Photo by Chelsea Jean Photography

Renee Bauman

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

OFFICIAL BIO: Wedding planner, event decorator, invitation designer, venue manager and author, Renee Bauman started Hitch Studio in early 2014.

Her 20 years of experience with wedding planning and event design runs deep as she’s been a part of the industry since she graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 2005 and started her very first wedding invitation design business in 2007. Renee is strong believer in giving back to her community. She’s involved with Masterminds, the Area Development Corporation board and is chair of the Downtown Brookings board. She is a graduate of the Dakota Rising Fellowship program and Goldman Sachs 10KSB program. Beyond running a small business and mentoring her nearly 50 employees, she enjoys biking, yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends, and her family (her amazing husband and two young boys.)

EXTENDED BIO: 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 andDowntown 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.