Your perfect wedding
planned with love.
Rochester's premier wedding planning service dedicated to celebrating authentic love stories especially for LGBTQ+ couples who deserve to be seen, affirmed, and genuinely celebrated.
We see you. We celebrate you. Exactly as YOU are.
Planning your wedding should be as joyful as the celebration itself.
But for many couples—especially in the LGBT and broader LGBTQ+ communities—the journey can feel overwhelming, from navigating family dynamics to finding vendors who truly get YOU.
You shouldn't have to explain, justify, or tone down your love story to create your dream wedding.
Enter CelebrateYOU Events, one queer woman's response to a wedding industry that wasn't fully seeing us.
We handle all the details, timelines, and coordination while creating a safe space where your love is never questioned, only celebrated. From finding genuinely affirming vendors to navigating complex family dynamics, we transform potential stress points into opportunities for authentic celebration.
With us as your partner, you'll experience a planning process that celebrates your unique love story from start to finish.
Meet your new wedding planner, Lori Cramer
Hi, I'm Lori (she/her), the founder of CelebrateYOU Events — turning my lifelong passion for wedding planning into a mission to create affirming celebrations for all couples.
As a queer woman, I understand firsthand the vulnerability of planning a wedding while constantly having to come out—to every vendor at every meeting. When my wife and I planned our wedding, we navigated subtle hesitations and awkward conversations, always wondering if we'd be fully accepted.
That experience inspired me to create CelebrateYOU Events—to lift that burden for other couples, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. You deserve a planner who celebrates you fully from day one, without ever having to explain or justify your love.
As co-owner of The SafeZone Initiative and with years of experience creating inclusive environments, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to every wedding I plan. My background in LGBTQ+ advocacy combined with my organizational skills means I know how to create celebrations where everyone feels welcome and nothing falls through the cracks.
While I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ couples, my services welcome everyone who wants a thoughtfully planned, beautifully executed, and authentically joyful celebration.
Wedding Planning Services
Specialized in creating authentic, inclusive celebrations for LGBT, LGBTQ+, and all couples in Rochester, NY and surrounding areas:
Full-Service Planning
Comprehensive planning partnership from concept to celebration.
We'll guide you through every decision, manage all vendor relationships, help plan your unique aesthetic, create detailed timelines, and coordinate your entire wedding experience. Perfect for couples seeking stress-free planning with expert guidance throughout.
Partial Planning
& Coordination
Professional support to enhance your existing planning efforts.
Already started but feeling overwhelmed? We'll step in at any point, help with remaining vendor selections, create detailed timelines, and ensure all elements come together seamlessly for your special day.
Month-of Coordination
Sometimes called 'Day-of Coordination,' our more accurate Month-of service begins 4-6 weeks before your wedding.
We'll review all vendor contracts, create comprehensive timelines, manage final details, direct your rehearsal, and provide complete day-of execution so you can fully enjoy your celebration without worry. This extended timeline ensures nothing is overlooked.
Vendor Coordination & Management
Access to our vetted network of LGBTQ+-affirming Rochester area vendors, with all communications expertly handled.
We'll match you with professionals who celebrate your authentic love story, manage contracts and negotiations, coordinate schedules, and ensure everyone works together seamlessly toward your vision.
Family Dynamics Navigation
Specialized support for navigating complex family situations with sensitivity and care.
From creating inclusive ceremony wording to thoughtful seating arrangements, we'll help mediate difficult conversations and ensure everyone feels respected at your celebration, regardless of relationship dynamics.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with LGBTQ+ couples?
I'm here for every love story! While I bring specific expertise in supporting LGBT/LGBTQ+ couples (because navigating family dynamics, vendor conversations, and societal expectations can get complicated), my services are open to ALL couples in Rochester, NY and surrounding areas.
In fact, many non-LGBTQ+ couples choose CelebrateYOU Events because they want a fresh approach to wedding traditions and a planner who truly listens. No matter your identity or who you love, if you want a wedding day that's authentic, thoughtful, and ridiculously well-planned—I'm your person.
What areas do you serve?
CelebrateYOU Events primarily serves Rochester, NY and surrounding areas including Monroe County, the Finger Lakes region, and Greater Western New York.
This includes towns like Brighton, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Victor, Henrietta, Fairport, Spencerport, Greece, Chili, and Irondequoit.
What makes you different from other wedding planners?
Beyond the standard planning and coordination services, I bring specialized expertise in creating affirming spaces for all couples, particularly those who may have felt excluded or marginalized by traditional wedding industries.
As a queer woman myself, I understand firsthand the importance of celebrations where you can truly be your authentic self. My lived experience, combined with my background co-owning The SafeZone Initiative, informs my unique approach to navigating family dynamics, selecting genuinely inclusive vendors, and reimagining wedding traditions to reflect your authentic selves.
I approach each celebration with both personal understanding and professional expertise, ensuring that your wedding not only runs smoothly but also genuinely celebrates who you are—without compromise or explanation.
When should we book you?
For full-service planning, I recommend booking 12-18 months before your wedding date. For month-of coordination, 6-8 months in advance is ideal.
Currently booking for 2026 wedding dates, with limited availability for late 2025 in the Rochester area.
What's your pricing structure?
Wedding planning packages start at $1,800 for month-of coordination and range up to $5,500 for full-service planning, with custom packages available to fit your specific needs. After our initial consultation, I'll provide a detailed proposal tailored to your vision and requirements.
How do you handle difficult family situations?
With care, discretion, and experience. From navigating complex family dynamics to addressing concerns about acceptance, I serve as both a mediator and advocate, ensuring your celebration honors your relationships while creating a comfortable environment for all guests.
Every situation is unique, and I pride myself on finding thoughtful solutions that prioritize your needs.
