After tying the knot with their partners, Bailey Crouch and Eliza Hammer Gage, both residents of Philadelphia, realized they had a wealth of knowledge about wedding planning that they could share with the LGBTQIA+ community. Driven by their passion for planning and organizing, the pair decided to launch BEloved Events to cater to queer couples.
At BEloved Events, Crouch and Hammer Gage offer a range of wedding planning services tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ couples. These include full-service wedding planning, day-of coordination, celebrant services, and customizable packages designed to meet the unique needs and desires of each couple throughout the entire wedding planning process.
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“Not everyone dreams of their wedding their whole life, and not all who dream of wearing a big white dress grew up as girls,” Hammer Gage explained. “We’re carving out a space in the wedding industry to ensure that everyone can have a celebration of love that feels safe, joyful, and reflective of their unique relationship.”
Both Crouch and Hammer Gage, originally from Pittsburgh and Connecticut, respectively, have found a sense of belonging in Philadelphia due to its openly queer and creative atmosphere. Their friendship blossomed through shared experiences of planning their weddings around the same time—Hammer Gage in 2020 and Crouch in 2021. As both women identify as part of the queer community and married trans men, they understand the challenges of navigating the wedding industry and aim to provide support and guidance to others in similar situations.
The idea for BEloved was born out of a desire to share their expertise and knowledge acquired from planning their own weddings. Despite working full-time in technology, the duo embarked on their professional journey in event planning, drawing from years of organizing events for their friends.
Provided Image/Nick Raimondi Photography
Bailey Crouch and Eliza Hammer Gage run the Philly-based BEloved Events wedding planning company.
What sets BEloved Events apart?
BEloved Events offers a comprehensive range of wedding planning services, from pre-engagement consultations to day-of coordination. The duo prides itself on providing personalized and attentive support throughout the entire wedding planning journey.
Day-of coordination has become increasingly popular, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day while Crouch and Hammer Gage handle the last-minute details and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Hammer Gage also serves as an ordained officiant, offering celebrant services for couples seeking a personalized and meaningful ceremony without religious affiliations.
BEloved Events goes beyond traditional wedding planning by advocating for queer couples and creating inclusive and welcoming environments. Through their services, they aim to challenge stereotypes and norms in the wedding industry and empower couples to celebrate their love authentically.
What’s next for BEloved Events?
Crouch and Hammer Gage envision a future filled with unique and unconventional weddings, such as brunch ceremonies or celebrations at unconventional venues like Reading Terminal or the Free Library.
Named after their initials, BEloved Events signifies a broader mission beyond weddings. The pair hopes to expand their event planning services to encompass a variety of celebrations and gatherings, leveraging their creativity and passion for organizing.
With a focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ couples and fostering a community of queer vendors, BEloved Events looks forward to guiding clients through memorable and meaningful occasions, whether it be a wedding, retreat, or themed event.
Provided Image/Nick Raimondi Photography
Bailey Crouch and Eliza Hammer Gage set out to help queer couples navigate wedding planning.
BEloved Events continues to thrive as a beacon of inclusivity and creativity, dedicated to reshaping the wedding industry and providing a safe and welcoming space for all couples to celebrate their love.