Today we’d like to introduce you to Raecca Camat & Kristopher Ussery.
Hi Raecca & Kristopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We’re Raecca and Kristopher — a husband-and-wife team with over a decade of experience in the events industry.
Kristopher began his career in events through the accounts department of Marriott Fair Oaks, eventually moving into a role as Assistant Director of Human Resources, where his natural ability to connect with people truly shined. His career progressed into Restaurant Management for the Marriott and Hilton brands of hotels, which then led him to Convention Services Management during his time at The Hyatt Regency in Washington, DC. There, he managed large-scale events, including conventions, military functions and corporate galas for up to 5,000 attendees.
Raecca, a graduate of BS Tourism and Hospitality Management, started her journey in the airlines and tours industry, where she discovered her love for logistics and timelines. This passion carried through to her work in Catering Management and Sales, and ultimately, into her calling—Event Planning. She completed the Marriott Management Training Program in Fairfax, VA, where she gained hands-on knowledge of hotel and venue operations—and where she met Kristopher. Raecca later brought her diverse background in tours, catering, and venue planning into the corporate world, managing a full calendar of events for eight commercial real estate buildings in Washington, DC.
In 2021, the couple relocated to Austin, TX, to be closer to family and launched their own wedding and event planning business. With a shared passion for people and creating meaningful, timeless experiences, Raecca and Kristopher have built a reputation as a dynamic, dependable team in the events space—turning vision into reality, one event at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Although we both started in careers adjacent to event planning, our path to becoming business owners wasn’t a straight line. It took years of hands-on experience, learning, and growth to get to where we are today.
Our backgrounds in Restaurant Management and Catering gave us a deep understanding of food, budgeting, and logistics—while our time working in hotels offered invaluable insight into venue operations and the behind-the-scenes coordination required to run a seamless event. These experiences taught us that before you get to the “pretty” side of event planning—like design and aesthetics—you need a strong foundation in operations. That knowledge now allows us to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients, whether it’s an intimate wedding or a large-scale corporate event.
Becoming business owners came with its own set of challenges. Staying grounded in our core values and committed to delivering the highest standard of service has always been our top priority. But like many creatives, especially in a vibrant and competitive city like Austin, it’s easy to fall into self-doubt. Are we pricing our services fairly and sustainably? What makes us truly stand out—and how do we lean into that?
When your business is your sole source of income, it can be tempting to take on clients at a rate below your worth just to stay afloat. But we’ve learned that trusting in our value, experience, and the unique perspective we bring is what ultimately sustains us—not just financially, but creatively and emotionally, too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Gatherings Reimagined, where we transform your dreams into unforgettable moments! As a premier event planning company, we recognize the distinctive nature of each celebration and pride ourselves on crafting bespoke experiences that reflect your unique vision.
At Gatherings Reimagined, our dynamic husband-and-wife team brings together over a decade of expertise in orchestrating seamless events. From enchanting engagements to picturesque bridal showers, intimate elopements to grand destination affairs, and multi-day celebrations that leave lasting impressions, we specialize in curating moments that resonate.
Our commitment goes beyond the ordinary; we embrace a personalized approach, dedicating time to understand your desires and aspirations. With meticulous attention to detail, we guide and support you through every stage of the planning process, ensuring that your event is a true reflection of your style and personality.
Let us embark on this journey together, turning your vision into a breathtaking reality. At Gatherings Reimagined, we don’t just plan events; we craft experiences that linger in the hearts of all who attend. Let’s create memories that last a lifetime.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do not be afraid to try new things and make mistakes! Things may not work out in a direct sequence for you but trust that you will learn new things with each time you try and things will eventually fall into place.
Focusing on just one skill is not enough to run a business. You have to know a little about everything to be successful. Add a little luck & trust in the Almighty God that he is leading you down the right path. He will place people and a community along the way that will help you thrive and become the person/ business that you are destined to be. You are not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gatheringsreimagined.com
- Instagram: /gatheringsreimagined
- Facebook: /GatheringsReimagined
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatheringsreimagined/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Prince & Ozzy Creative Co.
Brio Photography
Mercedes Morgan Photography
Harper Blankenship Photography
Photos x Alyssaa
3 AM Media
Stephanie Rogers Photography
Savannah Lauren Photography
