About White Tent Event - Event Planners in Columbia SC

White Tent Event is a unique blend of talents that we believe was providentially designed. Craig and Julie Houston and Rex and Sylvia Rish have discovered the secret for making dreams a reality through the combined efforts of each individual’s special abilities.

Craig Houston, Creative Director

A graduate of Ringling School of Art with a background in advertising, design and illustration, Craig is the “visionary” for cutting-edge event design. He has the ability to take the client’s ideas and formulate a complete concept with sketches and computer layouts. His many years of experience as an illustrator combine with his ability to create unique floral designs and to achieve innovative set design through graphics and lighting effects to capture any mood or style.

Julie Houston, Coordinator

Julie’s forte’ is her talent for planning, organization and completion. She knows that the details of each event are crucial and she has a unique ability for finding just the right invitation, fabric, vase or accessory to complete the vision for the event. With her background as an experienced paralegal, Julie handles the legal and financial details and keeps everyone organized and on budget. Her love for event planning began with their daughter’s wedding in 2001 and continues today with her desire to make each client’s event just as special and meaningful.

Rex Rish, Technical Coordinator

Rex combines his extensive training in floral design and function with an uncanny ability to make things work. He utilizes his mechanical and technical abilities to create sets and stage effects that others might imagine but never attempt. His experience in the insurance industry provides him with knowledge of safety practices to keep our events running smoothly and safely. He is truly a “jack-of-all-trades” and can be trusted to prevent or solve any technical problem.

Sylvia Sharpe Rish, Registered Bridal Consultant and Coordinator

A Columbia, South Carolina native, Sylvia has 35 years of combined experience with weddings and corporate events throughout the Carolinas. Using her insight and expert knowledge of event planning, wedding day scheduling and coordination, and most importantly - the details - Sylvia promises that your wedding day or special event will be handled with precision and accuracy. She enjoys working with the bride to create the wedding of her dreams. Her relationship with local and national vendors makes all dreams within reach. She brings a passion to create for the bride the most amazing, incredibly beautiful day of her life!