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

Hi Emily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Like anyone if I have to spend time away from my family and friends, you want to make sure it’s something you are personally invested in. I was a venue coordinator for many years before opening my own company. It’s great, it keeps things on the business side. However, I like people and personal details and thought behind decisions are what drive me. Everyone loves to ask what’s the best thing I’ve seen at all my weddings, and I always remember the personal touches. Was it grandpa’s birthday and we stopped the reception to sing to him?! Did you break tradition and have grandma be your flower girl?! This is a service-based industry and I believe making it personal is what drives me.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was a scholarship student-athlete at The University of Alabama, where I got my degree in Biological Sciences, and being by water has always been my happy place. Marea translates to ‘tide’ in Italian, so nice to have a callback to where you come from. I always tell my clients that I’m their security for the day, since I’ve had my wedding this is for them and I’m here to enforce the important things to them no matter how big or little they seem. Weddings are a fun, magical time in your life when everything is going right, so let it be that. In high tide, or low tide, we are by your side, until and after the knot is tied.

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?
In the winter would be a food tour! Summer would be trails and outdoor activities, and fall is festivals and farmers markets. Love Beetlecat and Decatur, love Coalition and Alpharetta. Born and raised in Marietta/Kennesaw there’s a lot of great spots, I always like to wander and try something new. There’s tons is Dawsonville and Cumming, I feel like everything is always changing and nice to try something new. Growing up in a ‘city’ and going to school in a ‘small town’ I realized how spoiled I really was to have such a variety of everything (people, places and things) at my fingertips always. There’s a new cuisine around every corner if you’re willing to look for it! There’s a wonderful performing arts and music scene, would depend on the time of year for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Smooth Tie The Knots – Jackie Raez. She is a fellow planner who’s given me guidance when I’ve needed it. Been an inspiration to pull the trigger, as a full-time working mom, her wedding planning business is her SECOND full-time job. Like most of us that’s how we have to start until we build the referrals we need. It’s nice to see others doing it, and succeeding and lifting up others as they do so.

Website: www.mareaweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marea.events/

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

Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/mareaevents/

Image Credits
They are listed on each! Joshua Grasso Photography J&S Media Compass Films

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