We were lucky to catch up with Gabriella Maenza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In The Wedding and Event Industry there has been such a shift in focus from that Pinterest worthy wedding to capturing the small “la vie en rose” moments for our social media feeds. From non-traditional details to bringing back the most classic moments we are not only seeing these trends filter into our events but across all social platforms and other companies as well. Such as the traditional guest book being replaced with a rotary dial phone to leave voice messages to the bride and groom. The style of photography is also trickling back into film for a more classic feel and wedding cakes are becoming more simplistic of design with an old fashioned touch with it’s details.

Gabriella, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My passion for creating memorable events began at the age of 10 when I claimed the role of “Official Family Talent Show Planner”. Since then, I went to the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality and obtained my degree in Hospitality and Event Management.

After college, I spent some years being mentored by one of South Florida’s finest luxury wedding planners, worked as the Event and Social Marketing Manager for the Perfect Wedding Guide South Florida, and endeavored in the non-profit sector managing annual galas and fundraising walks for the National MS Society.

I wear multiple hats as a business owner for my wedding and event planning company ‘Ella events by Gabriella Marie which started in 2016.

We specialize in weddings and special events from full planning to day-of coordination. I have a deep love for making other people happy and bringing their visions to life. Being creative and hands-on to create lasting memories and exciting experiences for all of my clients.

I’m naturally a social butterfly and since our planning process is an intimate one and sometimes spans over a couple of years this allows us to build a bond of trust and friendship with clients to become/stay friends once the special day is over; is what I’m most proud of.

I believe that I fully embody this quote and that is what sets me apart from others as I live by the saying “Do it with passion, or not at all”.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Our social media growth is still a consistent focus, one thing I’ve learned is when you are being yourself it’s easy for people to want to follow along with you. So my advice is to stay true to yourself, your brand and your mission and the followers will naturally progress.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Our advice would be to find makes your employee’s glow and help them grow in those aspects. Whether they enjoy social media, being creative or more of the business side find ways to elevate their current skill levels so one day you’ll be able to cheer them on as you watch them grow. With moral, making the work place more of a family atmosphere and hosting weekly, monthly or quarterly team events or outings to show your appreciation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ellaeventsbygm.com
• Instagram: ellaeventsbygm
• Facebook: Ella Events by Gabriella Marie
• Other: TikTok: @ellaeventsbygm

Image Credits
Alex Michele Photos Stephanie Lynn Asya Photography Philly Joley Studios