Meet the Team | YWA Wedding & Event Experts
James Penn
Director
With a background as a lawyer and years spent in corporate sales and client care, James knows how to listen, problem-solve, and create seamless experiences. Now, with over a decade in hospitality, he leads the operations at YWA with a focus on exceptional service and creative event planning. Overseeing the operational team, he ensures every detail is executed flawlessly.
A self-confessed foodie, James loves to travel and explore new cuisines, always seeking fresh inspiration to bring to YWA celebrations.
Jon Penn
Director
With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience across tech, retail, and hospitality, Jon is passionate about bringing innovation to the events industry by integrating technology and AI to streamline operations and enhance client experiences. As co-founder of The Hackney, he applies his expertise in branding, sales, and digital marketing to elevate client care, ensuring every event is seamless and exceeds expectations. Jon is dedicated to finding smart solutions that enhance efficiency and simplify event planning and execution, making the experience feel effortless for our clients. Outside of work, he finds inspiration through travel and spending time in nature, always seeking fresh perspectives to bring to his work.
Hugo Correia
General Manager
With over 10 years in hospitality and a background in design, Hugo blends creativity with operational expertise to deliver seamless events. For the past five years, he has led the events team at The Hackney, ensuring every detail is executed to the highest standard. Passionate about client experience, he’s always refining processes to make event planning smooth and stress-free. Outside of work, he finds inspiration in travel and design.
Marco Mannoni
Executive Head Chef
With over a decade in hospitality, Marco brings a wealth of experience from top hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Passionate about food, he combines creativity with precision, ensuring every dish enhances the celebration. Leading the kitchen team, he focuses on quality, innovation, and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new cuisines for fresh inspiration.
Erika Hidalgo
Events Assistant Manager
With a Master’s Degree in Events Management and over six years in hospitality, Erika brings creativity, precision, and a client-first approach to every celebration. She thrives on turning visions into seamless events, handling everything from planning to execution with meticulous attention to detail.
Passionate about design and guest experience, Erika is always exploring new trends to elevate weddings. When she’s not orchestrating events, she’s traveling, discovering new dining spots, and finding fresh inspiration for unforgettable celebrations.