Where to Start - Wedding Management

We work with Bay Area couples who want their wedding to tell their unique

love story

View Our Services

 

You Deserve a Wedding as Beautiful and Unique as

The Story of Your Love.

Find Auntie Gwen on

LGBTweddings.com

You’ve Got

A Vision

Let us partner with you to bring your beautiful, heartfelt and unique vision to life on your wedding day.

 

Your wedding is a once in a lifetime opportunity to share your story with those who matter most to you — your family, friends and, most importantly, your partner in happily ever after. You want your wedding day to reflect you and your story, not someone else’s. We know your wedding is about more than Pinterest-worthy images and delicious cake. It’s about the start of your life together, about the alchemy of being surrounded by the people you love, and celebrating your forever.

But now that you’re engaged, it suddenly feels overwhelming. Overnight, you’re expected to know all the nitty-gritty details of your perfect day. The pressure of planning a wedding that matches up to your dreams can be intense, especially if those dreams are big and you’re on a tight schedule. You have wedding ideas, but how do you bring them to life?

Inquire for available dates and pricing

What We Do

Wedding Management

You’ve done most of the planning, have your vendors in place, and have the details sorted, but want to be able to enjoy the actual wedding day without stressing about nitty-gritty details?

Get Started

Wedding Planning

If the thought of adding planning a wedding to your already stretched schedule is sending you into a tailspin, then we’re here to help with our Wedding Planning Services.

Get Started

Wedding Coaching

You want to plan your own wedding, but would like extra support. We will use our expertise to advise you on the best way to achieve your vision without fully taking the reins.

Get Started

What Our Clients Say…

Gwen Really Understood the Tone and Style of the Event We Had in Mind

"I could not have been more satisfied with the service that Gwen provided for our wedding. She is ultra-organized, professional, and creative. She had excellent vendor recommendations and relationships, and she really understood the tone and style of the event we had in mind and helped us to realize that dream. She definitely helped us to work within our budget, often showing us places we could cut corners where guests wouldn't notice. My large extended family keeps talking about how it was the best wedding they've ever been to. I know that my wedding would not have been the epic success it was without Gwen, and I would recommend her to everyone."

Ashley | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2018-08-19T19:41:44-08:00

Ashley | WeddingWire

My large extended family keeps talking about how it was the best wedding they've ever been to. I know that my wedding would not have been the epic success it was without Gwen, and I would recommend her to everyone.

The Perfect Wedding Planner for Type-A Brides

"I cannot say enough about Gwen. She is THE wedding planner for "Type-A" brides who really need someone to build confidence so we can just "let go". I hired Gwen after attending a friend's wedding that was just so beautiful, and the bride was so calm and happy and had all of it to credit to Gwen. From the get-go, Gwen is hyper-organized and immediately responsive. She builds that confidence that allows a control freak like me to relax. I can say with 100% confidence that there was nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING wrong with my wedding day. Not a thing. Everything went perfectly and was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Hire Gwen, you will not regret it."

Brittany D. | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2018-08-19T19:27:08-08:00

Brittany D. | WeddingWire

Gwen is THE wedding planner for "Type-A" brides who really need someone to build confidence so we can just "let go".

Gwen Is One Heck of a Woman!

"[Gwen] did my brother and sister-in-law's wedding at V. Sattui and it was like a fairytale! I couldn't believe how magical and smooth everything went. Being a bridesmaid too. She made sure everyone was happy and that everything was on time. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!"

Nichole | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:51:34-08:00

Nichole | WeddingWire

"[Gwen] did my brother and sister-in-law's wedding at V. Sattui and it was like a fairytale! I couldn't believe how magical and smooth everything went. Being a bridesmaid too. She made sure everyone was happy and that everything was on time. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!"

Gwen Is a Lifesaver!

"[Gwen] was an absolute life-saver. She kept everything going and took care of everything. It was such a relief and money well spent. If you're looking for a wedding coordinator, look to Gwen! I honestly don't know how I could have done it without her. So many people were commenting to me how amazing she was. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Made my day everything I dreamed it to be and more!"

Megan O. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2018-08-19T19:15:56-08:00

Megan O. | Yelp

"[Gwen] was an absolute life-saver. She kept everything going and took care of everything. It was such a relief and money well spent. If you're looking for a wedding coordinator, look to Gwen! I honestly don't know how I could have done it without her. So many people were commenting to me how amazing she was. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Made my day everything I dreamed it to be and more!"

Where Do I Start?

"Where do I start? It seriously was the first thing I thought of when my daughter decided to have an outdoor wedding reception with 200 guests! I immediately felt overwhelmed, but Gwen was the help I needed. Our guests were very impressed! With her creativity, Gwen turned a small plot of land into a stunning reception area! We were so pleased with the results. My husband and I were able to enjoy our daughter's special day, and the months leading up to it, with little worry or stress. It was a pleasure working with Gwen and I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for help with their special event."

Sharon S. | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2019-12-23T12:15:39-08:00

Sharon S. | WeddingWire

"Where do I start? It seriously was the first thing I thought of when my daughter decided to have an outdoor wedding reception with 200 guests! I immediately felt overwhelmed, but Gwen was the help I needed. Our guests were very impressed! With her creativity, Gwen turned a small plot of land into a stunning reception area! We were so pleased with the results. My husband and I were able to enjoy our daughter's special day, and the months leading up to it, with little worry or stress. It was a pleasure working with Gwen and I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for help with their special event."

I Would HIGHLY Recommend Gwen

"When I started planning my wedding the thought of getting a planner never crossed my mind. As the months leading up to my wedding approached I became SO nervous about everything tying together at the last minute. I was recommended Gwen Helbush from Where to Start; Gwen was really nice her price was very fair in my opinion. After meeting Gwen for the first time at my wedding site, I felt like I had a partner in this - someone who knew what they were doing.  I would HIGHLY recommend Gwen to anyone who thinks they need a little guidance and if you feel like you need someone to keep you organized and on schedule."

Jackie S. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:38:43-08:00

Jackie S. | Yelp

"When I started planning my wedding the thought of getting a planner never crossed my mind. As the months leading up to my wedding approached I became SO nervous about everything tying together at the last minute. I was recommended Gwen Helbush from Where to Start; Gwen was really nice her price was very fair in my opinion. After meeting Gwen for the first time at my wedding site, I felt like I had a partner in this - someone who knew what they were doing.  I would HIGHLY recommend Gwen to anyone who thinks they need a little guidance and if you feel like you need someone to keep you organized and on schedule."

I’d Hire Gwen Hands Down!

"If I wasn't already married, I'd hire Gwen hands down! After being a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding just weeks ago, I was in complete awe of Gwen & her team. Being in a group of "Type-A" women, it's so relaxing & nice for the bride & her ladies to sit back, drink champagne & know everything will be expected just the way the bride spent hours, days, months planning for. Gwen was not only kind & attentive to the most important people of the day (the bride & groom) but she (& her amazing team!) was also kind, attentive & helpful to family, friends & other vendors. An absolute pleasure to work with!!"

Meghan L. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:40:39-08:00

Meghan L. | Yelp

"If I wasn't already married, I'd hire Gwen hands down! After being a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding just weeks ago, I was in complete awe of Gwen & her team. Being in a group of "Type-A" women, it's so relaxing & nice for the bride & her ladies to sit back, drink champagne & know everything will be expected just the way the bride spent hours, days, months planning for. Gwen was not only kind & attentive to the most important people of the day (the bride & groom) but she (& her amazing team!) was also kind, attentive & helpful to family, friends & other vendors. An absolute pleasure to work with!!"

Gwen Really Knows the Insides and Outs of the Wedding Business

"Gwen really knows the insides and outs of the wedding business. She has great resources, great skills and communicates everything clearly. Her vision comes to fruition and seemingly easily! Working with Gwen makes things just easier. She keeps schedules and her eyes on the details. She just makes things easier."

Misti L. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:42:36-08:00

Misti L. | Yelp

"Gwen really knows the insides and outs of the wedding business. She has great resources, great skills and communicates everything clearly. Her vision comes to fruition and seemingly easily! Working with Gwen makes things just easier. She keeps schedules and her eyes on the details. She just makes things easier."

A Professional Wedding Fairy Godmother

"Our venue canceled within three months of our wedding. We had planned the simple event on our own but didn't have it in us to start anew. A very good friend's recommendation led us to Gwen. She was promptly available to provide reassurance and advice. She's like a professional wedding fairy godmother. By the end of the first phone conversation, we had a plan and I felt like we were well underway to a wedding day even better than the first!"

Rochelle R. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:45:29-08:00

Rochelle R. | Yelp

"Our venue canceled within three months of our wedding. We had planned the simple event on our own but didn't have it in us to start anew. A very good friend's recommendation led us to Gwen. She was promptly available to provide reassurance and advice. She's like a professional wedding fairy godmother. By the end of the first phone conversation, we had a plan and I felt like we were well underway to a wedding day even better than the first!"

She’s All About Making Your Event Just the Way You Want It

"Gwen planned my beautiful wedding reception and I've attended several events planned by her. She is knowledgeable, professional, and wonderful to work with. If you are looking for help because you don't know where to start or don't have time Gwen is your gal. She's all about making your event just the way you want it. Customer service is not a dying breed when it comes to her and her staff!!"

Lenore O. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:43:57-08:00

Lenore O. | Yelp

"Gwen planned my beautiful wedding reception and I've attended several events planned by her. She is knowledgeable, professional, and wonderful to work with. If you are looking for help because you don't know where to start or don't have time Gwen is your gal. She's all about making your event just the way you want it. Customer service is not a dying breed when it comes to her and her staff!!"

The Best Wedding Planner Out There!

"Where to Start Wedding Management is by far the best in the industry around the Bay Area! Not only did [our wedding] look perfect, but the day ran smoother than I ever thought was imaginable. My husband and I did not worry about a single thing, Gwen took care of everything so we could really focus on our friends and family and each other. I know in this day and age, we think we can plan our own weddings, but if there is one thing I learned, in order to really enjoy your wedding day, you shouldn’t be stressed about how everything flows. We will forever be thankful for how much work and love Gwen put into our day."

Sarah May | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:49:47-08:00

Sarah May | WeddingWire

"Where to Start Wedding Management is by far the best in the industry around the Bay Area! Not only did [our wedding] look perfect, but the day ran smoother than I ever thought was imaginable. My husband and I did not worry about a single thing, Gwen took care of everything so we could really focus on our friends and family and each other. I know in this day and age, we think we can plan our own weddings, but if there is one thing I learned, in order to really enjoy your wedding day, you shouldn’t be stressed about how everything flows. We will forever be thankful for how much work and love Gwen put into our day."

Wedding Week and Day Were Wonderful, We Didn’t Have to Worry About Anything

"It was great working with Gwen. Clear direction on what my daughter wanted. Great vendors. Professional service, accurate contract. [We] didn't have to worry about anything. Gwen has experience and has the details thought out. Wedding week and day were wonderful, we didn't have to worry about anything, Gwen was right on top of the event. I highly recommend Gwen and Where To Start."

Patricia | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T22:41:30-08:00

Patricia | WeddingWire

"It was great working with Gwen. Clear direction on what my daughter wanted. Great vendors. Professional service, accurate contract. [We] didn't have to worry about anything. Gwen has experience and has the details thought out. Wedding week and day were wonderful, we didn't have to worry about anything, Gwen was right on top of the event. I highly recommend Gwen and Where To Start."

Total Peace of Mind

"We decided to start our hunt for a wedding planner knowing only three things: planning a wedding is a lot of work; we both have really busy work schedules, and we want a magical day to celebrate (despite having no real vision of what this would look like!). That said, we didn't fully understand what a planner did. Gwen came armed with an iPad of her incredible past work and a breakdown of everything we'd need to know to make our decision. She was so prepared, so organized and so enthusiastic. Suddenly the cost of the planning & design seemed like a bargain for what we were getting in return: total peace of mind."

Michael | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-01-12T19:55:19-08:00

Michael | WeddingWire

"We decided to start our hunt for a wedding planner knowing only three things: planning a wedding is a lot of work; we both have really busy work schedules, and we want a magical day to celebrate (despite having no real vision of what this would look like!). That said, we didn't fully understand what a planner did. Gwen came armed with an iPad of her incredible past work and a breakdown of everything we'd need to know to make our decision. She was so prepared, so organized and so enthusiastic. Suddenly the cost of the planning & design seemed like a bargain for what we were getting in return: total peace of mind."

Of Everything in Our Budget, Gwen Was, by Far, the Best Money We Spent!

"Of everything in our budget, Gwen was, by far, THE BEST MONEY WE SPENT!!! She is, in short, AMAZING! From handling all of the particulars to the added touches and surprises she incorporated for us, I could not have asked for a better planner! Our wedding was 100% destination and planning from afar wasn't easy. She took our scrambled planning and loose ends and put them all together for an INCREDIBLE celebration!! You'll definitely want her to be in charge of your big day, everything will be just as it should be, PERFECT!!"

Bridget | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T22:39:12-08:00

Bridget | WeddingWire

"Of everything in our budget, Gwen was, by far, THE BEST MONEY WE SPENT!!! She is, in short, AMAZING! From handling all of the particulars to the added touches and surprises she incorporated for us, I could not have asked for a better planner! Our wedding was 100% destination and planning from afar wasn't easy. She took our scrambled planning and loose ends and put them all together for an INCREDIBLE celebration!! You'll definitely want her to be in charge of your big day, everything will be just as it should be, PERFECT!!"

Because of Their Hard Work, We Were Able to Just Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Day

"Gwen and her team are amazing! Thanks to them and all of their support, my son's wedding day was perfect! Everything looked beautiful and the timeline was great. There was never a lull, it all went so smoothly. Not to mention, they truly care and are the nicest people ever! I recommend their services to everyone. They really know what they are doing. Because of their hard work, we were able to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. We didn't have to do a thing."

Cindy O. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T21:43:43-08:00

Cindy O. | Yelp

"Gwen and her team are amazing! Thanks to them and all of their support, my son's wedding day was perfect! Everything looked beautiful and the timeline was great. There was never a lull, it all went so smoothly. Not to mention, they truly care and are the nicest people ever! I recommend their services to everyone. They really know what they are doing. Because of their hard work, we were able to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. We didn't have to do a thing."

We Are So Grateful We Found Gwen

"My wife and I live in Boston and our friends and family all live on the west coast. We are so grateful we found Gwen to plan and coordinate [our wedding]. All we had to do was show up and enjoy it. Where to Start managed all the details from transportation to music. Gwen is highly efficient and fantastic to work with. She quickly understood what we wanted and was extremely responsive to our many questions and requests. She found some amazing suppliers for us and was always available to offer carefully considered, practical advice, especially on how to manage difficult situations."

Anthony L. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T21:45:26-08:00

Anthony L. | Yelp

"My wife and I live in Boston and our friends and family all live on the west coast. We are so grateful we found Gwen to plan and coordinate [our wedding]. All we had to do was show up and enjoy it. Where to Start managed all the details from transportation to music. Gwen is highly efficient and fantastic to work with. She quickly understood what we wanted and was extremely responsive to our many questions and requests. She found some amazing suppliers for us and was always available to offer carefully considered, practical advice, especially on how to manage difficult situations."

Gwen Helbush Is a True Professional

"Gwen Helbush has been executing beautiful events for over 28 years and is a true professional. Gwen checked and rechecked the details for every part of my occasion...as she does for every event in which she is involved. Gwen's ability to listen to clients, interpreting and producing exactly what one wants, and keeping it within budget, is a real deal maker. I would certainly use Gwen and Where To Start again for anything that can be classified as a "Special Event"."

Adrienne S. | Yelp

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T22:15:37-08:00

Adrienne S. | Yelp

"Gwen Helbush has been executing beautiful events for over 28 years and is a true professional. Gwen checked and rechecked the details for every part of my occasion...as she does for every event in which she is involved. Gwen's ability to listen to clients, interpreting and producing exactly what one wants, and keeping it within budget, is a real deal maker. I would certainly use Gwen and Where To Start again for anything that can be classified as a "Special Event"."

I Wouldn’t Trust Anyone Else but Gwen With My Wedding

"As a fellow event professional, I am very particular about how a personal event for myself is conducted. I wouldn't trust anyone else but Gwen with my wedding. It was exactly what we wanted, nothing more and nothing less. I didn't have to think about anything, thus I didn't have to WORK! What a delight. It was professional and personal."

Kristjan | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T22:35:28-08:00

Kristjan | WeddingWire

"As a fellow event professional, I am very particular about how a personal event for myself is conducted. I wouldn't trust anyone else but Gwen with my wedding. It was exactly what we wanted, nothing more and nothing less. I didn't have to think about anything, thus I didn't have to WORK! What a delight. It was professional and personal."

Hiring Gwen and the Where to Start Team Is the Only Decision You Need to Make

"Hiring Gwen and the Where to Start team is the only decision you need to make. Gwen is a true professional and no detail will be left undone. She guides you thru the process making sure your wedding is just as you imagined it. If you want a flawless event Gwen Helbush should be at the top of your list."

Kathy | WeddingWire

Where to Start - Wedding Management
5
2020-07-19T22:36:49-08:00

Kathy | WeddingWire

"Hiring Gwen and the Where to Start team is the only decision you need to make. Gwen is a true professional and no detail will be left undone. She guides you thru the process making sure your wedding is just as you imagined it. If you want a flawless event Gwen Helbush should be at the top of your list."
5
19
Where to Start - Wedding Management