Meet Melissa Adams: Creative Director and Owner of G&A Weddings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
It was truly a gut feeling that I needed to enter the wonderful world of wedding planning and design. I couldn’t get it out of my head and heart. Sara Blakey, who is one of my biggest role models and the founder and owner of Spanxs says if you can’t get something out of your mind you need to pursue your passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I pride myself on the amount of time I spend with my couples. The wedding design process Is where I shine and it’s fun to share that with my clients regardless of how involved with the process they want to be. If a wedding doesn’t stand out to the guests as this is definitely (bride & groom’s names) then I haven’t done my job well. A wedding day is a beautiful celebration of love and commitment and should be the embodiment of two individuals. There is always more to learn and discover. You can always do you job better, having a mentor is a great way to overcome obstacles in your business. I wish I would of had one when I entered the industry, I’m sure it could of saved me some grief and taught me how to handle difficult situations, which happens when you are involved in one of the most important day’s of someone’s life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has such a special place in my heart, the city has so much to do! Me and my friends love to frequent Umi, Gypsy Kitchen, Two Urban Licks, The Garden room at the St Regis. For shopping you really can’t go wrong with Phipps Plaza, I also love the shops in West Midtown like Ann Mashburn and Roller Rabbit. There is also a Jenis ice cream shop in the plaza. For a good time, you won’t be disappointed going to little trouble, ponce market, The High or SCAD museums, or take in a movie at Ciné Bistro.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents for being a support and shoulder to cry on when I need it. I’ve always liked to keep myself busy, and when I took on the project of opening a business I kept my other full time job for two years before making the leap to full time. The two years of starting out had some obvious time management challenges. I knew my business would not be able to fully flourish until I gave it 100% of my time and efforts. Which is also where my husband comes in. We were maybe a year into our relationship when I decided to do this and his unwavering support and dedication has made so much difference in my business and how I am able to serve my clients. Four years later, we are married and he’s still my number one fan.