Meet the Team Behind Your Celebration

Seal of Master Certified Wedding Planner from CWP Society, featuring gold laurel branches and a scroll.
Emblem for Certified Wedding Pro Educator from CWP Society featuring gold laurel branches and decorative text.
Certified Floor Plan Designer badge with "CWP Society" and "Wedding Certifications & Membership."
CWP Society Industry Advancement Director logo with laurel branches and text "Wedding Certifications & Membership."
Certified Timeline Genius logo with gray and gold accents and 'tg' initials.
Seal for CWP Society, a professional wedding certification and membership organization, featuring gold laurel leaves.
Website badge for certification for wedding planner certified wedding planner society
CWP Society Certified Styled Shoot Coordinator badge with gold laurel branches and text "Wedding Certifications & Membership."
Certified Wedding & Event Planner badge earned from the CWP Society featuring their logo, gold laurel branches, floral design background, and text indicating membership and certification program.
CWP Society Certified Design Consultant badge, featuring gold leaves and text about wedding certifications.

Nikki Rodgers

Founder & Master Certified Wedding Planner

Expert planning. Intentional design. Celebrations created around your story.

At The Serendipity Collective, we believe every couple deserves a luxury wedding experience, not because of how much they spend, but because of how they feel.

Planning your wedding should feel exciting, supported, and joyful, not overwhelming.

That's why we intentionally accept a limited number of weddings each year, allowing us to provide every couple with personalized guidance, thoughtful planning, and unwavering support from your first consultation until the last dance.

  • Certified Professional Educator, CWP Society

  • Master Certified Wedding & Event Planner, CWP Society

  • Certified Design Consultant, CWP Society

  • Certified Styled Shoot Coordinator, CWP Society

  • Industry Advancement Director, CWP Society

  • Certified Wedding Planner, ACPWC

  • Certified in Timelines & Floorplans

  • Continues professional education through industry conferences, workshops, and mentorship with leading wedding professionals like David Tutera, Randi Fenoli, Laurie Hartwell & Krisy Thomas

  • 20+ years in weddings & special events

  • More than 1,500 weddings and special events planned, coordinated & overseen

  • Featured in WeddingDay Magazine, Chicago Style Weddings & more

  • Podcast guest & national wedding industry educator

  • Serving couples throughout Illinois, the Midwest & destination celebrations

Experience: Nikki's career began in 2003 at the renowned Boca Raton Resort & Club, where she developed a deep appreciation for exceptional hospitality and guest experience. Over the next two decades, she gained experience from nearly every perspective of the wedding industry; including luxury resorts, wedding venues, floral design, linen and décor, planning, and event design. Her experience across the industry makes her an expert in planning both on behalf of the couple, but also with seamless coordination between venue and vendors through constant communication and exquisite timelines. Nikki has the skills only experience can provide at putting in the work leading up to your big day,, making the process feel seamless for everyone from you and your vendors, to your guests!

Why Couples hire us: Couples choose The Serendipity Collective team because they want more than someone who can create a timeline. We specialize in both traditional and non-traditional weddings across various religions, as well as birthdays, bridal and baby showers, mitzvahs, quinceañeras, holiday parties, corporate events, and more. We are passionate about helping you savor every moment - from that first look in your attire, to the emotion of your ceremony or reception, and all the laughter and tears in between. Your joy is at the heart of everything we do.

We become your trusted advocate, experienced problem solver, calm presence on wedding day, understand venue logistics, are someone vendors genuinely enjoy working with, we are planners who educate instead of overwhelm, and we are a team that puts relationships before transactions.

Industry Leadership & Education: As a Certified Professional Wedding Educator and Industry Advancement Director with the CWP Society, Nikki regularly contributes to planner education through workshops, podcast appearances, industry collaboration, and continuing education initiatives. She also specializes in helping other planners navigate venue logistics, timelines, and non-traditional wedding venues. Additionally, she continues to master her trade with hands on experience and attending weekly workshops with planners & vendors across the world.

Beyond Weddings: I’m a mom to two energetic boys, a police wife, and a proud Chaos Coordinator. I love staying on top of wedding trends and attend weekly seminars led by some of the industry’s best educators, to keep our company at the forefront of planning excellence. When I’m not planning events or meeting with clients and vendors, you can find me volunteering with my kids, watching (and quoting) movies, crafting, leading Cub Scouts, coaching football, cheering at baseball, basketball, and dance recitals, and serving on the local Chamber, PTO, and Football & Cheer boards of Directors. I’m fueled by iced coffee, and the occasional glass of wine—ready to tackle any chaos that comes my way. I believe strong communities are built through service.

The Serendipity Collective team believes your wedding day should be as unique and special as your love story. Let us handle the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Sara Thorpe

Certified Associate & Day of Coordination assistant

Coordinator, Sara, wearing a blue blazer sitting on a stone bench in a garden with grass and rock wall in the background.
Hi, I’m Sara! I’m a proud mom to four incredible daughters and thrive on staying organized, focused, and calm—even amid the chaos of a busy day. No task is too big or small, and I move from one detail to the next to ensure your wedding day is flawless. When I’m not assisting with weddings, you can usually find me running from gymnastics to softball practices—iced coffee in hand, of course!
Sara was awarded her Certified Wedding Associate Certification & Timeline Certification in 2025 after completing her courses.

I look forward to being a part of your special day!

- Sara

Mandy Isaacson

Day of Coordination assistant

Hi, I’m Mandy! A mom to four amazing kids and two mischievous Boston Terriers, Mi & Yu. With over 30 years of experience in PR, hospitality, and design, I’ve been bringing beauty and creativity to special events for nearly five years.

I’m handy, imaginative, and have a love for all things spooky. When I’m not planning and designing, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I’m an avid thrifter, lover of murder mysteries, trivia nights, and wine dates. Fun fact: I used to design, build, and run a huge haunted house every Halloween!   

I can not wait to help make your dreams a reality!

- Mandy

Plan your dream wedding today!