Kerry Washington, renowned actor and emerging angel investor, has taken the lead in a pre-seed funding round for Cheersy, a new wedding marketplace platform. The startup, which connects couples with day-of-service wedding coordinators, has secured $550,000 in total funding from a group of notable investors.
Cheersy, founded in 2024 by Amy Shack Egan, aims to simplify the process of finding and booking wedding coordinators. The platform allows couples to search for vetted professionals based on date, price, and specialty, facilitating a smooth booking process similar to popular accommodation marketplaces.
Shack Egan, who also runs the wedding planning business Modern Rebel, created Cheersy in response to a growing demand for day-of coordination services. “Day-of coordination is the most booked wedding planning service,” she explained, highlighting the need for a dedicated platform.
The funding round attracted other prominent investors, including Elizabeth Cutler, co-founder of Soul Cycle, and Jennifer Gilbert, founder of Save the Date. Joanna Rosholm, former press secretary to Michelle Obama, and Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar, provided advice during the funding process.
Washington’s investment in Cheersy adds to her growing portfolio of startup investments, which includes companies in social media, healthcare, and charitable fundraising. Her involvement underscores the increasing trend of Hollywood personalities venturing into the startup ecosystem.
Cheersy plans to use the new capital to enhance its booking platform, make key hires, and expand its services to six additional cities beyond its current offerings in New York City and Hudson Valley. The company aims to improve the experience for both couples and wedding industry professionals.
“I know the pain points of this job personally,” Shack Egan said, reflecting on her experience in the wedding industry since 2015. “I love the idea that we’re making the experience of being someone that works in the wedding industry, in such a tough — and often, thankless — job more supported and more fun.”
As Cheersy prepares for growth, it represents a new approach to wedding planning services, backed by a mix of entertainment and business expertise.
