Jenna Sylvia | Founder & Head Event Coordinator

Born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard, Jenna Sylvia grew up as the daughter of a chef, which meant hospitality was part of her life long before it became her career. She officially joined the industry as soon as she was old enough to work, continuing through her journalism studies at Keene State College. After college, she moved to Boston, where her work in hospitality led her into event coordination, and a career that put her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think on her feet to good use.

After meeting her now-husband, Zach, Jenna returned to the Island and became Director of Sales and Marketing for The Martha’s Vineyard Times, further developing her work in journalism while continuing work in restaurants, catering, and freelance event coordination. Eventually, she and Zach founded Coastal Events MV, taking the full-time leap into a business built around their complementary skills.

Today, Jenna brings that experience to every celebration she coordinates, guiding clients from the first conversation through the final details on event day. She loves translating a vision into an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and effortless—even when making it look effortless requires a headset, a very detailed timeline, and some creative problem-solving behind the scenes.

Jenna also brings her two professional passions together through The Grapevine, a brand she created in partnership with The Martha’s Vineyard Times to cover the Island’s hospitality scene from a back-of-house perspective. When she isn’t coordinating an event, she’s often writing about the people and places that make one possible. Some might call that taking work home. She calls it deeply loving the industry.

Zachary Sylvia | Co-Founder & Event Production

A multigenerational Islander, Zachary Sylvia has spent his entire working life in the electrical trade, progressing through the ranks to become a journeyman electrician and master of his craft.

Living and working on Martha’s Vineyard, where an extraordinary event often starts with an empty field, Zach found a natural extension of his electrical expertise in event power and production. At Coastal Events MV, he brings the technical knowledge and practical problem-solving needed to help build celebrations from the ground up, providing mobile power and production solutions that support everything from the first sound check to the last dance.

His contributions also extend well beyond the electrical work. Setup, breakdown, folding napkins, you name it: marrying an event coordinator comes with a remarkably versatile job description. Zach approaches it all with the same care and willingness to pitch in. Willingly, of course. Right, Zach?

Emily Lowe | Lead Coordinator & Design Consultant

Raised on Martha’s Vineyard, Emily Lowe brings a deep appreciation for the Island’s beauty and character to her work at Coastal Events MV. After earning her BS in Marketing Communications from Emerson College, she returned home and built a career spanning business management, interior design, and event coordination; a combination that makes her equally skilled at shaping a vision and bringing it to life.

Emily has an eye for detail that could put a magnifying glass out of business, paired with the practical expertise to keep an event running smoothly. She leads with humor, grace, and a thoughtful approach to both design and logistics, helping clients feel supported and giving every detail its moment to shine.

Taylor Rasmussen | Second Coordinator

With an extensive background in hospitality and restaurant management, Taylor Rasmussen brings professionalism, quick thinking, and an unmistakable presence to every event. Our unofficial “immaculate vibe curator,” he pairs seasoned hospitality instincts with MC Hammer energy: big personality, nonstop momentum, and a knack for getting the whole room involved. Can’t touch this level of service.

Kayla Johnson | Second Coordinator

With deep Vineyard roots, years in Island hospitality, and a master’s degree in mental health counseling, Kayla Johnson returned home to establish her private practice—and brings exceptional people skills to our team. Jenna often describes coordination as part event planning, part meteorology, and full-time family therapy, so Kayla’s qualifications speak for themselves. Warm, resourceful, and wonderfully take-charge, she’ll help navigate family dynamics or happily stop traffic in downtown Edgartown for your post-ceremony petal toss. Yes, that actually happened.

Two more second coordinators round out our crew, with photos coming soon: Gina Patti, our unofficial Italian mom, who keeps vendors moving, guests cared for, and everyone reminded to eat; and Hannah Beford, whose extensive Vineyard hospitality and catering experience brings sharp management skills and a natural talent for taking care of people to event coordination. We’re lucky to have them both, and we’re hiring for the 2027 season! Interested in joining this stellar team? Explore the job descriptions below.

We’re seeking Lead Coordinators and Support Coordinators who are organized, dependable, professional, and genuinely enjoy being part of the behind-the-scenes work that brings an event to life. These positions offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to work at beautiful weddings and events across Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket.

LEAD COORDINATOR

Our Lead Coordinators take an active role in executing weddings and events from start to finish. This is a great fit for someone with previous wedding, event, hospitality, catering, or management experience who is comfortable taking charge and making decisions in a fast-paced environment.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Confident, calm, and solutions-oriented

• Extremely organized and detail-oriented

• Comfortable leading a team

• A strong communicator

• Experienced in events, weddings, hospitality, catering, or a related field

• Able to work long days, nights, and weekends

• Comfortable being on their feet and performing physical event setup when needed

SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Our Support Coordinators work alongside the Lead Coordinator to help execute all of the moving pieces of an event. Previous event coordination experience is preferred but not required — this is a great opportunity for someone interested in learning more about the industry.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Reliable and punctual

• Friendly, professional, and comfortable interacting with guests

• Hardworking and willing to jump in wherever needed

• Detail-oriented and able to follow direction

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Available for nights and weekends, particularly during peak wedding season

• Able to be on their feet for extended periods and assist with physical setup

Please email your résumé, cover letter, and references to info@coastaleventsmv.com and indicate whether you are applying for the Lead Coordinator or Support Coordinator position.

We look forward to hearing from you!