We help couples across Eastern North Carolina create a wedding day that feels like them, without losing their peace of mind along the way.

Meet Your Planners

Wedding planning has its moments — vendor deadlines, budget decisions, family opinions, and a timeline that has to actually work when the big day arrives. It's a lot, even when it's exciting.

Our job is to be the calm in that process. The people who have already thought two steps ahead, who help you decide where to spend and where to save, and who give you the confidence to make decisions every step of the way.

That's the job. Not just planning the day — helping you actually stay present for the moments that matter most.

 Like many of the couples I work with, I wanted a wedding that felt beautiful and meaningful without spending money just because tradition said I should.

I had champagne taste and a beer budget, if we're being honest.

Planning my own wedding showed me that creating a meaningful celebration isn't about spending more—it's about spending intentionally. That experience, combined with my background in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University and my years as a venue coordinator and wedding planner, inspired me to create The Penny Pincher Planner.

Today, I help couples cut through the noise, make confident decisions, and create weddings that reflect what matters most to them—not what everyone else thinks they should do.


I am a bargain hunter

and finding a hidden gem or figuring out how to get the look without the unnecessary price tag is genuinely one of my favorite things.

I love wine!

More importantly, having a glass (or two) with my mama, which we lovingly call our "marketing meetings", because some of our best ideas somehow appear after the second pour.

A few fun facts about me!

Hi! I’m crystal.

owner + Lead Planner

Like many of the couples I work with, I wanted a wedding that felt beautiful and meaningful without spending money just because tradition said I should.

I had champagne taste and a beer budget, if we're being honest.

Planning my own wedding showed me that creating a meaningful celebration isn't about spending more—it's about spending intentionally. That experience, combined with my background in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University and my years as a venue coordinator and wedding planner, inspired me to create The Penny Pincher Planner.


Today, I help couples cut through the noise, make confident decisions, and create weddings that reflect what matters most to them—not what everyone else thinks they should do.


I love to laugh

and my husband can make me laugh harder than anyone, expecially during this spontaneous kitchen dance parties or one of his very convincing impressions. He kkps life entertaining.

I am a proud mama

to six fur babies who absolutely run our household. (They maytechically live with us, but we all know who's really in charge.)

I'm a crazy cat lady

and proud of it! My four wild furbabies keep me on my toes every day. When I’m not chasing those rascals around, I'm usually lost in a good book. I grew up on Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, but The Magic of Ordinary Days holds a special place in my heart.

I'm a musician

who loves performing with an ensemble (solo? No thanks). Music has shaped how I see and connect with the world. It’s not just a hobby, it’s part of who I am. I find that same joy in the kitchen, where baking bread and pastries is my favorite way to unwind.

A few fun facts about me!

I didn't grow up dreaming about weddings. In fact, I joined The Penny Pincher Planner thinking it would be a fun side job. After my very first wedding, I knew I'd found something I wasn't expecting to love this much.

There's something incredibly rewarding about watching months of planning come together and knowing I played a part in creating a day a couple will remember for the rest of their lives.

I'm the person making sure the vision we planned together actually comes to life. From timelines and rentals to styling décor and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, I love taking care of the details so you don't have to.

Hi! I’m lauren.

Lead Planner + Rentals Coordinator


My goal is simple: for you to feel completely present on your wedding day, knowing someone else is already thinking two steps ahead.

Ready to plan a wedding
that feels like you, without the
stress of figuring it all out alone?

Ready to plan a wedding that feels like you, without the stress of figuring it all out alone?

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