Photography by: Dawn Derbyshire
Meet the Makers
Samantha Loshelder
Co-Founder and Event Designer
When it comes to celebrations, I just can't help but be infatuated with all of the little details that come together to create a unique, chic, and unforgettable event. Having independently planned all types of celebrations for family and friends over the years, my experience has little limitation. My passion is centered upon event styling and design. I strive to really get to know the party hosts on a friendly level, in order to create an event that reflects their unique interests and personal style. I am ultimately a lover of thinking outside of the box, and I love to find one unique piece of decor (a fun vase or printed tablecloth), and style an entire event around it! From the basic details (helping you choose the perfect stationery to brand your event), to the elaborate ones (exploring every sequin color ever made!), to everything else that needs decided on during the ride, no detail gets left unexplored as the Wanderlust team and I collaborate with you to produce the event of your dreams. I believe it is truly an honor to be a part of so many people’s “best day ever”!
When I’m not planning events, I’m spending
time with my husband, our 2 daughters, and our Pomsky pup, and hanging in our backyard pool with friends.
xoxo,
Sam
Renee Buiocchi
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hey hey, I’m Renee! Wedding planning used to be a little side-hustle for me, but after putting in the work and taking a leap of faith, this is now my full-time gig. Many get confused when they see I work for Wanderlust, along with Devoted To You. Not to be confused, I work for both companies, and am forever grateful and honored to learn from and grow with each team!
Just like many other wedding creatives, I started after planning my own wedding. However, I didn’t feel it was necessary to dive in headfirst on my own, so I joined Wanderlust Weddings + Events, who welcomed me with open arms. I instantly knew this industry was made for me. I love the hustle and bustle, the crazy, and everything in between. These are my people.
My absolute favorite part of the planning process is seeing the day come together and watching my clients’ faces light up. They trusted me leading up to this moment, and to watch it all unfold is pretty dang magical! Photographers, please continue to capture these moments with us and our couples! We love it, and we love reliving and sharing it with the world!
Aside from weddings, I am a wife, a boy mama, and a fur-mama! Having a baby is a new obstacle for me, balancing life and work, but I am SO ready to see what my future holds – personally and professionally. I really enjoy reality TV shows, DIY projects, and warm, summer days. I’m also a big fan of fries and soft pretzels, comfy clothes, and spending time with my fam. But that’s enough about me! I want to hear more about you!
xoxo,
Renee
Ali Simcho
Co-Founder and Event Producer
My love for weddings and events came during my very first job at PNC Park working as a catering server about 15 years ago, now. As I am one-half business owner of Wanderlust, with my sister, I like to tell clients I am the 'type-A' list maker through all your wedding plans. From helping finalize timelines to communicating with clients and working with wonderful vendors in this industry, I really love putting all your ideas and plans on paper.
From a first consultation to the wedding day, I like to ensure all your plans are organized in a seamless process. My ultimate goal is to plan and then execute the day and "put out fires" behind the scenes so that your event is stress-free and so you can enjoy every moment of it.
When I am not busy working, my husband and I love sports and traveling! We are a baseball family and I am a coach's wife. I am also a mom to two sweet little boys and 2 german shepherds and love spending time with my family.
I cannot wait to meet you and get started planning your next event!
xo,
Ali
taylor micsky
Lead Planner and Coordinator
I joined Wanderlust in 2017 after I graduated from Mercyhurst University, where I majored in Hospitality Management. When searching for an opportunity in the wedding industry, what initially drew me to Wanderlust is the fact that it was started by two sisters, as I am close with my family. Who knew that in such a short period of time, Ali and Sam would be like family to me as well! Besides working with such a great group at Wanderlust, what I truly find rewarding is working with a couple from the planning stages to the event and seeing their vision of their wedding come to life. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends.
xo,
Taylor
Ashley Stevens
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hello, all! I’m Ashley. I’m a lead planner and coordinator with Wanderlust. Ever since I was a child I dreamt of the day that I would walk down the aisle. And after doing so I knew my passion was assisting others in bringing all of that excitement and joy to their special day. It has been such a fun ride working with Ali and Sam and I can’t wait to see what the future brings! I enjoy my free time being with my roguishly handsome husband and our three wonderful children. Don’t be shy! Stop by and say hi!
xo,
Ash
Sydnie Butera
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hi, I’m Sydnie! I started at Wanderlust in 2020 after I graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Communications and Business. I have always had an invisible string pulling me towards events and coordination and when I finally listened to it, it led me here! I think life is all about celebrating the big and little moments it gives us and being able to be a part of that on a regular basis is a blessing and something I’m grateful for. Ali, Sam and the whole team here at Wanderlust feel like family and that’s who you want working with you on one of the biggest days of your life!
When I’m not working, I like going for walks with my dog in the park, trying out a new fitness class and hanging out with friends and family!
xoxo,
Sydnie
Abby Cannon
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hey hey hey! I'm Abby and I have been working with Wanderlust since the beginning of 2022. I wouldn't call it work, though. I have always had a passion for planning and it has been an absolute dream of mine to work in the wedding industry - and I cannot thank Wanderlustenough for making that dream come true…My only hope is that I can do the same for you!
I LOVE love, crafting, fine-tuning little details, and helping make someone’s day as special and as perfect as it can be.
I am currently an Honors student at Westminster College, studying Business and Entrepreneurship. Outside of schoolwork, activities, and coming home on the weekends to help execute events, you can find me hanging out or going on adventures with my family and friends.
I feel so beyond blessed to have this opportunity and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store! I hope to see you soon! Let’s get planning!
xo,
Abby
Laura Black
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hi All, I’m Laura!
To say event planning has always been my passion and dream is an understatement. When I was offered the opportunity to work for Wanderlust, my friends and family immediately responded with, “This is what you’ve always wanted to do! You were made for this role.”
I have always been a planner and the “family fixer”. I love taking care of people and helping make their lives easier and their events special and memorable. With my attention to detail and eye for design, I will be able to help you bring your wedding vision to life!
In college, I was tasked with writing a business plan and chose to create a wedding planning company. I’ve held many titles since then, but I have found my way back to what I am truly passionate about. My experience ranges from planning family vacations and assisting with my friends weddings, showers and birthdays in my personal life to professionally working in the sporting and insurance industries planning corporate events and conventions locally and from afar. As a Pittsburgh native, I am now thrilled to be able to work with such a great company as Wanderlust and with our wonderful brides and grooms!
I love spending time with my husband, our new baby girl and our family and friends. I love skiing, sports, cars and any event where we can all be together. I can’t wait to work with you!
xoxo,
Laura
Hillary STark
Day-of Assistant
Hi I’m Hillary! You could say weddings are in my blood, my dad has been a wedding photographer since before I was born. I would occasionally help him while working a wedding and I fell in love with everything weddings and events. After college I worked for an auto and trade show company, traveling the country to manage my clients‘ show exhibits. In 2015 I changed day jobs for a slower pace and less travel, but craved the excitement of events! I reached out to Wanderlust to see if I could help part time and you could say the rest is history. Ali and Sam are the best team to work for! They’re professional, friendly and creative. They are always willing to go above and beyond for their clients. I’ve learned so much from them over the past few years and continue to learn the ins and outs of this incredible industry along side of this sister duo. We at Wanderlust are so passionate about weddings and events and strive to give all of our clients their dream day!
xoxo,
Hillary
Kristen Gornall
Lead Planner and Coordinator
Hi friends! My name is Kristen and I’m a lover of celebrating life’s big and little moments! Any opportunity to connect with humans (Pitt communications major here, create a vision and bring that to life fills my cup. If you don’t know exactly what you want or are facing decision overload, that’s where I come in (been there, Sept ‘22 bride here, ha)!! Don’t sweat the details because they are my JAM!
While I work full time at a Pittsburgh corporate retailer, I’m the ultimate multi-tasker and love flexing my creative muscle any chance I get. This has led me to several event positions over the years from planning/coordinating collegiate events, corporate events, non-profit fundraisers and even family events! I wear many hats and have had my hand in many sectors of the event space but I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to add the wedding industry to that list in 2022!
I am drawn to organizations that provide a sense of community and the Wanderlust Team does just that! Ali & Sam are the absolute best and with this sister duo, you are not just a client, you’re a part of the family! This team is so passionate about weddings and providing the very best service that it is evident in review after review from past clients. I have learned so much over the past year in joining the Wanderlust team and look forward to what's to come!
xo,
Kristen
Lauren Gillespie
Day-Of Assistant
Hi! I’m Lauren - a creative, social, and as some would say “hostess with the mostest”
I am a full time personal assistant / house manager which requires a lot of multitasking, time management, and cooking. I have a passion for being in the kitchen, collecting plants, and trying new workouts as a Sweatnet Pittsburgh Ambassador.
My love for the wedding industry started when I was little and finally dipped my toes in the sand serving at a venue downtown for a few months. Seeing the day-of execution of such a special day made me want to be even more involved in the process….in comes Wanderlust!
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn ALL the things, expand my creative skills & work along side a strong team of women!
xo,
Lauren
Jeannie Uhazie
Day-of Assistant
Hi, I'm Jeannie. My passion for weddings and events started from the time I was a little girl. I loved playing dress up wearing my Aunts veil and wedding ring, pretending I was a bride. That passion has stuck with me throughout all these years as I have had several years planning many events for friends and family as well as my own wedding, before I started with Wanderlust. I even work in the floral industry too occasionally. Nothing excites me more than helping to make your dream and vision become a reality on your big day. I will make sure every detail is perfection and that you won’t stress about a thing. That is my job. Multitasking is one of my strong points.
I started with Wanderlust in 2023 and have had the time of my life. I love working with other vendors and helping clients with ideas on their vision to make it everything they dreamed of and more. I live for the moment of seeing our clients reactions when they see their dream all put together for the first time.
When I’m not working a wedding or an event, you will find me spending time with my husband and our 2 little ones. We also have 2 little fur babies who are my world. I love Burn Bootcamp, going to any type of Wine event, restaurants, concerts, and traveling.
I can’t wait to get to know you and make your dream a reality on your big day.
xoxo,
Jeannie
Brianna Hewitt
Day-of Assistant
Hi I'm Brianna! Growing up in a big family, there was always a reason to get together to throw a party! I love any opportunity to bring together my family and friends to celebrate all of life's moments, whether that's an anniversary, birthday, or "Just Because". I've been lucky enough to plan a 25th Anniversary party for my parents, an engagement party for my brother, and other events for my friends and family. After some encouragement from my sisters and my passion for event planning, I decided to join Wanderlust in the Fall of 2023. Ali, Sam, and the whole Wanderlust team are wonderful to work with and learn from. With the help of this incredible sister-led team, I am looking forward to making your event special. I LOVE love, so you can count on me to not only ensure every detail of your day is perfect, but to also cry happy tears with you (I'm not kidding, I will absolutely cry)!
When I'm not planning parties, I work full time at Children's Hospital as a coordinator for Type 2 Diabetes research projects. In my free time, I love to read, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.
xoxo,
Brianna
Liv Hastings
Day-of Assistant
Hi there, I'm Liv! I’m new to the Pittsburgh area and am thrilled to be a part of Wanderlust! I just joined as an Assistant back in November 2023.
I obtained my degree in Arts Administration in the spring of 2023 but have such a passion for weddings, events & event planning. During my junior year, I took a Special Events class and I would say that is where it became most evident to me that event planning would be in my future! Growing up, I was always the family vacation planner, and am naturally someone that family and friends can look to when wanting to figure out what the plan is - whether that is an elaborate Disney vacation, or simply just getting a group of people together to celebrate a friend's birthday party.
I absolutely love connecting with others to create something special. I truly believe that the most wonderful things in life are a result of collaboration and passion, and weddings are most definitely that! Helping bring people together to create a long-lasting, memorable experience is something that fills my cup the most.
In my personal life, I spend most of my time at home with my amazing boyfriend and our two adorable young kitties. I love to travel with my family, dance, enjoy live entertainment (especially musical theatre), and binge-watch all the latest shows. I am so honored and excited to be part of the Wanderlust team and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
xoxo,
Liv