Meet Georgia Doll | Owner & Event Planner

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

Hi Georgia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
It may not seem this way to others, but I believe a massive part of my success has been in my honesty and vulnerability. When I was planning my own wedding, I faced so many challenges as a queer woman. There were times that I considered hiding the fact that I was marrying a woman to avoid the judgement and uncomfortable conversations. However, I chose to stand my ground and search as far and wide as I needed to in order to receive the service I deserved. I take that stance for and with all of my couples. This is a massive life event and every single person deserves to be respected, valued, and appreciated. I will not stand for any disrespect towards, or frankly from, my couples. While I am sure this firm belief has lost me clients, I am positive that it has brought me many more. I form such close relationships with so many of my couples, some I even call best friends now, and that would not happen without my steadfastness and passion for equality and respect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This business I have built is all about inclusion. I was turned down by venues and photographers for my own wedding simply because of whom I choose to love. So, I made the decision to never make another person feel excluded or less than because of who they are. No matter your gender, race, sexuality, pronouns, etc. all will be welcome, loved, and supported by Georgia Doll Events. In a way, I suppose I am grateful for the vendors who turned me down for my wedding, because it gave me the drive and passion to create a business and a space that did the exact opposite. Weddings and big events have one very important theme in common, and that is love. Love will forever be the center of this company’s core values. Of course, when you take a hard stance against hatred, there will certainly be challenges. Seeing couples choose another planning service because of my personal marriage is hurtful and disappointing. It is frequently a struggle to maintain openness when you see that it could be losing you business. However, after having my moments of weakness, I have learned it is always better to stick to your guns. I tried hiding myself, my personality, my family, from people. I ended up with clients who were disrespectful and hateful. It is impossible for me to pretend to be bigoted or racist or homophobic just to please others, and hiding myself at the beginning taught me that lesson…perhaps not in the most graceful of ways! Whenever I am feeling discouraged, I remember that being authentic to myself in my business and my brand is what brings me the kind of clients who become lifelong friends. I suppose that leads into what I want the world to know about this brand. No matter what you look like or sound like or live like, you will always receive love and acceptance from us. We will never turn you down because of things you cannot change or control. We will never disrespect you and your choices. We will support you the only way we know how, with compassion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a relatively new resident of Atlanta, this is one I have the pleasure of still learning and experiencing regularly. I have learned that “Atlanta” encompasses much more than just the center of the city. While I will always take anyone and everyone to dinner at Hawkers or a night out in Ponce City Market, I’m also taking them hiking at Amicalola Falls and on an adventurous day on Lake Lanier. My amazing pals up here are still showing me new and exciting things to do and places to go! This city is an ever growing playground of activities for all flavours of adventuring. We love going to Clayton and visiting the Wander Store, grabbing some drool-worthy donuts at The Farmhouse and then heading to a trail to hike with our pups and our pals. Next year, my sister and her family, as well as my parents will all be moving up here so more adventures await as we all fall in love with Atlanta together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost will always be my incredible wife. Starting and maintaining your own business (especially through a global pandemic) is far from simple. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but she has been there for every bad day lifting me up and encouraging me. She is my person! I also would not be where I am today without Beth of TinLizzy Design Co. We met by happenstance at a vendor meeting years ago and have grown and adventured together ever since. She helped me create my own unique brand, got my website up and running, and is there to bounce ideas around with me whenever I need her. She is absolutely phenomenal at what she does and I only wish I had met her sooner! Lastly, I cannot go without mentioning my fellow vendor and pal, Charlie Rogers of BeatBox Entertainment. Not only is he the best DJ around, he has been such a dedicated friend. Life has brought me through quite a few lows over the past few years and Charlie has been such a champion of my success. He always always has my back and I would not be as successful as I am without him in my corner.

Website: georgiadollevents.com

Instagram: @georgiadollevents

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

Image Credits
High Gravity Photography, Macy O Photography, Christina Kelley Photography