My name is Gwendolyn Shields. I'm a professional wedding planner, a day of coordinator and an officiant with 25 years of experience. My qualifications include a degree in ministry, a degree from The New York Institute of Art and Design for wedding planning. A degree of bachelor of science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. I have had the pleasure of working with many couples to plan for their special day and bring their wedding vision to life. I will assists you with your wedding design, planning and management of all the details for your event. My goal is to make sure your Special Day is free of stress so that it will be the greatest day of your life.
If you elect Gwen to be your wedding planner or wedding
coordinator, at NO charge to you, she will also be your
WEDDING OFFICIANT for your special day.
Overview
Hired 34 times
Background checked
8 employees
27 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 8:00 pmMon8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Square cash app, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
2019
Services offered
Vendors to coordinate
DJ
Caterer
Photographer
Videographer
Additional Services
Guest accomodation coordination
RSVP and invitation management
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Great 4.8
22 reviews
5
86%
4
9%
3
5%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Alison R.
Jul 20, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
CALL GWEN IF YOU ARE PLANNING A WEDDING!!
Our wedding was on July 13 2024. We had a venue and everything picked out since April. However on June 27th I realized the weather in our area was going to be too hot to have an outdoor wedding and decided we had to change venues for everyone’s safety.
I got on Thumbtack and basically put out a general message (distress signal) to several wedding planners because I had no idea how to navigate this major change so close to the event date.
Gwen was the first person to call me and as soon as I heard her voice I knew everything was going to be ok.
In two weeks Gwen took care of finding the venue, food, drinks, bar tender, setting up the venue , taking down the venue. AND she was able to officiate the wedding for us!
She was always available and if I had a question she had the answer. If she didn’t have the answer she immediately went to find it!
The wedding was set up beautifully, absolutely everything was taken care of! On the day all I had to worry about was getting myself ready.
Gwen and her team work really hard for you and truly care about making sure you have a great and beautiful event.
I’m so thankful she responded to my message. There is no way we could have pulled off such a perfect day without her. We consider her part of our family now and will reach out to her for any future events we plan.
Details: 0 - 1 months in advance (includes day-of coordination) • 51 - 100 guests • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Wedding Planning
Kimberly M.
Jun 26, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day coordinator and officiant than Gwen! From the start, she was incredibly quick to respond and always made us feel like we were in good hands. Her attention to detail was top-notch, and she helped make our day run so smoothly. When an issue popped up with our catering, Gwen handled it for us quickly. She truly went above and beyond, and we’re so grateful for everything she did to make our day perfect. Highly recommend!
Details: 0 - 1 months in advance (includes day-of coordination) • 51 - 100 guests • My home, venue, etc.
Wedding Planning
Mary M.
Aug 14, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Gwen was wonderful. Our wedding was pretty short notice, but she customized it to make it such a special day. I would recommend her highly
Details: Wedding • Christian • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Jason O.
Nov 4, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Gwen did a great job with our wedding. We had to change plans last minute and she rolled with the punches. Our guests were impressed with our ceremony and we cannot thank her enough! We highly recommend!
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Gwen's Candlelight Weddings's reply
Thank you Jason it was a pleasure to officiate your ceremony. Thank you for your business. Many Blessings.
Wedding Officiant
Michelle N.
Apr 28, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Working with Gwen was awesome! She did so much to help coordinate our perfect out of town beach wedding. We couldn't have done it without her. She listened to what my vision was and made it happen. She coordinated everything from the dinner, chair and table rentals, to arch, drapes, cake, photography and more. She even went the extra mile to make it successful when the storm blew in. She was so easy and fun to work with. Highly recommend her services.
Details: 50 guests or fewer • Photographer • Florist • Venue • Guest accomodation coordination • RSVP and invitation management
Wedding Coordination
Credentials
Background Check
Gwendolyn Shields
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I always keep my fees conservative to help work with the bride and grooms budget. If there is additional work involved ( Example, vow writing, helping to organize the details of the wedding etc ) I will always discuss the fees at the time of the meeting.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First I schedule a time to meet with the bride and groom.
Listen and ask questions, gather their thoughts and details on how their special day will be structured and designed, them make suggestions that will help them finalize the process of their wedding. I will always be on call to help the bride and groom with any ideas or questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My qualifications include a degree in ministry and a degree from The New York institute of Art and Design for wedding planning plus 25 yrs and over 200 weddings planned, coordinated and officiated.
