Today we’d like to introduce you to Bekah Gilmer.
Hi Bekah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Bekah Gilmer has always had a natural eye for organization and an appreciation for detail. Even as a young girl, she found joy in bringing people together — planning homecomings, proms, community service events, birthday celebrations, and graduations. If there was an event happening, everyone knew she was the one making sure every detail was perfect, right down to the chocolate fountain functioning properly.
Her passion for event planning deepened when she began shadowing Laura Maddox, owner of Magnolia Celebrates. It was during this time that she discovered her true calling — Event Coordination.
Bekah Gilmer pursued that passion at Kennesaw State University, earning a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Communication and a concentration in Event Coordination through the university’s hospitality program. Shortly after graduation, she joined Bold Events and Catering, where her creativity and leadership quickly caught attention. It wasn’t long before she was recruited by one of Atlanta’s premier event planners, Tammie Wilson of The Party Girl Events.
Under Tammie’s mentorship, Bekah Gilmer honed her skills coordinating extravagant weddings, high-profile corporate functions, and unforgettable social events. Together, the team earned numerous accolades — including Modern Luxury’s Planner of the Year in 2022 — and successfully navigated the challenges of the hospitality industry during the COVID era. Though Tammie has since retired to Montana, her influence and guidance remain a cherished part of Bekah Gilmer’s journey.
After much prayer and reflection, Bekah Gilmer took a leap of faith and launched her own company — The Finer Side. Dedicated to creating seamless, joy-filled experiences for her clients, she continues to serve others through her God-given passion for event coordination.
“When you’re passionate about what you do, every day is the best day,” she says. “I get to curate the most important moments in people’s lives and I’ve never doubted that this is exactly where the Lord intended me to be.”
With big dreams and a heart for excellence, Bekah Gilmer is shaping The Finer Side into one of Georgia’s most sought-after event coordination companies — one unforgettable celebration at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge in my career came during COVID. The hospitality and events industry was turned upside down overnight. We navigated constant venue closures, caterers serving behind plexiglass, and layouts with chairs spaced six feet apart. Guests had to test before attending weddings, and many of my couples ended up saying ‘I do’ in their backyards. Corporate events disappeared entirely, and I spent months rescheduling more than 60 events (often multiple times) while trying to keep my clients calm and hopeful through it all.
It was one of the most difficult times, but it also reminded me why I love what I do—because even in chaos, people still found ways to celebrate love and connection.
Since then, the industry has grown rapidly, and there are so many new coordinators in the city. It’s exciting to see fresh talent and creativity come into the space, but it’s also pushed me to continue evolving, refining my brand, and staying true to the elevated, detail-focused experience I’ve built over the years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in luxury event coordination—creating seamless, meaningful celebrations that reflect my clients’ stories down to the smallest detail. With more than a decade in the industry, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to bring vision and logistics together in a way that feels effortless.
I’m known for my calm, professional presence on event days, my eye for design, and my ability to anticipate needs before anyone even realizes them. Whether it’s a multi-day destination wedding or a refined corporate gathering, my focus is always on curating experiences that feel intentional, elevated, and deeply personal.
What I’m most proud of is how many of my clients become friends by the end of the process. I don’t just plan events—I advocate for my couples and clients every step of the way to ensure their day truly reflects them. As our planning journey comes to a close, I often find myself a little sad to see it end. Many of those relationships continue long after the final toast, and it’s such a joy to watch their next chapters unfold—sometimes even celebrating their children’s first birthdays together.
At The Finer Side, what sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to detail and experience. We don’t just create beautiful events—we craft moments that linger in memory long after the last glass is raised. Our tagline says it best: “It’s always greener on the finer side.”
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to find a mentor—someone who truly strives for excellence and wants to teach you, not just use you for help on event days. There’s so much value in learning from someone who’s been in the trenches, who understands the heart behind what we do, and who pushes you to be better every time.
Above all, make sure you love what you’re doing. This industry can be demanding—long hours, high emotions, constant problem-solving… If you genuinely care about your clients and take pride in creating their dream day, it’s all worth it. These couples deserve someone who’s passionate, detail-oriented, and striving for the best on their behalf.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-finer-side.com/
- Instagram: @thefinerside_
