Zeiry Cortez Gomez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Zeiry , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Coffee + Bible + Journal
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Zeiry, though most know me simply as “Z ” To my lovely couples, Im their wedding planner and trusted guide. To my four incredible kiddos, I’m “Mom” I’m a true lover of travel and passionate about creating endless love stories and embracing life’s journey with love and faith at the center of it all.
I believe in growth, both personally and professionally, and I’ve learned to trust the process, celebrate the wins, and stay grounded in who I am. With an open mind and heart, I embrace what’s ahead and remain grateful for the meaningful connections made along the way.
Before becoming a destination wedding planner in 2006, I spent nearly a decade in the insurance industry, following in my mother’s footsteps. While working full-time and raising my children, I found myself drawn to planning events for family and friends, celebrations that sparked joy and gave me a sense of purpose. After welcoming my last child, I made the bold decision to leave insurance behind and pursue what would become Events by Zeiry, now known as Zeiry By Design.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but my faith, resilience, and love for creating unforgettable celebrations have kept me moving forward.
As a premier Miami-based wedding planning and design studio and eighteen years later, I am proud to lead a team that helps bring extraordinary weddings to life marked by impeccable style, personalized details, and flawless execution. Specializing in both intimate weddings and grand affairs, Zeiry by Design brings unmatched expertise to destination weddings worldwide—from Portugal to Italy—carefully crafting each event to reflect its unique setting while delivering a seamless and unforgettable experience.
At Zeiry by Design, we believe a wedding is more than just an event; it’s the start of a lasting legacy of love. We design editorial weddings that touch the heart, express the soul, and honor every couple’s unique journey. Each experience we create is deeply personal, profoundly romantic, and unforgettable in every way.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my parents, along with my faith, have been my greatest teachers when it comes to work. From a young age, they instilled in me the values of perseverance, self-belief, and integrity. They showed me that challenges are never roadblocks, but stepping stones, and that giving up was never an option. My faith further reinforced this mindset reminding me to stay grounded, resilient, and grateful through every season of life.
One of the lessons that has stayed with me the most is the importance of ownership. If I wanted something done well, I had to take responsibility and ensure it was done with care. That’s why I’ve always taken pride in my work, no matter how big or small the task. For me, it’s not just about completing something it’s about putting my heart into it, knowing it reflects not only my effort but also the values that shaped me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Losing my father over a year ago was one of the most profound struggles of my life, and it became a turning point that success alone could never have given me. Grief has a way of stripping life down to its essentials it taught me to let go of people, habits, and things that no longer served my growth or aligned with the person I was becoming. In that painful season, I was forced to look inward and rediscover myself at a deeper level. I learned that resilience isn’t about being unshaken it’s about allowing yourself to be broken open, and then finding the courage to grow from that place. Through it all, my faith became my anchor. It expanded in ways I never expected, and in turn, it deepened the relationships I hold most dear both personally and in my business. Suffering has a way of refining us. It taught me grace, patience, and the beauty of authentic connection. More than anything, it reminded me that even in loss, there is space for growth, love, and purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the wedding industry often tells itself is that success can be built on surface-level connections or by simply “faking it until you make it.” In truth, that couldn’t be further from reality. This work is deeply personal it’s about honoring milestones, carrying people through one of the most meaningful days of their lives, and weaving trust into every relationship. That kind of impact can’t be faked; it has to be lived.
For me, the heart of this industry lies in values and relationships real, intentional, and connections with couples, venues, and vendors. Authenticity matters. Passion matters. You have to show up with your whole heart, be present, and pour yourself into each moment as thoroughly, honestly, and fearlessly as you can.
Many of us in the wedding industry haved experienced seasons of uncertainty, and not everyone made it through. That experience taught me that resilience and authenticity are not optional; they are essential. People can duplicate your style, your ideas, even parts of your process but they can never replicate your essence. Who you are, at your core, is irreplaceable.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I loved deeply and wholeheartedly. That my passion for my family, my couples, my business, and my friendships was evident in everything I did. I want to be remembered as someone who gave her all, who poured care and intention into every detail, and who created not just weddings, but lasting impressions filled with love, authenticity, and meaning.
I hope people say that I lived with transparency and truth that I wasn’t afraid to be myself, to be real, to be vulnerable. That I spoke with kindness, led with intention, and treated others with respect and compassion. I want my legacy to reflect not only the beauty I helped create for others, but also the way I showed up with faith, with courage, and with a heart that always sought to connect and uplift.
More than anything, I hope my story is one of growth. That through the joys and the challenges, I shared my journey honestly, and in doing so, inspired others to embrace their own. My greatest wish is to be remembered as someone who stayed true to herself, who celebrated love in all its forms, and who left behind a legacy of authenticity, grace, and unwavering care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zeirybydesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeirybydesign/
Image Credits
Image 1 – Masson Liang Photography
Image 2 – It’s All About Photography
Image 3 – Masson Liang Photography
Image 4 – Adriana Rivera Miranda
Image 5 – Fox and Film Photo
Image 6 – Mitt Photography
Image 7 – PS Photography
Image 9 – Laura Palacios Photography
