EXPERTS in the EXPERIENCE
Anita Pruneda Mariner
Director of Events & Hospitality
Anita is part powerhouse planner, part crisis comms queen, and full-time purveyor of unforgettable experiences, Anita brings over 15 years of Austin event industry savvy and South Texas grit to the Whitt Ross team. With a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin and a career spanning luxury weddings, floral design, and municipal emergency communications, she knows how to turn even the most complex situations into seamless experiences.
Before joining Whitt Ross, Anita ran her own successful event planning, floral, and rental company while also serving as Director of Communications and Marketing for a Texas city, where she navigated COVID, immigration reform, and disaster response with unshakable poise. Translation: if she can manage a city in crisis, your event is in the most capable hands imaginable.
As Director of Events and Hospitality, Anita not only leads client events, she also drives operations across the Whitt Ross brand. She oversees team training, internal communications, and the development of systems and standards that keep the team moving in sync. She also leads the company’s internship program, mentoring the next generation of industry talent and ensuring they gain real-world experience with the polish and precision Whitt Ross is known for.
A communicator to her core and a creative at heart, Anita lives for thoughtful details, flawless execution, and clients who trust her to make magic. Outside of work, she soaks up life with her husband Travis, their two-year-old daughter Livianna, and their rescue black lab, Beau. Together, they love long walks through the Hill Country and sharing bites at their favorite restaurants, introducing their tiny foodie to the joy of good design and even better dessert.
"As an out-of-town bride, having Anita and the team by my side was truly a dream come true. She was there for me and my mom through every single moment, offering advice, keeping us organized, and sometimes giving me that little nudge when I was taking too long to decide!
Because of her dedication, support, and genuine care, my wedding day was everything I had hoped for and more. My mom and I will forever be grateful to the entire Whitt Ross team for making the most important day of my life absolutely perfect. I truly couldn’t have imagined my wedding without them!"
CAROLINA FERNANDEZ, BRIDE
Royana Peña
Event Planner
Royana is a passionate wedding and event planner with nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. With a background in luxury service at some of Austin’s most prestigious private clubs, she offers a high-touch planning experience that is both seamless and deeply personal.
Before stepping into her role as a planner, Royana spent years as a trusted lead assistant, developing a sharp eye for detail and a deep commitment to polished execution. She holds a degree in Public Relations from Texas State University and brings extensive knowledge of wine and spirits to the table, whether she is crafting a signature cocktail or curating a memorable dinner pairing. With expertise in design and a passion for aesthetics, Royana curates every element of an event to thoughtfully reflect her clients’ individual style.
Known for her super fast communication and infectious zest for life, Royana has a way of making every conversation feel interesting and fun. Her big personality and genuine love for people ensure that working with her is as joyful as the events she creates.
Her approach is rooted in warmth, collaboration, and genuine connection. Her favorite part of planning is bringing a client’s dream to life while ensuring they feel truly cared for from the first meeting to the final dance. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or an intimate celebration close to home, Royana is ready to elevate your vision, no matter how bold or outside the box.
"Absolutely the single best choice I made for our wedding weekend was working with Royana at Whitt Ross. She made wedding planning fun and seamless- I never felt stressed or worried about the big day which is saying a lot as we planned from out of state.
Our wedding day was perfect - an authentic and joyful event with all the right details to make it uniquely ours. Royana made this event possible and even made planning enjoyable. I’m sad to lose the excuse to chat with her regularly as we became fast friends. Whitt Ross will remain top of mind for any and all event or concierge needs in Austin and should be for you too."
WINTER TATE, BRIDE
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Kelsey McCollam
Event Planner
Kelsey McCollam is a Houston native, brings a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and precision to every event she touches. With a psychology degree from the University of Georgia and a legacy of creative women in her family, including an interior designer mother, an architect and jewelry designer aunt, a grandmother who led the arts council in New Orleans and Houston, and a great-grandmother who was also an interior designer, Kelsey was destined to follow a creative path of her own.
She began her journey in philanthropic event planning before moving into a sales and event design role with one of Nashville’s top floral studios. Her background in psychology sharpened her ability to connect with clients and vendors on a deeper level, ensuring everyone feels truly seen and understood.
In Nashville, Kelsey thrived in the fast-paced world of high-end productions, working alongside some of the best in the industry. Known for her eye for detail and instinct for problem solving, she has a knack for identifying challenges in a space and offering smart, actionable solutions. Now back in Texas, she brings her signature style to events of all kinds, crafting visually striking experiences that reflect each client’s personality and vision.
Whether designing a bold modern celebration or an intimate whimsical gathering, Kelsey has two goals: to create unforgettable moments and to leave every guest feeling special.
"I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Whitt-Ross team! Kelsey helped ensure that my wedding day was everything I dreamed of and more. The entire experience was absolutely seamless from start to finish.
As a majorly Type A bride, the greatest gift the Whitt-Ross team gave me was the ability to be fully present and enjoy every moment of my day. They handled everything so flawlessly!
My wedding was truly the best day of my life, and I never expected to be the type of person to say that! I always wondered if all the planning and oodles of money would be worth it, but honestly, I wish I could do it all over again a million times. Even my husband, who initially thought having a lavish wedding was silly, admitted it was amazing in every way possible."
TAITE ZAPALAC - BRIDE
Meagan Flynn
Event Planner
With a foundation in theater, dance, and live events, Meagan brings an artful perspective and a magnetic energy to every celebration she touches. Her path to planning began in Los Angeles while pursuing a career in film and entertainment, where she developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, production, and the emotional cadence of a well executed experience. After planning her own wedding in 2024, it became clear this was not just a passion, but exactly where she was meant to be.
Meagan approaches each event with a refined yet playful lens, blending thoughtful design with an atmosphere that feels effortless, joyful, and alive. She has a natural ability to guide a vision while keeping the process grounded and fun, creating celebrations that feel deeply personal and beautifully considered.
Her clients are drawn to her vibrant presence and her ability to strike that balance between polished and spirited. The result is a celebration that feels timeless with a fresh point of view, often layered with color, personality, and intention.
Now a proud new mom to her sweet daughter, Meagan brings an even deeper sense of care, perspective, and heart into her work, something her clients feel from the very beginning.
"I had the privilege of working with Meagan, and from start to finish she was supportive, kind, and incredibly efficient. My wedding day came with a number of unexpected challenges due to inclement weather, and as the bride I was blissfully unaware of any of it thanks to how seamlessly Meagan handled everything behind the scenes.
She even took the initiative to capture thoughtful, behind the scenes moments and reception details without any direction, which meant so much. Her knowledge of the venue was invaluable throughout the planning process, and she consistently asked the right questions on my behalf, anticipating needs I would not have thought of on my own.
I truly would not have been able to have, or more importantly enjoy, my dream wedding without Meagan."
