If there’s one thing I love about my job, it’s getting to mentor and touch the lives of so many interns and college students. I speak on SDSU’s campus, I volunteer at activities, and this year Hitch has over 50 part-time employees — four of which are official internships. I get asked quite often to sit down for an interview with students (mostly for a class project). I recently spoke with two students and wanted to share their insights after talking to me!
So here it comes…an interview with Renee Bauman and some major takeaways from the past 11 years of leading Hitch Studio.
From Graphic Design to CEO: The Inspiring Journey Behind Hitch Studio
What happens when a creative spirit follows their instincts, not a preset path, into entrepreneurship? You get a business like Hitch Studio.
Founded in the heart of Brookings, South Dakota, Hitch Studio began with a spark of passion and has grown into a full-service wedding planning, stationery design, and event design company known for its unmatched attention to detail and heartfelt service. I had the chance to sit down with the CEO and founder, Renee Bauman, to hear how it all began and what she’s learned along the way.
From Passion to Profession
“It all started right out of college,” she shares. “I was working at a telecommunications company and loved my job, but creativity has a funny way of bubbling to the surface.” That creative spark led to freelance graphic design in 2006. Over time, one satisfied client turned into another, and her love for design evolved into a passion for wedding invitations and eventually, full-scale wedding planning.
But she didn’t go to South Dakota State University to become a wedding planner or business owner. “My strengths evolved until I landed here — and this job is the perfect fit for me.”
Starting Smart and Growing Strong
Hitch Studio wasn’t built overnight. “I started the business with a partner, Carrie Kuhl. We complemented each other so well, and our skills helped us grow quickly through word-of-mouth and bridal shows.” Eventually, the two decided to split the business into two separate ventures, and the CEO has continued to grow Hitch Studio ever since.
In the early years, money was the biggest challenge. “I skipped many paychecks to reinvest in the business,” she admits. “Taking on an employee when you’re not sure they’ll pay for themselves is scary.” But now, with over 240 weddings under her belt (and part of many more), she’s built systems and a team that work.
The Power of People and Process
What sets Hitch Studio apart isn’t just its décor or timelines, it’s the process and the people.
From the “CEO Mondays” she carves out for strategic thinking to the personalized milestone meetings she holds with each couple, it’s clear her approach is thoughtful and intentional. One standout service? The “centerpiece showcase,” where couples can visually design their dream table settings. “I’m a visual learner, and I think a lot of couples are too. This process makes their vision real.”
Today, she leads a team of four full-time employees and around 50 part-timers. “That’s what fills my teacher’s heart the most,” she says. “Knowing I’ve helped so many people grow through this work.”
Purpose, Community, and the Future
For Hitch Studio, growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact. “We want to keep creating jobs, serving more corporate and venue management clients, and giving back to the community that’s supported us.”
And for couples planning their wedding, that support is deeply personal. Hitch Studio offers full access to its décor inventory (set-up and tear-down included!), a custom-designed wedding planning book, certified planners, and even ordained team members for officiating your ceremony. Other beneifts of working with Hitch Studio are that we take pictures of your wedding day decor (Pinterest-style!) delivered weeks before a photographer, we have a friendly contract and unique process (it’s fun! not overwhelming), and we purposely serve rural South Dakota (although we LOVE serving the Sioux Falls area too!). We’re the only wedding planners in Brookings, South Dakota, so we bring a mix of heart, strategy, rural expertise, and experience. Our team doesn’t just show up on event day—we’re a true partner who knows our local venues and vendors inside and out, which means smoother events and better value for YOU!
“I didn’t do anything the traditional way,” she says. “I just asked: What would I want if I were the client?”
Major Takeaways in the Last 11 Years:
Hitch Studio celebrated its 11-year anniversary this year and we’ve learned a LOT.
How do you stay inspired in your wedding and event planning business?
I stay inspired after 11 years because I get to do what I love best everyday — bringing calm, creativity, perfectionism, list-making, and expertise to one of the most exciting seasons of person’s life. Plus, Pinterest has no shortage of creative inspiration, but my goal is to create ideas that haven’t made it to Pinterest yet. With a degree in Marketing and minors in graphic design and advertising, creativity comes natural to me. I also love nature walks and being with my kids! The laughs (and inspiration) along the way are endless. Check out the photo at the bottom!Can you walk me through your typical process when working with a couple or a client planning an event?
We have a very special process! It starts with a consultation to get to know their story, needs, big ideas, and vision. From there, we meet at the 6-month mark, 90-day mark, 30-day mark and many milestone check-ins in between. We recommend trusted vendors, and manage all the logistics. As we get closer to the event, we finalize details, create the timeline, and coordinate everything on-site so they can just show up and enjoy. One special part of our process is called a centerpiece showcase. If a couple chooses that option, we set up 15-20 centerpiece options for them to choose from and we really bring their vision to life. They can mix and match linens, napkins, décor, heights, charger plates, menu cards, napkin folds, etc. until they LOVE what they see! I’m a very visual learner, so this is a fun way to watch their Pinterest board come to life, while they get to help perfect the details.What has been the most challenging event you have planned? How did you overcome the challenges?
There have been a few! Weather surprises, high emotions, vendor no-shows, power outages, basements flooding, fires, collapsed cakes, a groomsman who needed an ambulance, hail storms at an outdoor venue, —you name it. Those kinds of situations are intense, but staying calm, taking quick action, keeping the couple from getting panicked, and seeing their gratitude afterwards makes it all worth it. (If you want a good laugh, read this blog about our real-life wedding “fails” we turned into successes.”How do you stay organized and ensure no detail is overlooked during a busy planning season?
Systems are everything! We use planning software, a process checklist, and shared folders for each couple. Internally, we also do weekly team meetings and keep notes on every communication. Through monthly meetings toward the end of the planning process with the couple, we make sure everyone is on board with plans (even if they change!)How do you handle last-minute changes or requests from clients, especially if it is on the day of the event?
We plan with enough buffer and flexibility that last-minute changes don’t throw us. On the day of, we’re there to absorb that stress so the couple doesn’t have to. Our job is to be the calm in the chaos. We’re used to it and even if there is a last-minute change, it usually creates a very memorable moment!What is your approach to working with and selecting vendors?
We value collaboration and reliability – and after 11 years, we know who to recommend and can usually recommend vendor pairings pretty well. We lean on vendors we’ve built trust with, but are always open to new talent. Ultimately, we’re building a dream team for each couple.What trends in wedding and event planning are you most excited about, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
I love the shift toward very personal details and experience-driven weddings—think books in the centerpieces of a couple who loves to read, or a late night pretzel bar because it’s their favorite snack. One couple this summer is having a tattoo booth and a mechanical bull (hey! we’re rural!), and another is doing a private dinner (just the two of them!) so they can release tables during dinner and interact with each guest. I LOVE these details because it fits the couple’s wants so perfectly. The goal is something timeless and fun.How do you ensure your clients’ vision is brought to life, and how do you manage their expectations?
It starts with listening—really listening. We take their vision and filter it through our expertise, budget constraints, and logistics. We love to say YES and present options in different price ranges, so we offer creative alternatives instead of just saying “no.”Looking ahead, where do you see your business going in the next 3-5 years?
We’re excited to expand our team, serve more venue management clients, grow into more corporate event design, update the Wedding Day Designer, and keep serving South Dakota couples! So many goals and ideas! Time will tell which ones come true, but if you’re not reaching for your next goal, you may miss something along the way.
Did you like what you read? Are you ready to start wedding planning?
Whether you’re planning a wedding, dreaming of your own business, or just love hearing about inspiring entrepreneurs, Hitch Studio’s journey is a reminder that passion, purpose, and community make a powerful combination. Contact them here.
Thinking about planning your event or wedding in South Dakota?
Let Hitch Studio be your calm in the chaos. Explore their services, view their portfolio, and schedule a consultation at hitchstudio.com.
p.s. The photos of Renee Bauman were taken by Mycah Bain Photography in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
p.p.s. The photos below were taken by Chelsea Jean Photography in Brookings, South Dakota.
