Renee Bauman

CEO of Hitch Studio • Certified Wedding Planner • Certified Wedding Venue Professional • Author of the Wedding Day Designer

Wedding planner, event decorator, invitation designer, and author, Renee Bauman started Hitch Studio in early 2014.

I am joyfully obsessed with details! My 20 years of experience with wedding planning and event design runs deep as I’ve been a part of the industry since I graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 2005 and started my very first wedding invitation design business in 2007.

I am a strong believer in giving back to my community. I am involved with Masterminds, the Area Development Corporation board and Downtown Brookings board. I am a graduate of the Dakota Rising Fellowship program and Goldman Sachs 10KSB program — and in past years served on the Brookings Chamber board, Women In Leadership (WIL) board, and have volunteered my time in many other ways. Beyond running a small business and mentoring my employees, I enjoy biking, yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends (the best ever), and family (my amazing husband Jon and our sweet sons Rhett and Hayes).

[A special thank you to my husband and parents: You have done more than support this dream of mine. The most important piece is that you care for our sons so I can work late nights and weekends doing what I love. There is so much love and gratitude in my life!]

Six Interesting Things About Me:

I was born in a snowstorm and my doctor had to cross-country ski into the hospital to deliver me. I guess I’ve never been one for putting things off for too long.
I’ve always had a desk drawer full of sweets. I love peanut butter M&Ms and Swedish Fish.
I try to read/listen to 20 books per year. I’m a perpetual learner and genuine nerd.
My favorite things as a kid were Ninja Turtles, a cash register, and playing American Gladiators with my brother. I cried if I got dolls.
I am an Enneagram 1 and my top three attributes in Strengthsfinder are Achiever, Maximizer, and Futuristic. I am an INFJ and my Working Geniuses are Invention and Tenacity.
As much as I love making sure you have the wedding of your dreams, I truly hope your marriage is even more beautiful than your wedding. I have always valued that sentiment, but especially after my own vows in 2017.