Team
The DreamTeam.
We’re Candice and Brian Grant, owners of Port 393.
We believe that couples navigating the course of life together should enjoy the engagement process and be given all the tools necessary for a successful occasion. The same is true of planning any event – the process should be easy and fun!
We poured our hearts and souls into creating Port 393 and incorporated all the simplicity, beauty and elegance we wished to find for our own wedding. We chose not to remodel the previous structure on the 393 Cleveland property because we did not want to settle.
We are proud to provide an exceptional view of the lake, a relaxing rooftop patio, a luxurious lounge, a large modern reception space, and every other minor detail necessary to create an enjoyable planning process.
“The Magic is in The Team”
– Candice Grant
Our Team
Meghan Gietzen
Venue Corodinator
Meghan Gietzen is the Venue Coordinator at Port 393, where she thrives on organizing events and working closely with her team to ensure success. After transitioning from 22 years in the restaurant industry, Meghan appreciates the supportive and family-oriented culture at The Grant Collection. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching high school sports, and relaxing by the pool or fire.
Team Collaboration
Time Management & Efficiency
Adaptability & Flexibility
Restaurant Management
Meghan Gietzen joined in September 2024 after 22 years in the restaurant industry. She joined as the Venue Coordinator at Port 393. With a passion for organization and problem-solving, she thrives in working closely with her team and finding ways to contribute to the success of the business. Meghan loves the dynamic nature of her role, especially knowing that every wedding is unique and special in its own way. She enjoys the early morning set-up shifts, seeing the venue come together before the ceremony begins, and the satisfaction that comes with the final result.
Meghan enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending high school sports games, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. In the summer, you’ll find her on the golf course or by the pool, while in winter, she enjoys cozying up with a fire and her pup.
Gina Vander Zwaag
Event & Venue Manager
Gina VanderZwaag is a Venue & Event Manager at Port 393, where she manages events and works closely with amazing clients. After starting as an intern in high school, Gina has worked her way up and now thrives in the fast-paced, creative world of event planning. When she’s not working, Gina loves spending time with friends and exploring new restaurants.
Event Coordination & Management
Client Relationship Management
Client Experience & Satisfaction
Team Collaboration & Leadership
Gina VanderZwaag began her journey with Port 393 as an intern in high school, handling Venue Assistant duties. Over the course of two and a half years, she worked her way up from Venue Specialist to her current role as Venue & Event Manager, where she manages full-time events and works closely with many of the company's standard clients. Currently attending GRCC, Gina is on track to graduate with a degree in Business Management from Davenport University.
Gina enjoys the hands-on nature of her work, staying active and engaged while ensuring that every wedding runs smoothly. She finds organization essential in event planning and has come to appreciate it more as she progresses in her role. One of her favorite aspects of the job is the variety of decor and themes, as each wedding brings a unique creative challenge. The couples first dance is always an emotional moment for her, and she can’t help but shed a tear. Outside of work, Gina enjoys spending time with friends and exploring new restaurants.
Kathryn Huff
Event & Venue Manager
Kat Huff is a Venue & Event Manager at Port 393, where she manages events and brings a creative touch to each celebration. Starting as a Venue Assistant, Kat quickly climbed the ranks, taking on her current role as Venue Manager. When she’s not at work, she loves gardening, painting, and spending time outdoors with her dog and husband.
Event Management
Client Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Customer Experience & Satisfaction
Kat Huff began her journey at Port 393 as a Venue Assistant, quickly earning a promotion to Event Manager after just three months. Six months later, she took on the role of Venue Manager, where she continues to thrive. With a background in Furniture and Product Design from Kendall College of Art and Design, Kat brings a unique creative perspective to event management.
Kat is known for her outgoing personality, hardworking nature, and reliability. One of her favorite aspects of the job is meeting new clients and seeing how their personalities shine through in the unique decor for each wedding. She loves that no two weddings are the same. Kat also enjoys seeing the excitement and joy that comes with the event day, especially as everything falls into place. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, painting, and taking walks with her dog and husband.
Aden Barrios
Event & Venue Manager
Aden Barrios is an Event Manager at Port 393, where he combines his passion for team building and event planning to create seamless, unforgettable experiences. With a background in game design and computer science, Aden brings a creative and problem-solving approach to his work. Outside of work, he enjoys Esports, drumming, and game design, which fuel his passion for creativity and teamwork.
Creative Problem Solving
Event Management
Client Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Aden Barrios began his journey at Port 393 as a Venue Assistant, before quickly moving into the role of Venue Specialist for two months and eventually becoming an Event Manager. With seven months of experience at Port 393, Aden brings a unique blend of dedication, energy, and professionalism to his role. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Game Design and Computer Science from Full Sail University, which has influenced his approach to both problem-solving and creative thinking in the events industry.
As a driven young professional, Aden is passionate about building strong, confident teams that consistently deliver high-quality results. He thrives in challenging environments and works tirelessly to ensure each event is executed seamlessly. Outside of work, Aden enjoys coaching and playing Esports, honing his drumming skills, and exploring game design—activities that keep him inspired and engaged. He finds fulfillment in helping create unforgettable memories for clients and loves watching the venue space come alive with beautiful decor.
Wendi Pairtiz
Food & Beverage Manager
Wendi Pairitz is the Food & Beverage Manager at The Grant Collection, where she brings over 20 years of hospitality experience and a heart for service. A certified sommelier with a background at the prestigious Broadmoor Hotel, she’s passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and sharing her love of wine. Outside of work, Wendi enjoys outdoor adventures with her five kids and finds joy in connecting with people wherever she goes.
Wine Education & Sommelier
Hospitality & Guest Experience
Client Relationship Building
Corporate & Social Events
Wendi Pairitz has been with The Grant Collection since 2020, bringing a wealth of hospitality experience and a genuine passion for people. Her career began with a decade at the renowned Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, where she earned her Sommelier Certification and developed a love for fine dining, wine education, and event service. Since joining the team, she’s worn many hats—from bartender to events manager—and has helped shape the guest experience across all venues.
With a background in theology and international mission work, Wendi carries a heart for service into everything she does. She loves helping clients feel at ease, creating memorable moments, and sharing her wine knowledge with both guests and her team. Outside of work, she’s often adventuring outdoors with her five kids—biking, hiking, skiing, and savoring life’s simple joys.
Linda Shipman
Corporate Events Manager
Linda Shipman is the Corporate Event Manager at The Grant Collection, where she brings energy, strategy, and a client-first mindset to every event. With a background in communications and a passion for working with corporate clients and non-profits, she loves seeing events come to life and clients walk away fulfilled. Outside of work, she enjoys entertaining, playing pickleball, and exploring creative home projects.
Client Relationship Management
Corporate Events
Non Profit Events
Strategic Communication
With over four years at The Grant Collection and a long-standing career in communications and events, Linda Shipman brings energy, experience, and intention to every corporate event she plans. A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, she specializes in working with corporate clients and non-profits—always keeping their goals front and center, whether it’s boosting engagement or raising funds.
Linda thrives in the collaborative planning process, working closely with clients from the first concept to the final moment of the event. Her favorite part? Seeing those plans come to life and watching clients experience the success of their vision. Known for her thoughtful approach and upbeat personality, Linda creates events that are not only seamless but truly memorable.
When she’s not working, Linda loves entertaining friends and family, playing pickleball, and diving into creative home projects. She describes her time at The Grant Collection as the most fun job of her career—and it shows in everything she does.
Andy Serrano
Bar Manager
Andy Serrano is the Bar Manager at Port 393, where he thrives in creating memorable guest experiences and overseeing the bar for a variety of events. Starting as a part-time bartender, Andy quickly advanced in his role and now brings his passion for creativity and people management to every event. Outside of work, you can find him on the golf course or behind another bar.
Bar Management & Operations
Customer Service
Creative Cocktail Design
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Andy Serrano began his journey at Port 393 as an every-other-weekend bartender, but quickly took on more responsibility as the opportunity arose, eventually becoming the Bar Manager. With just over a year of experience in the role, Andy has proven to be both a dedicated and adaptable team member. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Hope College, which has helped him develop excellent interpersonal skills and a strong understanding of human behavior, both of which he applies daily in his role.
Andy is passionate about working with people and finds joy in the creativity that comes with his position. He loves the spontaneity of the events he oversees, knowing that no two are the same, which keeps the job both exciting and rewarding. One of his favorite moments is interacting with guests right after the ceremony and watching them enjoy themselves. When he’s not behind the bar, Andy can often be found on the golf course or engaging in other leisure activities.
Tiffany Timmer
Wedding Planning & Coordination Manager
Tiffany Timmer is the Wedding Planning & Coordination Manager at Port 393, where she uses her 10+ years of experience to craft personalized, seamless wedding experiences. Passionate about event design and timeline creation, Tiffany loves bringing each couple’s unique vision to life. Outside of work, she enjoys antiquing and indulging in iced coffee.
Wedding Day Coordination
Event Design
Vendor Management & Collaboration
Client Communication & Relationship Building
Tiffany Timmer brings over a decade of experience to her role as Wedding Planning & Coordination Manager at Port 393. After starting her career in wedding attire, she transitioned into wedding planning and quickly discovered her passion for event coordination. With a degree in Literature, emphasis in British Lit and Creative Writing, from Hope College, Tiffany is a natural storyteller, bringing each couple’s unique narrative to life through personalized timelines and event design.
In her role, Tiffany finds joy in the process of transforming months of planning into a reality on the wedding day. Her favorite moments include watching the groom’s reaction when the bride walks down the aisle, and she takes pride in creating memorable experiences that reflect each couple’s individuality. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys antiquing and sipping iced coffee, often discovering new treasures at antique shops. She’s also excited by the upcoming trend of mini dessert trays served to guests, adding a creative and fun touch to events.
Chloe Lemkie
Day of Coordinator
Chloe Lemkie is a Day of Coordinator at Port 393 with a background in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Passionate about detail and client service, she excels in anticipating and fulfilling the needs of couples on their wedding day. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys outdoor activities like skiing and camping with her fiancé and dogs.
Wedding Day Coordination
Problem Solving & Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Creative Crafting & Design
Chloe Lemkie started her journey at Port 393 as a Venue Assistant in 2022, quickly moving up through the ranks to Event Manager, and ultimately becoming a Day of Coordinator. With a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University, focusing on Meetings and Events, Chloe is detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for clients. Her love for crafting and problem-solving adds a personal touch to the events she manages, often going above and beyond to anticipate the needs of the couples she works with.
What Chloe loves most about event coordination is the opportunity to work closely with couples, understanding their unique needs months before the big day, and ensuring everything goes smoothly. While event days are her favorite, they also carry a bittersweet feeling as it’s the final moment she shares with the couple. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, Arlo and Woody, downhill skiing in the winter, camping in the summer, and going to the beach.
Heather Rich
Day of Coordinator
Heather Rich is a creative and compassionate Day-of Coordinator with over two years of experience in the wedding industry. She’s passionate about bringing her couples’ visions to life and ensuring they feel supported and stress-free on their big day.
Wedding Day Coordination
Client Communication
Creativity
Attention to Detail
Heather Rich has been part of the wedding industry for over two years, starting as a Venue Assistant before quickly growing into a Venue Manager role. For the past year, she’s found her true calling as a Day-of Coordinator, where her creativity, organization, and calming presence shine the most.
Heather holds a degree in Arts from Grand Rapids Community College and thrives on bringing unique visions to life. She’s passionate about helping couples feel supported throughout the planning process and truly at ease on their big day—knowing every detail is in caring, capable hands.
Her favorite moment of a wedding? The emotional anticipation right before the bride walks down the aisle—it never gets old.
When she’s not coordinating weddings, Heather loves being outside, whether it’s hiking or relaxing at the beach. She also enjoys photography and a good shopping spree.
Danielle Henderson
Day of Coordinator
Danielle Henderson is a thoughtful and detail-driven Day-of Coordinator who loves turning the moving parts of a wedding day into a seamless, joyful experience. With a background in event management and a passion for planning, she’s all about creating meaningful moments that couples will remember forever.
Wedding Day Coordination
Detail Management
Creative Problem Solving
Client Communication
Danielle Henderson brings a unique blend of creativity, organization, and calm to the chaos of wedding days. She began her journey as a Venue Assistant, quickly moving into Event & Venue Management, and is now thriving as a Day-of Coordinator—a role she’s held for the past six months.
With dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Advertising & Public Relations and Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University, Danielle approaches coordination like a puzzle: combining all the moving pieces to create one unforgettable day. She believes in crafting little “perfect moments” throughout each wedding, where all the planning, details, and love come together effortlessly.
Her favorite moment? The few minutes right after the ceremony—when the nerves are gone, the love is flowing, and the couple is glowing with joy.
When she’s not coordinating weddings (or being a bridesmaid!), Danielle is busy planning for her friends and trying out new hobbies—from candle making to scrapbooking and book clubs. Oh, and she’s ordained—just in case!
Nature Miller
Day of Coordinator
Nature Miller is a passionate Day-of Coordinator who combines creativity with precision to ensure every wedding day runs smoothly. With a background in bridal consulting and a love for connecting with people, she strives to make each couple's day as memorable and stress-free as possible.
Wedding Day Coordination
Event Logistics
Detail Management
Creative Problem Solving
Nature Miller discovered her love for event planning at just six years old, hosting detailed tea parties for family and friends. That childhood passion has grown into a fulfilling career in the wedding industry, where she’s blended her creativity and precision as both a bridal consultant and now a Day-of Coordinator. After starting as a Venue Assistant, Nature quickly stepped into her coordination role, bringing warmth, style, and thoughtful care to every event she touches.
A Business graduate from Davenport University, Nature is known for her ability to connect with clients and make their vision come to life with ease. Her favorite moment of a wedding? The recessional—when pure joy and relief wash over the couple, and the real celebration begins.
When she’s not working weddings, Nature loves competitive game nights, walking her pups, and checking off dream travel destinations one adventure at a time.
