We throw tradition out the window and swap it for creativity and one-of-a-kind moments that you and your guests will remember for years to come. We eat, sleep and dream weddings and when we can allow for some creativity to seep in, the outcomes are endless.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE WEDDING PLANNER
We're so honored you’re here and can't wait to work with you to create an event that is purpose-driven, aesthetically unmatched, and focused on the journey!
We'll be guiding you through the planning and design process and hone in on what's most important to you - not the "shoulds" or traditional elements you've seen a thousand times.
Your wedding day is an opportunity to spend precious, quality time with your loved ones and be present for each moment of the day. We will make this happen for you!
We're Team GPE!
We've mastered the ins and outs of planning an unforgettable event and are ready to plan yours!
01
You want your wedding day to feel true to your love story. You're not interested in copying someone else's design or thinking inside of the box. You want your event to feel like you.
AUTHENTIC
no. 01
02
You believe in intentionality through design. You're not going to do something just because you feel like you "should" or you’re being told to do so. You want to go against the grain and create something custom that means something to you.
INTENTIONAL
no. 02
03
You believe in the value of creative design and the opportunity to create something different and new that reflects your personal style and sets you apart from every other wedding.
OUT OF THE BOX DESIGN
no. 03
04
You are fiercely in love and understand that your wedding day is more than just the next step in your relationship, and not the apex of your life.
HEAD OVER HEELS
no. 04
05
We believe in diversity & acceptance for all, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, and race. Love is love.
INCLUSIVITY
no. 05
ASSOCIATE PLANNER + Operations Manager
OWNER + PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Meet the Team
WHO WE ARE
@gpe_rachel
Hello! I'm Rachel, Associate Planner & Operations Manager at Gabriela Pilar Events. After graduating with my B.S. in Marketing from UCR and a 6 year stint in experiential marketing/events in DTLA, I left in 2019 to pursue my passion for weddings and never looked back. I joined GPE at the beginning of 2020 and have loved the relationship shared between the team. Every couple brings a new experience and I truly enjoy being able to share a piece of myself with everyone that comes through our doors. The ability to play a role in such a memorable day is what gives me joy, especially with the couples we attract here - and yes, I always cry big, fat, sappy tears on wedding days. I am born and raised in SoCal, married to my high school sweetheart, and we reside here with our big ol' goldendoodle pup, Sgt. Pepper. I love to cook, LOVE country music, and enjoy a good happy hour with cocktails (or craft beer).
Favorite Wedding Moment: Sending the bride down the aisle; Getting to be with the bride right before is always a special moment, and when the mad dash to the ceremony is over, and I get to send them down the aisle to truly start the next chapter of their life, I’m overjoyed.
With almost a decade in the event industry, I started my journey working at a venue as a venue manager and soon realized my passion was working more closely with my couples. After receiving a certificate in Event Planning and pursuing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business, it was time to start my own venture. I love the relationship I develop with my clients and the life long friendships I've made with them. My clients are my muse and inspiration that keep me coming back day after day. My goal is to make the planning process a breeze so you can focus on enjoying this chapter of your life. I'm inspired by art, architecture, interior design, and love to design in an impactful minimalist approach. When I'm not working, you can find me hanging out with my two crazy pups, Sadie & Eevie, or enjoying the great outdoors (a.k.a. camping) - I know I know, you probably wouldn't expect that!
Favorite Wedding Moment: Point blank - the vows. When couples share their personal vows during the ceremony, I always lose it. They get me every time!
client love
"RACHEL IS A DREAM"
We worked with Rachel, who is a dream, for pre-event coordination and day-of management, and I will never be able to say enough nice things about her. Her attention to detail, care for her couples, and knowledge helped make our wedding everything we could have hoped for. She listened to what we needed/wanted in planning and took all the stress away from my husband and me for the wedding, so we just got to enjoy the day.
