Hi, I’m Audrey!
Wedding planner, mom, maker, dinosaur enthusiast.
Here’s the story behind the heart of Hitchin’ a Bride.
A little about me.
Hi, I’m Audrey — a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, officiant, entrepreneur, mom to Everett and Charlie, and dog-loving, detail-obsessed creative based in Indianapolis. When I’m not building timelines or styling ceremony spaces, you can usually find me cooking for the people I love, traveling, kayaking when the weather cooperates, riding my bike on the Pennsey Trail or elbow-deep in a creative project.
I’m happiest when I’m making something beautiful or bringing people together. That could be assembling a charcuterie board on a live-edge wood table I built myself, pouring resin into a new piece of art, or planning a wedding day that feels as effortless as it is meaningful. I believe in warmth, intention, and the kind of planning that makes your celebration feel both organized and deeply personal.
Growing Up in a Big Family
I’m one of nine children, which probably explains a lot:
I’m calm in chaos, good at reading people, and comfortable handling fast-moving situations with a smile. When you grow up in a household where “quiet” is theoretical, you get very good at managing personalities, solving problems creatively, and keeping things running smoothly — all skills that translate seamlessly into wedding planning and day-of coordination.
What I Love Outside of Weddings
Life isn’t all timelines and vendor calls. Outside of weddings, I’m happiest when I’m:
- cooking big meals for family
- traveling (especially to Cape Cod — a forever favorite)
- kayaking with Charles
- building furniture from reclaimed wood
- styling and serving charcuterie boards like it’s my personal love language
- loving on my dogs
- collecting dinosaur things I absolutely do not need
- celebrating Halloween like it is a personality trait, but hey, I’ve lived in Irvington for 15 years, so maybe it IS a personality trait
These things shape me just as much as my work does — they keep me inspired, patient, energized, and connected.
Some photos of me and the people I love the most.
Entrepreneurship at Home, Too
A big part of my life — and my heart — is my partner, Charles, who owns and operates McGinley’s Masonry Repair, a local Indianapolis masonry company. We are both entrepreneurs building businesses we’re proud of, and we support each other in the long days, the big goals, and the shared dreams we’re chasing.
His craftsmanship and work ethic inspire me daily, and I’m grateful that we’re building not just a life, but two thriving businesses side by side.
My Start in the Wedding World
My wedding journey began in the early 2000s, long before I ever imagined it becoming a career. I started as a film photographer, drawn to the emotion, artistry, and story of a wedding day. I loved the quiet moments most — the nervous hands, the proud parents, the way everything buzzed with anticipation.
In 2008, I became a wedding officiant, and everything shifted. I wasn’t just observing weddings anymore — I was guiding them. I learned the rhythm of ceremonies, the flow of events, the difference between a day that feels chaotic and a day that feels smooth, calm, and intentional.
Before long, I became the one my friends and family called whenever there was a wedding, party, bachelorette weekend, or event that needed structure, style, and direction. I realized I didn’t just love weddings — I loved planning them.
From Passion to Profession: The IEP & HAB Story
What started as a creative passion naturally grew into a business. I officially founded Indianapolis Event Planner to bring professional coordination and planning to the couples and families who needed someone knowledgeable, steady, and genuinely invested in their day.
Hitchin’ a Bride is the wedding arm of IEP — focused on officiating, wedding planning, and day-of coordination. Through HAB, I help couples craft ceremonies that feel personal and celebrations that run smoothly, supported by thoughtful planning, calm guidance, and an approach rooted in kindness, organization, and real connection.
My planning style is:
- warm
- attentive
- logistical without being rigid
- creative without being chaotic
- supportive, direct, and deeply invested
If you need someone who can keep everything on track and make the experience feel joyful, you’re in the right place.
Why I Do This Work
Because weddings aren’t just events.
They’re family history.
They’re connection.
They’re the moments your kids will one day look back on.
They’re the stories you tell forever.
I believe the planning experience should feel supported, clear, and personal — not stressful. I’m here so you feel guided, understood, and genuinely excited every step of the way.
Let’s Plan Something Incredible Together
If you’re looking for a wedding planner or day-of coordinator who brings heart, organization, creativity, and a calm presence to your day, I’d love to talk about how we can make your wedding unforgettable.
