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

Hi Glenda, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?

Creating, documenting and photographing memories matters most to me. Life is short and full of challenges – especially during a pandemic. Celebrating milestones and bringing joy to others is what I live for! Turns out that beyond just having fun, there are many positive benefits from celebrating including stress relief, recognizing excellence, memorializing a moment in time, and providing a time of reflection and appreciation. A joyful heart really IS good medicine (Proverbs 17:22) that this registered nurse derives pleasure in administering!

I’ve always loved to plan parties and to celebrate life, so it was only natural that I would one day own an event venue. I will find a way to turn the most unremarkable moment in time into a reason to bring joy to someone. My cheerleader spirit has planned many over-the-top memorable events, including birthday parties for my children with Teletubbies, magicians, and entertainers present; my daughter’s amazing gender reveal baby shower; chairing my sister service’s Navy Nurse Corps Birthday Ball in Germany; spearheading Malcolm Grow Medical Center’s Preceptor’s Appreciation Day, and planning the first-ever African American History Month Celebration at Mountain Home Air Force Base’s 36th Medical Group.

My favorite events planned to date are my sister’s Great Gatsby Birthday Celebration equipped with cigarette girls and casino tables, a cigar roller, a massive balloon drop, and the ultimate guest arrival ever in a vintage Bentley; my son’s Rodeo themed High School Graduation Party featuring a band, a mechanical bull, and an antique car show; and our Disney World Mardi Gras 30th Annual Family Reunion attended by 100 family members who were entertained by stilt walkers, flamingo dancers, and a 40’s Swing Band! We even received an honorary commemorative letter from then President Barak Obabma!

I literally am loving this second act of my life as an entrepreneur post serving 27 years in the Air Force and retiring as a Major. Being a co-owner of Parker’s with my sister and friend is a dream come true! This veteran turned entrepreneur is blessed and highly favored!


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Parker’s Wedding + Event Venue is Milledgeville’s chicest venue – PeriodT! That’s what set us apart from other venues in the area. Upon entering the venue, you’re greeted by a beautiful table, mirror and grand chandelier, flanked by custom made benches, drapes and exotic, yet elegant floral wallpaper. The massive ballroom is adorned with three lavish chandeliers with the center one bedecked with lighted drapes – a grandiose sight to behold – a built-in bar, stage and state of the art sound system, screen and projector. Parker’s is  over 6500 sq ft and is a DIY venue.

Oftentimes, I’m in awe when I see the venue transformed into beautiful themed weddings, reunions, parties, showers, corporate events or repasts. I tear up thinking, “We really did this! We achieved our vision and goal!” which was to provide a chic, elegant venue that delivers excellent customer service to the city of Milledgeville and its surrounding communities. One of our recent clients begged us to, “never leave” and “promise you’ll stay!” Hearing comments like that one and how professional my partner and I are is what I’m most proud of. It speaks volumes about our brand.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My itinerary for a week-long trip would begin with a stay at the Twelve Downtown Autograph Collection Hotel. We’d visit my favorite place, Ponce City Market, where we’d shop downstairs, then head up to the rooftop to enjoy the best view in Atlanta which overlooks three skyline viewpoints and play amusement games, mini-golf, ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy delicious food and drinks. I’d also take them to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Auburn Ave, the historic Fox Theater, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Six Flags Over Georgia, and last, but not least, we’d visit The Punchline to enjoy side-splitting standup comedy featuring my hilarious son, Malik Whitfield. We’d dine at the Steak Market, Mod Pizza, Desta’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, and the Iberian Pig. A visit to City Winery would also be nice and if lucky, we’d catch a BBD or Bobby Brown concert where we could see Margo & Mo perform with them. Nightly, we’d have a J2Tiimes listening party jamming to the tunes of my favorite living artist and son, Jamal James’ albums in the hotel bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my business partner and sister, LaTria Ingram; Ruby Parker Holloway, my beloved mother and best friend; my father, William T. Holloway aka THE dream maker (I love and miss you so much, Daddy!); my husband, Michael Whitfeld, who is the wind beneath my wings, and my brother in love, Adrick Ingram for his support.

Website: parkerswedding.com

Instagram: @parkerseventvenue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parkerseventvenue

Image Credits
Sean Cason Photohraphy

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