Mary Gerrity
Lead Planner & Coordinator
Mary Gerrity joined the Finn Events team in May 2024, bringing a rich background in event planning and catering. Before stepping into the world of events, she worked for the state of Colorado’s park system and earned a degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. Having lived in Michigan, Illinois, and Colorado, Mary has now made Seattle home—bringing her signature warmth and Midwest charm to the West Coast.
Question: What do you love most about wedding planning?
The couples and their stories, and the way that translates into the flow and aesthetic of the day. My favorite weddings to create are all about the experience, translated from the couple’s own words and vision. I love that every wedding tells a different story, and every couple comes to me with fresh ideas. In the world of planning weddings, I feel like you never stop thinking out of the box and you never stop learning. The most rewarding part is knowing that, because of our work, they can fully focus on celebrating their love and the people who matter most to them.
Question: How did you get into the industry?
Thinking I was just doing a favor for a friend, I signed up as an assistant coordinator for a wedding she had planned, and I fell in love with it. Shortly after this experience, I became the lead planner for a Seattle-based venue and catering company where I was quickly introduced to all aspects of planning weddings and building relationships with the wedding community.
Question: What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I am a huge bookworm and painter, and I love to get on the water with a paddleboard. My favorite book is The Girl on the Train, and secretly/not secretly ACOTAR, my favorite medium for painting is acrylic, but I am excited to introduce oil paints to my repertoire, and my favorite lake to paddle board is Lake Crescent.
Finnavair McWilliam
Founder & Lead Planner
Finnavair McWilliam founded Finn Events in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in hospitality and wedding planning. Before launching her own company, she served as the Director of Events at a boutique hotel in California while earning her degree in Business Administration. Her passion for events and leadership then led her to Seattle, where she managed a premier venue, developed wedding planning programs, and created training initiatives for emerging leaders in the wedding industry. With a deep understanding of both logistics and design, Finn is dedicated to crafting seamless, meaningful celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique vision.
Question: What do you love most about wedding planning?
There are so many things I love about being a wedding planner, but above all, it’s the relationships and personal connections—both with my couples and within the vendor community—that mean the most to me. The relationships I’ve built since stepping into this industry have been truly profound. They have pushed me to grow, strengthened my confidence, sparked new creativity, and fueled my ambition to continuously evolve and break new boundaries. Being surrounded by such talented, passionate people—whether it’s the couples I work with or the incredible vendors who help bring their vision to life—is what makes this work so fulfilling.
Question: How did you get into the industry?
Honestly I kind of collided with it through my work in the hospitality industry, but once I had a glimpse of it, there was no where else I wanted to be. I felt like there was no other industry that would offer me the passion, creativity, and growth that the wedding industry does.
Question: What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Traveling and drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature and different cultures, walking my golden retriever, and paddleboarding any chance I get in the summer.