Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Sexton Stanislavski.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I launched Plan and Gather Events in 2017, but honestly, party planning has been a huge passion of mine since forever—thanks to my mom, the original party-planning superhero. She is so organized, I’m pretty sure she could plan a wedding blindfolded while juggling flaming torches. Inspired by her superpowers, I spent years mastering nonprofit and corporate events before deciding to chase my true love: weddings. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be part of a love story sprinkled with confetti and cake?
Being invited to help create people’s happiest days feels like winning the lottery every single time. I’m driven but strategic—I believe in growing small and mighty, handpicking a team that’s less “coworkers” and more “partners in party crime.” I’m picky about who we work with because good vibes and chemistry are the secret sauce to unforgettable celebrations.
At my core, I’m on a mission to sprinkle kindness and joy into the world—one couple, one dance floor, one epic celebration at a time. It’s not just about planning events; it’s about making the world a little brighter, a little louder, and a whole lot more love-filled.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been smooth? Far from it. Owning a business is like running a marathon through a storm. We faced national shutdowns, COVID mandates that turned the event world upside down, and a recession that tested every bit of my resilience. There were moments of doubt, tears, and long nights fueled by stubbornness and way too much coffee.
But here’s the thing: challenges forge strength. There are no days off when you’re building your dream, but I’m lucky to have an incredible team who shares the vision and heart behind it all. And our couples? Their joy and trust remind me every day why I started this journey. Every struggle, every setback, has been a steppingstone to something greater. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about growing, giving back, and making love stories happen, one unforgettable celebration at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Plan and Gather Events, we specialize in crafting weddings and celebrations that feel deeply personal and effortlessly joyful. I’m all about the details—the kind that make a couple’s day uniquely theirs, from the vibe to the flow to those little moments guests remember forever. What I’m known for? Being wildly organized (thanks, Mom!), detailed oriented, fiercely selective about who we work with, and creating a team that’s as passionate about love stories as I am.
I’m most proud of building a business that’s not just about events, but about relationships—between us, our couples, and everyone involved. We don’t just plan parties; we create experiences that honor love, connection, and the beautiful chaos that comes with it.
What truly sets us apart is our team-focused approach. We carefully build a harmonious crew of vendors for each event—people who not only excel at their craft but also work seamlessly together to deliver the best possible service. It’s like assembling a dream team where collaboration and good vibes are just as important as expertise. We scale thoughtfully, focusing on quality over quantity, and balance professionalism with warmth and fun. Plus, we genuinely care about giving back—one celebration at a time, making the world a little brighter and a lot more love-filled.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I owe so much credit to the incredible people who inspire and support me every single day. My mom, husband, and child are my biggest motivators—they push me to be my best, remind me what truly matters, and keep me grounded through every high and low. My mom’s support, legendary organization and passion for planning laid the foundation for everything I do. Fun fact: she and my husband were my very first two staff members, standing by me from day one. My husband’s unwavering support and belief in me and this dream keep me going when the road gets tough. (Thank you for building all of our arches, furniture, and for holding down the fort while I’m away on weekends, babe!) And my child? They are not only the heart and joy that fuels my purpose but also my greatest hope—I dream they’ll inherit this organization one day and help it grow in ways I can’t even imagine.
I’m also deeply grateful for family and friends who loved and supported me from the very beginning. They gave me a chance when I was just starting out and believed in me even when the path wasn’t clear. Their encouragement and faith helped me take those first bold steps.
Finally, I’m blessed with a team that feels like it was sent from Heaven. Each person brings unique, incredible qualities that make us stronger and better every day. They’re not just team members—they’re partners, cheerleaders, and advocates who share the vision and pour their hearts into every celebration. Together, they’ve helped turn challenges into triumphs and dreams into reality. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Pricing:
- $3,000 and up for Wedding Day Management
- $5,000 and up for Partial Planning
- $8,000 and up for Full Planning
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.planandgather.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plan_and_gather_events/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planandgatherevents
