking techniques, forage for wild mushrooms, and read books, both cooking and otherwise. In his role as Sous Chef, Adi is an all-around skilled cook, and brings that enthusiasm to the events he cooks for.
Favorite menu item: Flank steak with chimichurri and the charcuterie board (especially the bacon jam)!
Ryan Anderson
General Manager
Ryan joined the Occasions family after moving to Washington from the Twin Cities. A trained chef, Ryan attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2012, and since then has worked almost exclusively in catering, working with award-winning chefs. During his culinary career, Ryan has served in all manner of event spaces; from food trucks to private homes to thousand-person event spaces. He also has had the honor to serve the former First Lady of the United States, three U.S. Senators, two Mayors, as well as professional athletes and coaches. Ryan spends his time taking in all the amazing sights, events and restaurants of his new home in the Pacific Northwest with his partner, Jennifer.
Favorite menu item: Sauteed Chicken Breast with White Wine and Herb Cream Sauce, or Cavatappi Pasta with Rose' Sauce.
