MICHIGAN
NEW ORLEANS
CHICAGO
JAMAICA
BEYOND
and
"Not all those who wander are lost."
lauren
MEET
Hi there, I'm Lauren, the Owner of Wander + Gather Events. I was born and raised in Southwest Michigan and have always had the travel bug. Beginning at 12 years old I started spending every summer on a barrier island east of Long Island, NY called Fire Island. I spent a total of 12 summers doing every job under the sun from my first job as an ice cream Scooper, to a camp counselor, waitress, bartender, and finally an events & marketing manager. This quickly instilled hard-work, adventure and independence. This led me to do what I always wanted to do, which was be an event planner in NYC. I think Frank Sinatra said it best,
"if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere."
I continued my adventures by moving to New Orleans in 2012. The Crescent City is where I've spent most of my adult life thus far. Fitting for New Orleans, my first job was at the famous Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar where I learned about craft cocktails and the history of the city. I progressed to working on weddings, fundraisers and events as large as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.
New Orleans will always have my heart and soul.
If not for a major life event I would probably still be in New Orleans!
In 2018 I met my future husband Jon. We currently live in Chicago but am thankful that he continues to embrace my adventurous soul. I feel grateful to have a great partner in life but also the best travel companion.
As we continue to navigate this weird time in history, our wedding plans have looked a little like this due to Covid-19... First wedding date, 4.11.20. Second wedding date, 6.13.20 and finally 8.8.20. We decided to postpone our Jamaican wedding for 2021 and in the meantime I planned a wedding in Michigan in under a month. (Phew!) With that said, if you are looking for someone who truly understands flexibility, compassion, while also having fun- let's chat! Wander + Gather is a true combination of my passions... events, people & travel.
I look forward to helping you write your next story.
lauren
One Love,
I have traveled to Jamaica many times and it quickly became one of my favorite countries and is very special for my fiancé and I. We have explored off the beaten path and it's safe to say we've seen more than the average tourist. Traveling from Montego Bay to Negril, Treasure Beach, Little London, Orange Bay, Savanna La Mar, Bluefields, Mayfield Falls, Black River, and the list goes on. We found the best way to explore was to rent scooters and cruise where the road would take us. We have made many local friends along the way the shown us the ropes and guided us safely through various parts of the island.
Through these experiences I have learned the culture, music, food, drink & the local spots and the best part- exclusive wedding/event venues. I have been planning my wedding in Negril, JA for the past year and through this process have made many relationships and friendships with local vendors. I have become an expert on how to navigate the culture when planning an event from start to finish. If you are looking to plan your destination wedding in one of the most beautiful, authentic places on earth- I can guide from travel arrangements, hotels, transportation, wedding venue, vendors, and activities. I specialize in helping couples finding the perfect venue that is not cookie cuter. I will make sure every detail of your wedding or event is perfectly planned along with you vision shining through.
"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing will be alright."