Vendor Spotlight |Pennsylvania Event Planner | Lauren Gemberlin Events

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

 My name is Lauren Gemberling I am from Selinsgrove, PA. I  love living in a small town with my husband, Ian, which was my high-school sweetheart and our two fur-babies Buster and Harper. When I am not working on my businesses I enjoy crafting, visiting local breweries and kayaking with my dogs.

2. What was your dream job growing up?

My dream job growing up was to be a Marine Biologist/ Ecologist. I went to Susquehanna University and even graduated with a Environmental Studies degree. I always wanted to work for the EPA. Things changed for me when I was a junior in college when I got an internship working with a wedding planner. I knew after that my passion was planning events. I had always loved planning family parties beforehand but never knew how rewarding it would be to help someone on one of their most important days of their lives.

3. Three words that describe your brand?

Creative, dedicated, dependable

4. How did you get into your industry?

I got into the events industry my junior year of college when I got my first internship with a wedding planner. After graduation I went on to work for The Winery at Hunters Valley as their Events Coordinator leading me to starting Lauren Gemberling Events in 2018.

5. What sets you apart in your industry?

What sets me apart is that I will literally do anything for my couples. Some planners have set restrictions on what they offer in their packages like amount of hours, when communication starts etc. but with us we offer unlimited communication upon booking, we include set up, coordinating and clean up in our packages. We also have been known to do wedding day errands just in case something is forgotten or left somewhere. My goal on the wedding day is to do everything I can do my couples have an amazing stress-free day.

6. What does a typical event or wedding day look like?

A typical wedding day for me is I get up early and arrive at the venue as I always want to be the first vendor to arrive. I check in with my couple to see if they need anything and then head to the reception and ceremony space. If decorating was done the night before I touch up anything that needs it , sweep floors, straighten plates/silverware and just make sure all the details are perfect. If decorating wasn’t done then I dive in and start the process. My team always starts with the ceremony space to make sure that is done first then focus on the reception space, again focusing on all the details and the couples vision. During this I always check in on the vendors arriving and my couple to once again see if they need anything. When the time comes I line up the wedding party and cue the procession for the ceremony. Once the couple is down the aside I always head back to the cocktail hour space make sure everything is perfect, light candles and check with catering. After the ceremony I always meet my couples with their favorite drink and appetizers from their cocktail hour so they aren’t thirsty or hungry during photos. When cocktail hour is finished I once again line up the wedding party for the reception entrance and cue according to the DJ and music. If the bride needs her gown bustled we often help with that too. After that we make sure all the reception activities are done on time and in order. We make sure our couple is having an amazing time and then we stay until the party is over and the couple is all set to leave. It ends up being a long day but I wouldn’t want it any other way 🙂

7. What is your favorite part of a wedding day?

I have so many favorites, I love once I send the bride down the aisle looking and seeing all her loved ones looking at her and their significant others face, but my all time favorite has to be the first dance, I don’t know why but it always seems to make me teary eyed and makes me think of my own wedding day.

8. If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

If I could go anywhere tomorrow I would love to go to a wedding lol, I have been postponing so many weddings lately and it makes me sad. I just want to get back to what I love. If I had to chose a place to visit however I would chose Ireland, the country is so beautiful and holds a special place in my heart.

9. If quarantine has taught be anything it has been to hold what matters to you close and not to take it for granted. This time in quarantine has been difficult for me as I am a very social person and I always need to be busy. I miss my couples and friendors and unfortunately so many have had to postpone. I have learned so many lessons from this and feel like it has made me an even better planner. I want nothing more than for my couples to know I am here from them during this time and I am a text or a call away like always.