ELLEN THOMAS
OWNER & LEAD DESIGNER
Ellen Thomas’ passion for event planning started at a young age. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in hospitality management, Ellen began her career in Nashville, Tennessee, where she planned weddings, corporate events and music industry events for some of the top music labels and artists in the United States. After four fun-filled years, she felt the call to come back home to Mississippi and start her own company. Thus, Ellen Thomas Event Design was born.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the event industry Ellen thrives off of creativity and delegating. She values her teammates, clients, vendors, family and friends. Planning and executing multiple events a year requires a great team and leading that team to great success. Simply put, Ellen’s mission is to make her clients’ dreams come true. With impeccable attention to detail, Ellen makes sure that every aspect is planned to perfection. She loves getting to know her clients and working with them to make their vision come to life. In Ellen’s spare time, you will catch her sipping a freshly poured prosecco and traveling to the next destination on her bucket list!
We work alongside extremely talented vendors, and we pride ourselves in making sure you are paired with the perfect creative team. There is no dream too big or small, and we work to prove that in every area of our planning process. At Ellen Thomas Event Design, our team is comprised of talented designers dedicated to each of our client’s. While your day to day correspondence will be with Ellen or one of our designers, it takes a team to bring your vision to life.
MEET THE TEAM
Maddie Rankins, a graduate of the University of Mississippi, holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. Maddie joined the ETED team following graduation in 2021. She has always felt a connection to the inspiration and creative components of weddings. She guides each client to their vision with her unique designs and artistic style. Maddie manages our staff with her caring and lively personality. Her favorite thing about event planning is creating intentional relationships with her clients, perfecting the small details and logistics, and delivering direction with vibrance and a positive outlook. When she isn’t working, she loves to have drinks with her friends and enjoying time at home
in Oxford.
Maddie Rankins
Event Director & Lead Designer
Emma Kieser graduated from the University of Mississippi and received a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications with a minor in Business in 2024. Emma joined the ETED team following graduation in 2024. Her bubbly, infectious personality always brightens up the room. One of her favorite parts of working at ETED is meeting our clients for the first time and watching the small details unfold throughout the planning process. Emma assists alongside Ellen and Maddie with day to day operations. Whenever she isn’t working, she loves anything from grabbing a drink to traveling with her friends and family.
EMMA KIESER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Ryan Strickland graduated from The University of Mississppi in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications specializing in Public Relations and Graphic Design. Ryan joined the ETED team in 2025 and works as our Social Media and Marketing Manager. Ryan brings a peacefulness to our chaos with her calm presence and showcases our work through her creative styles. Ryan loves looking through our clients galleries and finding images to share that reflect their event in a unique and personal way. When she isn't working she loves overseeing her personal business The Stamp.
Ryan Strickland
SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING MANAGER
