Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Caitlin.
Mariah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Mariah Caitlin Events started in 2016. After years of working in the event industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my passion into a reality. When I was in 6th grade, we dressed up for a career day. In a room filled with doctors, lawyers, and astronauts, I walk in with a t-shirt that said “wedding planner”. I will never forget sitting at the kitchen table as I am hot gluing my shirt together and my stepdad telling me that I should pick a “real” job. Fast forward 15 years later, and here I am today with my “real” job (and I still remind him of this every chance I get). Even though he said this, he has been so supportive of me throughout this journey and is extremely proud.
I went to school at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs)! During my time there, I interned with Natalie Bradley Events. It was during this time, I learned the “ins and outs” of wedding planning. Everything from setting up chairs in the rain, working on seating arrangements, prepping social media, working with bridal parties and families, you name it! Natalie was my inspiration and mentor. Through my experience with her, I was able to see a future in this industry for myself. After moving back home from college, I started putting the wheels in motion. Mariah Caitlin Events became a reality the following year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No matter how much you prepare and plan there will always be bumps in the road. It’s how you handle these bumps that can make or break you! In event planning expect the unexpected and be prepared! Know that you cannot control the unforeseen, but always, ALWAYS have a backup plan.
One of the first weddings that I was planning, my assistant had an emergency situation and was unable to attend so I had to call on the people you can always depend on….. my parents! With their help, we were able to make it happen and the wedding went seamlessly.
Please tell us about Mariah Caitlin Events.
Mariah Caitlin Events is a wedding planning service that offers day-of coordination and full planning which is everything from helping select vendors, budget breakdowns, mid-way planning, and everything through the day-of.
We work with vendors from start to finish to ensure the big day is everything our client’s dream of. We provide day-of timelines, ceremony and reception timelines, and even help with décor and set-up. We are based out of Atlanta, Georgia and there is no other place I would rather establish this business than here. There are so many incredible vendors, venues, and local business to work with all around the area.
I am a firm believer of buying local and supporting small businesses. If it wasn’t for others supporting my dream, I wouldn’t be where I am today so I always try and support others in every way I can. I have had the opportunity to work in Atlanta, areas surrounding Atlanta, and all over Georgia. Atlanta is a market filled with so much talent and I have been grateful to work with so many of these talented people! I couldn’t imagine a better city to grow this business in.
One of my favorite sayings is “Planning the biggest day of your life is only the beginning of your new adventure.” I have also had the opportunity to meet and work with the most amazing couples. Being able to see their love story unfold is something I will always cherish. I have been able to make life-long friends through this business. I have had the pleasure of attending client’s baby showers, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, etc. all through couples I have met during this journey. I am most proud of these relationships I have built and how the business has grown through that. Word of mouth has been my best form of advertising and I hope it will continue that way.
When I started in 2016, I had 3 weddings. In 2 years’ time, I have taken on about 40+ weddings and that is just remarkable to me. I just am so honored that couples trust us to make their day so special. This has been a crazy ride but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know with passion, knowledge, courage and determination, anything is possible. I truly believe this is something that will continue to grow and I only look forward to what the future holds.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think the only thing I would do differently would be to hire more help early on. I’ve always had the mentality that I can take on the world myself but the more I have taken on, I’ve realized that the more people you have in your corner, the better the experience is for the couple and the easier I make it on myself.
The weekends that I have had 3 weddings in a row, I honestly couldn’t have made it without my team! I have an assistant, Cres Gamblin, who is AMAZING and a few interns who are complete rock stars! It truly takes a village.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariahcaitlinevents.com
- Email: mariahcaitlinevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahcaitlinevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahcaitlinevents
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mariah_caitlin/
Image Credit:
Southern Flash Photography – https://www.facebook.com/southernflashphoto/; Jack and Jenna Photography- http://www.jackandjennaphotography.com/; Spring Lake Events- http://georgiavintageweddings.com/
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