ABOUT
Est. 2009
Christen and Erik Ryan founded Ryan Designs in 2009, shortly after tying the knot and surviving the wedding planning process firsthand. They realized there was an opportunity to provide other couples with creative, personalized event décor paired with a high level of professionalism and unmatched customer service. By identifying and understanding the needs of every type of event - Ryan Designs has become a leader in weddings & event design across Rhode Island and the Northeast.
IT ALL STARTED WITH “I DO”...
About Ryan Designs
Our Values
Across all areas of our company - from staffing our teams to supporting our events; we value:
We pride ourselves on creating genuine connections with our clients whether it’s an event for five or five hundred. Our goal is to create a unique experience while maintaining a high level of service for every client we work with.
Authenticity
We're experts at problem solving and are able to create customized solutions for any event experience. With a little creative thinking - ( and the OK from our lead builder Greg) our customized solutions are designed to wow any audience.
INNOVATION
Our creative teams paired with your vision are what help us develop custom experiences for your guests. With an emphasis on clear communication, our partnership throughout the planning process will help your event design come to life.
CREATIVITY
We’re dedicated to customization, authenticity, and bringing our client’s dreams to life. Our curated collections of lighting, fabric draping, and custom furnishings can transform any space into a sophisticated, unforgettable event.
AT RYAN DESIGNS is to tailor our events by focusing on the bigger picture and the finest details.
Our mission
Meet the Team
We're a team of designers, problem-solvers and creative thinkers. We love collaborating with our clients and each other to design unique events.
ERIK Ryan
CEO & Founder
CHRISTEN Ryan
COO & Founder
Senior Event Technician
EDWARD WILD
Custom Projects Builder
Greg Brooks
Production Manager
Lauren Roy
Production Manager
Sales & Event Designer
JULIA DARIGAN
AUTHENTIC | CREATIVE | ENERGIZED
Senior Technician & Sales Assistant
Shannon Coleman
LET’S CREATE
We’ve streamlined the process so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying every minute of your event. From your day one consultation to the final setup day of - your event designer will be available every step of the way.
Did You Know you’ll have a dedicated designer throughout your entire process with Ryan Designs?
magic
together
SET UP A CONSULT CALL
SEE OUR MATERIAL IN PERSON.
our warehouse
Our 10,000 sq ft Warehouse in West Warwick Rhode Island is where we plan, store, and build all of our material for your events. Schedule an in-person tour to see our styles in person. For now you can build your own wishlist here:
START A WISHLIST
COO & Founder, Event Director
Erik is responsible for overseeing the production of all Ryan Designs events. Erik has an innate understanding of operations and logistics, which he gained from over 20 years of experience working in several manufacturing and distribution businesses. Erik’s entrepreneurship, combined with 12 years in the event industry has made him the backbone of Ryan Designs. He is a natural leader whose drive and determination ensures that every Ryan Designs event is innovative and successful.
Erik Ryan
CEO & Founder, Creative Director
Christen brings the artistic vision and energy that keeps Ryan Designs in the forefront of the event design industry. With 15 years of business experience, Christen intrinsically understands what it takes for a small business to succeed by listening to her clients and delivering what they want. Prior to starting Ryan Designs, she worked in marketing and sales at Atlantek, her father’s business. She then attended the School of Fashion Design in Boston, MA. It is her love of nature, art, travel, architecture, textiles, and most importantly – people – that inspires her everyday.
Christen Ryan
Director of Sales & Operations
As the Director of Sales and Operations, Michele Oversees all sales and operations including scheduling for our staff.
Michele Casey
Accountant + Controller
Diane Currier
Marketing Manager &
Senior Designer
Ashley is very goal oriented, a natural forward thinker and always staying ahead of the curve. She manages multiple exclusive accounts such as Ocean House, Mount Hope Farm and Newport Longwood Venues to name a few. She also is our Marketing Manager and oversees the website, inventory & booking system and social media to provide constant support for the internal team as well as our clientele.
Ashley Machon
Senior Event Technician
Ed brings all of our creative ideas to life! He is responsible for leading all on-site installations of lighting, rigging, and layouts. Ed ensures that his Leads and event team runs smoothly and efficiently through different tasks to reach the final goal of a secure, safe, and stunning event. He is driven by cohesion and friendships that fieldwork creates as well as the satisfaction of completing a job through hard work.
Edward Wild
Sales & Designer
Creates design boards, prepares quotes, meets with clients, manages exclusive venues.
Lisa Nightingale
Event Staff Supervisor
Shannon is responsible for overseeing our event staff and ensuring the events are completed up to our standards. We are known for our high quality fabrics and creative draping installations so Shannon also assists the design & production teams with fabric layouts and inventory management. She loves being a part of these special events with our amazing team and traveling to different venues around New England.
Shannon Coleman
Sales & Event Designer
Our newest designer comes with over 10 years’ experience in the events industry! She is responsible for connecting with new clients, listening to their goals and design requests for their event and how we’re going to achieve them. From detailed visual layouts, al la carte quotes & hands-on installations, she is your gal from beginning to end to bring your dream to life.
Julia Darigan
Design Coordinator
Angela assists both the design & marketing teams, she is responsible for creating layouts, design boards and marketing collateral. Her highlight is presenting a design plan to a client and getting to see the sheer excitement of the vision of their event coming to life! She collaborates with our production team to price out and create custom projects and bring you all the wonderful interior design aspects into an event space.
Angela Beausoleil
Logistics & Systems Manager
Greg Brooks
Production Manager
Lauren is responsible for overseeing the production process and coordinating all activities to ensure enough resources on hand. I create employee schedules within production & warehouse. She ensures that all custom projects and purchases meet required deadlines. She is driven by working with her amazing team!