Vicky Theodorou
Founder & Principal
Vicky Theodorou is Heirloom’s visionary founder—equal parts tastemaker, strategist, and culinary force—who launched the company to bring style, inspiration, and high-quality cuisine to the event and catering industry with dishes that are as immaculately designed as they are delicious.
Heirloom is a product of the American dream. Vicky’s parents arrived in the U.S. as refugees from Cyprus in 1975 and built a name for themselves in the culinary world with operations like Delia’s restaurants & catering in Virginia and Medi,a fast casual Mediterranean concept. Vicky grew up in the heart of it all—hands in the garden growing fresh vegetables, head in the recipe books, and instincts sharpened early by a life spent around food, family, and the kind of hustle that becomes a legacy.
That legacy only grew bigger when Vicky took her ambition global. During her time at East Carolina University, she studied International Business abroad in Milan, working with companies like Disaronno Liqueur, Maserati Luxury, and the original Parmigiano Reggiano—while soaking up European culture, fashion, and cuisine. The details mattered. The design mattered. The experience mattered. And Vicky came home with a rare blend of polish and grit that would become her signature.
After completing her BS/BA in Business Marketing, Vicky became a top sales representative for DHL, then led sales and strategy at internet marketing company Atlantic BT. But even while climbing in the corporate world, she was quietly building a different kind of reputation—throwing sensational dinner parties that people didn’t just attend, they talked about. Eye-popping tablescapes. Innovative menus. Signature moments (including her tiny taco bars) that turned gatherings into full-on experiences. When people started asking when she would do it professionally, it wasn’t a question of if—it was a matter of when.
In 2010, her brother George asked her to take over the catering branch of the family business, and Vicky jumped in with both feet. For her, event catering and styling is a career match made in heaven: it marries her knack for planning, marketing, and business development with a deep love for food—and a real obsession with making people happy. Under her leadership, the business evolved from catered luncheons to fully-styled events with a distinct point of view: modern, elevated, beautifully designed, and unforgettable.
In 2015, she established Heirloom as an independent company—and then she did what she always does: she built. Since then, she’s grown the company 500% into a tens of million-dollar entity, earning the trust of high-profile brands & companies turned recurring clients like Madewell, lululemon, Meta, DIOR, Tiffany & Co, Shinola Detroit, VOGUE, and West Elm. And in Washington, D.C., her client list reads like a who’s-who of cultural and political power: Axios, Palantir, Punchbowl, CNN, Maserati, Porsche, Politico—you name it, they trust Vicky and Heirloom. She’s hosted events at the White House for crowds of over 1,000, and has produced events for POTUS and FLOTUS with the same signature energy she brings to every room: calm command, flawless execution, and a standard of excellence that doesn’t bend.
Her work has also served the country in a way few in the industry can claim. Vicky and Heirloom were selected to cater over 20,000 meals a day for the Inauguration of the 46th President—feeding our nation’s National Guard and earning Heirloom the Kenneth Disney Award for Food Excellence, the highest achievement available serving the United States Armed Forces. It’s the kind of milestone that doesn’t just validate a brand—it cements a legacy.
National recognition followed—because it had to. Vicky’s been featured for her catering and design expertise as well as her business savvy in Washington Life Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 and Modern Luxury’s Dynamic Women, and she’s garnered recognition on a national level with features in PEOPLE, Harper’s Bazaar, BRIDES, and Washingtonian. Heirloom has been featured on the cover of Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine as well as Style Me Pretty, Inside Weddings, Bridal Guide Magazine, and Inspired By This. She’s consistently named among Modern Luxury’s Dynamic Women, Washingtonian’s Best Caterer, and—honestly—any list imaginable of who’s who.
But Vicky didn’t stop at building a catering powerhouse. In 2021, she was enlisted by the then-owner to revive the iconic Long View Gallery—bringing its event scene back to life and restoring its position as a top D.C. venue and art gallery as the city emerged from the shadows and woes of the pandemic. She didn’t just revive it—she made it undeniable again. And then she acquired the space as her own, with Heirloom at its helm.
In 2022, she launched Little Heirloom Catering Co., a weddings-only, attainable luxury prix-fixe package that has grown exponentially since its debut—an answer to the modern couple who wants refined taste, a seamless process, and a wedding that feels like them, elevated. With the successful acquisition of Long View, she also launched Coterie, a venue management company focused on complete venue oversight, sales, process creation and management, and brand growth. With several venues under Coterie’s belt (and more following as word spreads), the company has expanded into event fabrication, design, and rentals—encompassing all aspects of the event industry and proving what Vicky’s clients have always known: she doesn’t just execute events, she builds systems, brands, and empires.
Even with that scale, Vicky still has a personal hand in everything Heirloom does—from creating menus to curating style elements, to putting her signature spin on classic dishes. Through her travels and experiences, she’s developed a talent for forecasting seasonal food trends and forging creative relationships, pouring rich inspiration into every theme, tablescape, and bite. The key ingredient is quality: Vicky works with local farmers and markets to deliver the fresh, nutritious, authentic cuisine she believes her clients and their guests deserve.
And because impact isn’t just measured in revenue or recognition, Vicky is also a philanthropist—someone who gives back as fiercely as she builds. She has helped fund and get an orphanage up and running, and she’s an avid partner of several organizations dedicated to lifting up underprivileged youth and supporting mothers in need—putting real resources behind the belief that community is built by the people who show up.
Focusing on best business practices and unforgettable experiences, Vicky continues to establish Heirloom—and everything under her umbrella—as an innovator in the event industry. How does she do it? She’ll tell you herself. Vicky is available for consultations, speaking engagements, and workshops. Learn more on our Services Page or get in touch.
Above all, there’s the part that makes it all even more legendary: she does all of this while building a life that matters most. Vicky is a wife and mother of three, and somehow she gives even more at home than she does in building her empires. She serves as a Girl Scout troop leader, soccer coach, room mom, basketball coach, and flag football coach. She was the founding PTA president of her son’s school—named best PTA in the entire state—and raised over $100,000 in a COVID year to support teachers and student activities. Her most important and coveted role above all is being ‘mommy’: showing her kids that you get one life, you live it the way that matters to you, and that mommy always has your back.
Lindsay Swieca
Business Manager
Starting her career in retail management before moving into business administration for small companies across the U.S., Lindsay thrives behind the scenes as Heirloom’s Business Manager. She’s the one quietly keeping the numbers balanced and the systems running smoothly, overseeing accounting and industry compliance to make sure the business stays on track. By introducing weekly labor budgets and empowering the operations team with clear, actionable data, she’s helped boost productivity and the bottom line by an average of 10% year-over-year while maintaining the level of service Heirloom is known for.
A natural leader and coach, Lindsay has spent her career training teams to work smarter and maximize efficiency. Outside of Heirloom, she coaches competitive gymnastics and is a proud (and very busy!) mom to three kids and a husband who keeps her constantly on the go. When she’s not crunching numbers at Heirloom, you’ll usually find her soaking up fresh air with her family on their outdoor adventures.
Edwin Torres
Head Chef & Culinary Director
As Head Chef & Culinary Director at Heirloom, Edwin Torres brings more than two decades of culinary leadership to one of Washington, D.C.’s most design-driven and detail-obsessed catering companies. With a background rooted in high-end restaurants and hospitality groups across Boston and D.C., he has built a career on elevating food experiences through precision, creativity, and team leadership.
Edwin began his culinary journey in Boston, rising through the ranks in respected kitchens like Frenchie Wine Bistro, Beacon Hill Hotel, and Rendezvous Restaurant, where he eventually led daily operations. After relocating to the Washington area, he transitioned into the catering world, serving as Head Chef at the Capital Yacht Club. He later joined Heirloom as a sous chef, where founder Vicky Theodorou quickly recognized his talent and leadership. She mentored and encouraged him to take on the role of Head Chef, trusting in his calm presence, strong work ethic, and ability to inspire those around him.
In his current role, Edwin oversees the culinary production of more than 30 events per month, ranging from weddings to luxury brand activations. At Heirloom, where no two events are ever the same, he has led the charge in implementing systems that have streamlined kitchen workflows, reduced waste, and improved cost-efficiency across departments, all while maintaining the high level of artistry and excellence that defines the brand. He specializes in translating seasonal ingredients and creative vision into polished, chef-driven menus that both surprise and satisfy. Whether developing spring amuse-bouche bites or overseeing large-scale event prep, he thrives on the balance of creativity and logistics that catering demands.
Beyond the kitchen, Edwin is a husband and father of two who finds joy in the simple things like a cold beer on a sunny day, a good culinary book, or a pickup game of soccer with friends. A lifelong soccer fan, he not only watches religiously but plays regularly, finding in the sport the same energy, teamwork, and strategy that drive his work in the kitchen. When he is not guiding his team through a high-volume production, Edwin is most often enjoying time with loved ones, sharing a good meal, meaningful conversation, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from doing what he loves.
Elizabeth Carberry
Director of Events
Elizabeth Carberry is the Director of Events at Heirloom, where she blends refined artistry with seamless execution to create extraordinary celebrations. Raised in Milan, Italy, her early exposure to art, design, and culture shaped her sharp eye and deep appreciation for beautiful detail. Her background in art history continues to inform her work, lending every wedding and event a thoughtful, editorial-quality aesthetic.
Having worked in the industry for over a decade, Elizabeth began her career as a venue director before founding and operating Heather Meadow Events, where she established a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and effortless ability to bring clients’ visions to life. Her work has been featured in Brides, Style Me Pretty, and Washingtonian Weddings, reflecting her talent for creating celebrations that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
With a professional relationship with Heirloom and its founder Vicky for over ten years—first as a venue director referring Heirloom to her clients, and later as a planner partnering on countless weddings and events—the transition to join the team in a leadership role felt like a natural progression and an exciting step forward in her career. Since joining Heirloom two years ago, Elizabeth has led the planning and execution of more than 300 weddings and events, collaborating closely with production and operations to ensure a flawless guest experience from start to finish.
Combining equal parts creativity and precision, Elizabeth approaches each event by balancing beauty with logistics so no detail goes overlooked. Clients trust her not only for her elevated aesthetic but also for her warm, thoughtful presence throughout the planning process.
In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys time at home with her husband, their three children, and two beloved pups. She loves cooking family meals at home, soaking up the energy of live concerts, and unwinding during sun-filled days in their happy place of Westhampton Beach, with a chilled glass of wine in hand.
Joussell Lopez
Senior Event Producer / Director, Event Producers
If you’ve attended a Heirloom event in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Joussell Lopez at work, quietly but confidently directing teams, refining last-minute details, and making sure everything flows exactly as it should. As Heirloom’s Senior Event Producer, Joussell leads all of Heirloom’s event production teams; the planning, coordination, and execution of more than 30+ events each month, ensuring each experience reflects our signature standard of hospitality, design, and precision.
Joussell’s journey with Heirloom began at just 16 years old, when he joined the team as a server. His work ethic, thoughtfulness, and natural ability to lead quickly stood out. By the age of 21, he was promoted to Operations Manager, stepping into a key leadership role during the most challenging phases of the pandemic. During that time, he worked closely alongside Heirloom’s Founder, Vicky Theodorou, as they navigated the uncertainty together, committed to keeping the company grounded, creative, and resilient. Vicky became a mentor to Joussell, helping him shape not only his leadership style but also his voice, confidence, and approach to building a team. That mentorship has grown into a strong professional relationship built on trust, aligned goals, and a deep respect for the role hospitality plays in bringing people together.
Today, as Senior Event Producer, Joussell serves as the architect behind the game plans that bring each Heirloom event to life. He crafts the intricate execution strategies that clients experience on event day and plays a vital role in aligning all departments: culinary, design, operations, and service into one cohesive, high-performing team. Whether he’s managing internal workflows, coordinating vendors, or communicating directly with clients, Joussell brings a calm presence, a sharp eye, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to translate big-picture vision into real-time logistics makes him the glue that holds every moving part together, balancing creative ambition with practical precision. Under his leadership, Heirloom has implemented systems that have streamlined operations, improved flow, and elevated the guest experience across the board.
Outside of his work with Heirloom, Joussell is a dedicated advocate for food equity and immigrant rights. He has worked with the Capital Area Food Bank and local legislators to help pass a Virginia law that expanded access to in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students. His advocacy also contributed to the White House hosting its first national hunger summit in more than 50 years.
In his free time, Joussell enjoys writing as a form of reflection and storytelling, practicing photography, playing soccer, and spending time with his two cats, Simba and Stormy. Above all, he values time with his wife, who remains his greatest source of grounding, joy, and inspiration.
Fredy Lopez
Director of Operations
Fredy Lopez brings over years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, with a career that bridges both front-of-house and back-of-house leadership. Throughout his professional journey, he has led high-performing teams, managed daily business operations, trained staff at all levels, and developed strategies that strengthen performance, enhance guest experience, and support long-term growth.
Before joining Heirloom, Fredy served as a regional manager at Cava, a locally rooted and now publicly traded brand that’s close to the heart of Heirloom’s founder, Vicky. where he helped lead teams through periods of rapid growth and operational scaling.
Since joining Heirloom, Fredy has been instrumental in expanding the company’s ability to execute multiple large-scale events simultaneously with consistency and precision. As Operations Manager, he oversees logistics, inventory and alcohol tracking, administrative workflows, and warehouse coordination. His hands-on leadership and operational insight have helped streamline communication between departments, improve packing and load-out processes, and bring greater structure to the company’s day-to-day operations.
Fredy’s ability to balance detail-oriented planning with flexible problem-solving makes him a trusted leader and an essential part of Heirloom’s continued growth. He leads by example, always looking for opportunities to improve systems, support his team, and raise the standard for execution.
Outside of work, Fredy is a dedicated sports enthusiast and a self-declared Friends aficionado. Whether he’s playing a pickup game or rewatching his favorite sitcom with an Old Fashioned in hand, Fredy brings the same passion and precision to his downtime as he does to every event.
Elana Archer
Senior Event Consultant
Elana is the calm force behind the chaos, the closer with a curator’s eye, and the kind of catering expert who makes “impossible” feel effortless.
Originally from London, she grew up immersed in Food, Culture, and the kind of everyday hospitality that turns a meal into a memory. That early obsession took her across Europe, then to Chicago, where she built the backbone of her career and earned her degree from the University Of Chicago with a Hospitality Focus. Fifteen years and hundreds upon hundreds of celebrations later, Elana brings a rare mix of global taste, sharp strategy, and deep event fluency to every client she touches.
As Heirloom’s Senior Sales Consultant, Elana leads the full sales process and partners closely with our internal Sales and Culinary Teams to craft proposals that feel personal, precise, and completely aligned with the client’s vision. From Luxury Weddings with fully customized Menu Experiences to Drop-Off Clients looking for Stylish, Yummy Bites, she connects every dot: Service Style, Rentals, Timing, Logistics, Guest Experience, and all the details in between. With 350+ events a year under her purview, she’s a trusted guide, a thoughtful translator of big ideas, and the steady hand that keeps everything moving forward with intention.
In her “downtime” (she laughs, because there’s never downtime and she loves it that way), you’ll find her Hiking, Traveling, chasing the next great restaurant, and unwinding with a little Real Housewives Trash TV.
Jenny Closter
Operations and Kitchen Coordinator
Jenny joined Heirloom Catering in 2021 at the age of 19, starting as a kitchen assistant during events. Over time, she grew into new roles across production, culinary, and operations, taking on more responsibility with each step. Today, she works full-time as Operations and Kitchen Coordinator, where she helps lead the behind-the-scenes systems that keep events running smoothly.
Her work bridges multiple teams. She manages production lists, supports food packing, oversees kitchen prep, and helps with post-event check-ins. A key part of Jenny’s role is ensuring food accuracy and kitchen flow before and during events. Along with her team, she contributed to developing and implementing a new kitchen organization system that improved workflow, clarified roles, and reduced packing errors, helping Heirloom deliver on its standard of precision and hospitality.
Heirloom has been more than a job for Jenny. It has been her training ground. From assisting chefs at events to helping oversee kitchen coordination, she has learned every part of what makes a high-quality event possible. Known as a reliable team player, Jenny brings a thoughtful, calm presence and a strong sense of leadership to her work.
Outside of Heirloom, Jenny pursues learning more about business. When she is not working on expanding her personal breadth of business knowledge, she enjoys quiet time at home with her family, reading, writing, and recharging. On the weekends, she might be out on a run, going for a hike, or playing a game of soccer with friends and family.
Dulce Gonzalez
Event Producer Lead
Dulce Gonzalez plays a key role in the seamless execution of Heirloom events. As an Event Producer, she supports every stage of the production process from coordinating staff and tracking timelines to assisting with on-site logistics and contributing to creative fabrication. Her behind-the-scenes work ensures that events flow smoothly and reflect the high standards, precision and artisan menus Heirloom is known for.
Dulce’s journey with Heirloom began at a young age, when she joined the team as a server. Over the years, she has grown within the company by learning every aspect of the event process and continually taking on new challenges with curiosity, commitment, and care. Her steady leadership, adaptability, and strong sense of teamwork help strengthen the production team. She’s known for her positive attitude, sharp problem-solving, and willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed.
A proud first-generation college graduate, Dulce earned her degree at Marymount University, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Business Administration and Mathematics. She brings the same focus and discipline from her degree as she does to every event. When she’s not on site or in class, Dulce enjoys spending time with family, soaking up the sun at the beach, and recharging outdoors.