Skip to the main content.
Get Started
Get Started

4 min read

Meet Samantha Gauthier of Rio Hondo

Meet Samantha Gauthier of Rio Hondo

We're excited to introduce Samantha Gauthier, General Manager, at our gorgeous Rio Hondo venue in Los Angeles County. In this interview, Samantha chats about leading her team with her heart for service and hospitality. She loves planning the "big day" and seeing every client have fun.

Read on to find out how it all started at a campground serving ice cream in Wisconsin ...

***

Hi Samantha, can you tell us a little about your background?

Samantha Gaulthier, Wedgewood WeddingsI guess I was always drawn to hospitality. At age 14, my first job was at a small campground serving ice cream. I learned early on that food service is an art form that encompasses how to approach people, delegate, and get your whole team to work together to do the best job. And that’s stayed with me in my role now.

After that ice cream job (rumors have it she's the fastest scoop in the Midwest), I got into weddings as a banquet server at age 16, worked my way to banquet captain, and rolled through the ranks of food service. After college, a few years later, I moved out to California and got a job in what I know best-weddings. I joined Wedgewood Weddings in the Fall of 2012 as a banquet server. I've always had a hard work ethic and knack for leadership which helped me gain attention from the company management team, and I joined the in-house Manager-In-Development program in December 2019 and absolutely loved it.

 Photo op by pond at Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings


What inspires you about weddings?

I love weddings because they are so flexible and unique. People think it’s generally the same thing, but every single one is different. Different people, cultures, relationships, everything comes into play with our job.

I like that flexibility because I have to keep moving. Maybe it’s the hospitality part of me: I like being active and making things happen for our clients. Experiencing and working with different cultures is really interesting. I love to understand how couples want things and learning about certain customs is fascinating and makes my job fun.


What stands out for you?

One thing I love is seeing awesome father/daughter dances – especially the ones that are choreographed. The dance starts sweet and then, all of a sudden, gets funky! That’s so fun, and I always try and make time to watch special moments of the reception. By the time a wedding date arrives, I feel like I really know the couple and have often met their family a few times, so seeing it all come together is beautiful!

Ceremony site with draping at Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings


Why did you choose Wedgewood Weddings for your career?

Wedgewood Weddings has such a great organization and structure. One of our core values is 'have fun' which I love. It's important to me because weddings are fun; they're a life-changing moment for people, and it's a joy to be a part of that.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to engaged couples?

Enjoy the engagement. The planning is supposed to be fun. The planning and wedding are not supposed to be about arguments or disagreements with loved ones. Don’t let outside opinions sway what you want as a couple. It’s about love and compromise between you two.

What do you love most about working in the wedding industry?

Bringing joy to so many people on the most important day of their life. But if I hadn't become involved with weddings and events, I would have followed the path set by my BA: Forensic Investigation - Crime Scenes! It's a pretty wide departure but organization and an ability to prioritize are critical skills in any role. 


What are your top three priorities in life?

Financially stable with a steady career - all rounded up with a positive outlook on life!



Couple photo op by pond with greenery at Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings


What is your favorite wedding beverage?

I always advise choosing beer if I want to last all night. Otherwise, my go-to is a classic: Malibu & Diet Coke 😀

What flavor of wedding cake is best?

SNICKERDOODLE any day! Although in summer, I prefer Blood Orange Cake w/ Citrus Mousse from Cucamonga Cakery, our go-to bakery.

What one thing do you recommend that all couples add to their wedding day?

I always suggest: Each table goes to the photo booth and takes a picture with the couple before going to the buffet. It creates a brilliant memory and—as everyone is up on their feet - it's the perfect use of time. I like this little touch because it ensures you get a fun photo with everyone. (And it's a nice extra to include in thank you cards!)

 Ceremony site with arch - Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings


Have you seen any unexpected moments? 

Memorably, a bride walked down the aisle while singing the couple's favorite song. It made them, their guests, and our staff emotional. So beautiful and I've never seen anyone do that before. 


Sounds magical!
What is your favorite part of the wedding process? 

The big moment on the big day when the couple walks down the aisle and sees each other surrounded by all the people they love! It's at THAT moment you see pure, raw emotions of all kinds. You've been with them every step of the way and helped make that day—and that special moment—happen. Being part of making those beautiful memories is the best feeling in the world.

 Couples first dance at Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings (5)
Do any wedding moments stay with you? 

Yes—When I was supporting the team at Vellano Estate, there was a dog we named Houdini! He lived in the community, escaped one Saturday, found the ceremony taking place at our venue, and decided to join in as a guest for cocktail hour. He made his way upstairs and some guests were asking whose dog it was. Without a fuss, we coaxed him into the sales office and shut the door until we could find the owner. Then magically, he reappeared upstairs when no one had let him out of the office. The dog was so smart that he knew how to turn door handles, which is how he escaped his home and our office. He even knew how to roll down windows, but he was a lovely dog!


Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings (1)

 

***

Hearing Samantha’s passion for hospitality and how she motivates her team to share her commitment to customer service is remarkable. She's a much-loved member of Wedgewood Weddings and seeing her develop from a dependable member of the catering team to taking responsibility for her own venue has been a heartwarming journey. We're excited to discover how Samantha will continue to climb!

Say Hello to the Team at Canopy Grove

Say Hello to the Team at Canopy Grove

Teamwork makes the dream work and at Canopy Grove by Wedgewood Weddings in Escondido, California General Manager, Nick Harrison, and Event Expert,...

Read More
Meet Nicole Sullivan of Jefferson Street Mansion

Meet Nicole Sullivan of Jefferson Street Mansion

Nicole Sullivan has been with Wedgewood Weddings since 2011. She’s currently the general manager at our beautiful Jefferson Street Mansion. With her...

Read More
Andrea & Joe's Romantic Wedding at Rio Hondo

Andrea & Joe's Romantic Wedding at Rio Hondo

Spring days in Southern California consist of lush greenery, gorgeous florals, and amazing weather, all of which made Andrea and Joe's wedding day at

Read More
New Venue: Rio Hondo, Downey, CA

New Venue: Rio Hondo, Downey, CA

Exciting things are happening at Wedgewood Weddings! We've officially launched another gorgeous wedding venue (our third one since December 2019!)....

Read More
From Employee to Bride: Gianna's Wedding Story

From Employee to Bride: Gianna's Wedding Story

I’m Gianna VanDeVeer, and I’m an event expert at Clayton House by Wedgewood Weddings! I just had my three-year anniversary in July 2024 and am loving...

Read More
Meet Natalia Parys of Ocotillo Oasis, AZ

Meet Natalia Parys of Ocotillo Oasis, AZ

Natalia Magdalena Parys has been part of our team in one way or another since 2015. From Wedding Planner to Catering Manager to Event Expert, Natalia...

Read More