Melissa Adams – of G & A Weddings – has been planning weddings full time since 2017 and let me tell you, this woman knows what’s up! I attended one of her styled shoots at The Swan House earlier this year and I was amazed by the scene she had set. I was very excited when she agreed to be part of this blog series. She, like many brides, is currently dealing with COVID-19 derailing her original wedding plans and offers some great advice for brides who are planning their special day!

Lizzie :   How did you find your way to wedding planning?

Melissa : I interned with a planning company while in college at The Art Institute in 2010. After graduating, I took a corporate path and needed a creative outlook. My closest girlfriends were starting to get married and I began helping them with their weddings, which turned into helping their other friends and family members.

In 2017 I decided to pursue wedding planning full time and I’ve never looked back.

L :    Ten years ago, did you think that this is where you’d be?  

M : Definitely not, I was working for Chanel at the time as an educator. As much as I loved my job the travel got to be a bit too intense for what I signed up for, and I took a job with Rolex solely based in Atlanta. This is when I started dabbling in wedding planning but I would of never imagined it would be my full time job, or that I would be running a business.

L :    You are currently getting ready for your own wedding, right? Tell me what it’s been like to be on the other side of things?

M : I am! I wanted everything to feel relaxed and natural so we spent a year being engaged before we started planning anything. We looked at a few different venues and decided having a large traditional wedding was not for us and planned on eloping in France and having a civil ceremony here. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans and we, like a lot of couples, are dealing with it as best we can.

 I’m lucky enough to have made some very kind vendor friends over the years and we are having a small ceremony on April 25th at Meadowlark 1939. 

It’s such a charming venue, me and Cody are very excited for the big day!

L :    What is your favorite part about your job?

M : Impossible to pin point into one thing. 

I really do get incredibly lucky with my couples, they are the sweetest people. I love being able to serve someone on one of the most important days of their lives. My job is also a lot of fun; designing ceremonies, and table designs is something I could spend all day doing.

L :    What are the first 3 vendors you recommend couples book? 

M : Venue, if they do not already have it.

Photogapher 

Florist 

Videographer 

I also tell my couples when we find their perfect fit vendor for each thing, go ahead and book them. Vendors book up a year and more in advance.

L :    What is the biggest mistake you see clients make during the planning process?

M : Not bookings vendors far enough in advance.

I want this process fun, seamless and as stress free as possible and you can’t do that waiting three months before your big day to find a florist or hair and makeup.

The month before the wedding everything should be done so you get the time to enjoy your showers and parties.

L :    What is currently your favorite wedding trend?

M : Color! It doesn’t have to be over the top, I just love seeing color in florals, linens, china and flatware. 

L :    What are your 3 favorite wedding venues in the greater Atlanta area?

M : The Atlanta History Center (Swan House)

Summerour Studios 

Cator Woolford Gardens

Each are very different from each other but they have been so enjoyable to work at.

L :    If you weren’t a wedding planner, what other job in the wedding industry would you like to have?

M : I would open a dress salon, I think that has to be one of the coolest jobs helping people select their wedding dress.

L :    If you could offer brides one piece of advice, what would it be? 

M : Don’t rush anything, this is supposed to be a time of celebrating! I know planning can be a daunting task and you may not no where to start, that’s what your planner is for. Also trust you vendors, they have your back and only want you to have the best day ever!

L :   If people want to contact you for more information about your services, how do they do that?

Website: www.gandaweddings.com

Email: info.gandaweddings@gmail.com

IG: www.instagram.com/gandaweddings