When it comes to planning your wedding day, every detail matters. That’s why choosing the right bartending service is so important. Sips & Shakers isn’t just another vendor, they are a piece of the puzzle in creating unforgettable memories. As a female and veteran-owned business, Sips & Shakers is dedicated to bringing each couple’s vision to life with professionalism, creativity, and a personal touch.
Meet the Owner: A Lancaster Native with a Passion for Service
Kelly Suydam, born and raised in Lancaster, PA, has always had a love for the hospitality industry. Since high school, she has worked in various restaurant roles, from server to bartender, and fell in love with the fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Despite the stigma that sometimes surrounds hospitality work as “not a real job,” Kelly always knew that her passion for serving others would bring her to do something even more. Her father always told her, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” and she dreamed of making that a reality by owning her own business. It wasn’t until a few years ago that she realized she could combine her love for hospitality with entrepreneurship. That’s when Sips & Shakers Mobile Bartending was born.
From Serving in the Army to Serving Clients
Kelly is not just a businesswoman; she is also a Sergeant in the PA Army National Guard. The discipline, organization, and commitment she learned in the military are values she brings to every event she handles and every couple she serves. Balancing Army training with running a business isn’t always easy, but it’s a challenge she welcomes. Thankfully, she has an amazing team that steps up when she needs them. The clients that have sought her out because she is a veteran-owned business is something Kelly is extremely grateful for. Throughout this journey she has also been able to connect with other clients who are veterans as well as other veteran-owned businesses in Central Pennsylvania.
The Sips & Shakes Experience
When a couple books Sips & Shakers for their wedding, they can expect a seamless and stress-free experience from start to finish. Kelly starts by communicating the payment process and reviewing the contract to ensure full transparency. She then breaks up payments into manageable amounts, making the financial side of wedding planning a bit easier. As the wedding day approaches, Kelly sets up a meeting to discuss the drink menu, answer any questions, and finalize the timeline.
When it comes to crafting the perfect drink menu, Kelly offers suggestions based on the season or theme of the wedding. She’s always available to help couples create a signature cocktail that reflects their personalities. And for those who need help figuring out how much to purchase, Kelly provides a detailed breakdown to take the guesswork out of planning.
On the big day, Kelly and her team handle everything from setting up the bar to cutting fruit and stocking coolers. Throughout the event, they deliver unmatched hospitality, ensuring their couples and their guests are taken care of. After the event, they ensure the bar area is spotless, leftover alcohol is packed up, and the space is left clean. It’s this attention to detail and commitment to the couple’s satisfaction that makes Sips & Shakers stand out.
Why Choose Sips & Shakers?
Sips & Shakers isn’t just for weddings. Kelly and her team have been hired for bridal showers, baby showers, going away parties, engagement parties, birthday parties, and even events just for fun. They cater to any vision, whether it’s a small gathering of 35 or a large celebration of 250. For those who don’t need a bartender but still want a curated drink experience, Sips & Shakers offers a popular margarita bar setup, complete with all the fixings.
What sets Sips & Shakers apart is Kelly’s genuine care for each event. She values communication and makes herself available to answer any questions her clients may have. Based in Mountville, PA, Sips & Shakers primarily serves Central PA, but the team is ready and willing to travel anywhere in Pennsylvania to bring their services to clients.
Community Ties: Shoutout to Central PA Vendors
Kelly is proud to have Sips & Shakers as part of the Central PA wedding vendor community and works closely with several local vendors. Bear Mill Estate (@bearmillestatepa) is one of her favorite venues, thanks to its dedicated owners and in-house coordinator who care just as much about the couple’s experience as she does. DJ H Vidal (@djhvidal) is another standout partner, known for his professionalism and contagious energy that keeps the party alive. Lastly, Kelly can’t say enough positive things about Upohar World Kitchen (global.flavors.catering). Not only does the owner, Sri, provide phenomenal food, (Kelly highly recommends the orange chicken) she deeply believes in supporting and uplifting female and minority-owned businesses of Central Pennsylvania.
Book with Sips & Shakers Mobile Bartending
Kelly Suydam’s journey from restaurant work to military service and entrepreneurship is a testament to her passion, dedication, and love for what she does. Sips & Shakers Mobile Bartending is more than just a business, it’s an extension of Kelly’s commitment to serving others, whether in uniform or behind the bar. For couples and event planners in Central PA and beyond, Sips & Shakers is the go-to choice for an exceptional bartending experience.
You can follow Kelly’s journey on Instagram @sipandshakersbartending or request at quote on the Sips and Shakers Mobile Bartending Website.
