A Tribute to Our Richwood Team
As the owner of Richwood on the River, I have the privilege of working alongside a truly incredible team who go above and beyond to ensure that every couple’s special day is nothing short of perfection. They are the heartbeat of our operations, and their dedication is what transforms our space into a beautiful, seamless celebration for every bride, groom, and their loved ones.
Let me take a moment to introduce the hardworking members of our venue team and highlight the roles they play in making each wedding day memorable.
Event Specialists
Our event coordinators are the backbone of the day’s success. From the first consultation to the final farewell, they are there every step of the way, ensuring that every detail is in place. On the big day, they’re the ones overseeing the entire schedule—timing the ceremony (if you did not hire a wedding planner), coordinating with vendors, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Their calm, organized approach ensures that the couple can relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about logistics.
Kelsey Spence
Event Specialist
I was born and raised in a small town in Southeastern Indiana, now I live in Cincy (yes, I make the 1.5 hour drive to Richwood every other weekend). A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC, I majored in baking and pastry arts with a concentration in event management. Working in events quickly became a passion of mine.
After meeting Colleen in 2015, I began assisting her with weddings for her business Ava Rose Event Design. That October, Colleen purchased Richwood and I was thrilled to join her next business venture.
My husband and I were married at Richwood in 2018 and welcomed a baby girl in 2021. Richwood holds so many special memories for my family and I, all thanks to the hard work and love of Colleen and Ward. It’s been wonderful being a part of this incredible journey at Richwood.
Lucy Higgins
Event Specialist
Though a native of central Kentucky, my family and I moved to Madison, IN going into my freshman year of high school. I was familiar with the beauty of Richwood and as its reputation grew as a top notch wedding venue with Colleen at the helm, I had my heart set on getting married there. So the day after my now-husband proposed, I called Colleen to book our dream day. And it was exactly that – one of the most fun, relaxed, and love-filled days of our lives.
Following that, my husband and I relocated from coast to coast (literally – Indiana to Washington to North Carolina) for my job as a sport psychologist on contract with the US Army. Our daughter was born in North Carolina and we quickly decided family was what we needed most. Though I once vowed I’d never move back to Indiana, we are so thrilled to be back close to family and in an area we love. What’s made it all the more exciting for me has been my chance to reconnect with Colleen. I now work as an Event Specialist at Richwood, which gives me the chance to learn from the best and get paid to do things I just love to do – plan, organize, decorate, help others and, most importantly, ensure people have some of the BEST moments they can imagine.
Wedding Assistants
The wedding assistants are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure that everything looks flawless. From setting up the ceremony and reception spaces to ensuring the smooth flow of the evening, they handle every task with precision. Whether it’s talking with a vendor, placing decor in just the right area, or helping with last-minute adjustments, our venue assistants make sure the venue is ready to host a perfect celebration.
Annette Troescher
Wedding Planner / Ladyhawk Events
Hi, I’m Annette — event and wedding planner with 15+ years experience. I believe every event should feel like *you* — full of joy, personality, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a dreamy wedding, a chic corporate gathering, or a fabulous birthday bash, I’m here to make sure it’s stress-free, stylish, and oh-so-fun.
With a passion for details (and a soft spot for sparkly things and feathers), I’m all about turning your vision into reality — and making the planning process just as exciting as the big day itself. Let’s dream big, laugh a lot, and create memories that last a lifetime!
When I’m not planning epic events, you can find me hunting for the best coffee shops, attending car shows and road tripping.
Contact Annette
PH: 513-675-3268
LadyhawkEvents.com
Melissa Lohr
Wedding Planner / Beautiful Memories Wedding & Event Planning
Melissa is a Professional Wedding Planner and Travel Advisor. With nearly two decades of experience, I bring a deep understanding of the wedding and romance industry. I possess a logistical talent for wedding and event planning, offering personalized and seamless coordination from conception to execution, with a focus on attention to detail, client satisfaction, and overall guest experience. Skilled in multitasking, time management, and navigating complex situations, I thrive in high-pressure environments, balancing both technical precision and creative vision to deliver exceptional results. I value connection and inclusion.
Contact Melissa
PH: 419-944-0157
BeautifulMemoriesWedding.com
Lead Bartender
Our lead bartender is the one who keeps guests happy throughout the event. From serving signature cocktails to pouring champagne, she ensures that every drink is served promptly and with care. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor help create an atmosphere where everyone feels well taken care of, making the reception feel like a seamless extension of the love and joy in the air.
Helenna Hayes
Lead Bartender
My name is Helenna Hayes, and I am a cocktail specialist and business owner with a passion for crafting unique beverage experiences. As a world traveler and adventurous spirit, I embrace new cultures and flavors, which inspires my cocktail creations. I’m also a wife, mother and grandmother who loves spending time with friends and family, along with the fur babies on my farm. Always fun and outgoing, I strive to bring positive energy and creativity into everything I do.
Room Amenities Specialist
One of the key ingredients to creating a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience is attention to detail—and that’s exactly what this role brings to the table. As the person responsible for ensuring that all the room amenities are perfectly placed and thoughtfully arranged, they are the unsung heroes who elevate the overall guest experience in ways that may go unnoticed by most, but are truly appreciated by all.
Lexi Pender
Room Amenities Specialist
Hello! My name is Lexi. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this amazing team here at Richwood. I have been at Richwood since 2019. I was raised most of my life right here in Trimble County along the beautiful Ohio River and I loved seeing this property as I grew up. Little did I know that years down the road I would be given the opportunity to help couples dream weddings come true. Working here has been an amazing journey and I look forward to helping all of our guests create lasting memories of being at Richwood on the River.
Personal Assistant and Linen Specialist
At Richwood on the River, every member of our team plays a pivotal role in crafting unforgettable experiences for our couples and their guests. This team member goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is in perfect order and that our couples’ visions come to life seamlessly. They play an integral role in the success of our weddings, and we are beyond fortunate to have them as part of our team. Hard work, passion, and attention to detail elevate every event we host, and we are so grateful for everything they have done to make each couple’s day a dream come true.
Aubree Turnbull
Personal Assistant and Linen Specialist
Hello! My name is Aubree and I was raised in beautiful Madison, IN right across the bridge. I started working at Richwood in 2022 as needed and officially brought onto the team in 2024. I want to make sure that your day goes as smoothly as possible. I also assist Lexi to ensure that your rooms are fresh and look amazing. Your day being its best is my job! I love working in this industry and getting to work with everyone here at Richwood. Richwood is like a second home to me and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
