Dedicated to Your Day

STORY BY Jodi Buchan

PHOTOS BY Heidi Lewis

Rena Renaldi collects “little love notes,” postmarked cards and thank-you notes from newlyweds she came to know while organizing their weddings. She displays the mementos of gratitude next to her desk so that in a glance she can revisit the joys, the hiccups, and especially the people who said I do. As special occasion manager for Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, and Laurel Mountain, Renaldi immerses herself in people’s dreams and imagines herself “in their shoes.”

Coordinating weddings at Seven Springs is Renaldi’s dream, a passion she dipped her toe into while growing up in Johnstown. During high school, she worked events at a nearby country club and loved it. Although weddings captured her heart, a career in helping others plan their special day did not seem realistic. Renaldi went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), earning a degree in nutrition. There she met her now-husband, moving with him to Nebraska where by day she worked at a hospital and at night she worked weddings.

Renaldi decided to pursue her passion when, as new parents, she and her husband moved back to Pennsylvania to be near family. She applied for a job as coordinator at Seven Springs Mountain Resort—bringing with her memories of the outdoor playground from her youth. The resort exudes a “feeling of home,” she says, adding that the location and job became her dream come true. She says now she has the honor of helping others with “their dreams in a dream location.”

Married in June of 2018, bride Brianna Cole says Renaldi was her “wedding angel” who made their vision materialize “like magic.” For Ashley Urosek, “she truly made everything happen.” Though many of the brides Renaldi works with describe their day as like a “fairytale,” Renaldi does not wave an enchanted wand—though she has been known to wield sparklers for a wedding party sendoff. In creating enchanting memories, she credits friendships, preparedness, and the Seven Springs team. “We have a great team,” director of special occasions Sierra Jack corroborates, adding, “It’s a labor of love.” Jack adds that, “Rena’s phenomenal.”

Renaldi earns her accolades by embracing a couple’s vision. She learns what is most important to them, and she masters that big picture along with significant smaller details like extra mashed potatoes or knowing the length of the aisle. She takes their ideas, makes them tangible, and shares them with the team. In the days leading up to the event, Renaldi synchronizes the efforts of dozens of people from various departments: parking, reception, shuttle drivers, audio-visual crew, housekeeping, bartenders, bussers, servers, kitchen staff, and a coordination assistant. The aim is a current of togetherness that hums behind and beside the scenes, with the couple front and center on the day of the big event.

This is not to suggest dynamics beyond the control of the wedding party and Renaldi always cooperate. “Wedding dress snagged, rain on the wedding day—every wedding has hiccups,” she says. “I try to imagine all the different scenarios. I have 15 plans all in my brain … like MacGyver.”

In addition to her imagination, Renaldi’s response resources includes a “ceremony satchel.” Naturally, there are items for grooming solutions, but it also contains objects for her matrimonial MacGyver fixes: super glue, screwdriver, mini scissors, and a sewing kit. Renaldi remembers sewing a bride into the dress right before the wedding, gratified that no one even noticed. In spite of myriad possible circumstances, Renaldi says, “I don’t see too many people stressed because in the days leading up we’re so involved.”

Recently wedded Lindsey Helsley is one such bride. “Rena is the best in the business. We enjoyed our experience because of her. We were never stressed and always were kept in the loop when it came to the planning process,” she says on her Wedding Wire review. “Our day was flawless. Nothing went wrong—and, if it did, I didn’t know about it!”

“The biggest thing I explain to the bride is everything that’s in my control is in my control, and everything that’s in their control is in their control.” As for the forces of nature and mischief, Renaldi’s advice keeps the initial vision in sight. “Let it go. At the end of the day, you’re married!” In fact, one of her favorite memories is a ceremony where it began to pour. Nobody minded. Renaldi says it created a shared experience where everyone was “able to unite with love,” adding, “as soon as the pastor announced them, the whole audience stood up and cheered.” Renaldi says of being a wedding coordinator, “You have to live it and love it.” She does ... the details, the brainteasers, the couples. The “human factor” is her favorite part of the job, the part that captures her heart. “You see happy and sad moments,” she says, explaining it’s a privilege to see “the raw emotions that make everybody who they are.”

Yes, the Seven Springs venue has been severely limited in the face of the pandemic. Yes, there were some cancellations. However, Renaldi says most betrothed have stuck it out, simply postponing their event until restrictions lift. The few weddings that did hear bells at the resort during 2020 were intimate occasions of 25 people or so with as much of the event as possible held outside in the fresh air. Renaldi adds, “It’s really sweet” to see how strong the couple’s love is in the time of COVID.

And yes, spring in 2021 is not much different. So far. “We’re flexible,” Renaldi says. “We take what comes day by day.” She’s hopeful, too, that as more people become vaccinated, the couples waiting in the wings will be able to celebrate their special day. For more on special occasions at Seven Springs, visit the website at www.7Springs.com.