We recently had the chance to connect with Gabriella Maenza and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriella, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of the most recent moments was the kickoff celebration I hosted for my team. It was a reminder of how far my dream has come, how it started as me doing it all on my own has grown into something so much bigger and now I’m surrounded by an amazing team who shares the same heart, vision and drive for creating unforgettable celebrations.
We kicked off the season the best way possible with some pizza, wine and conversations about what we each want to learn, where we shine and how we can keep elevating the experience for our clients. I couldn’t feel more grateful and it was a real testament to growth, love stories, design and the art of celebration – ‘ella style!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gabriella, the founder and lead planner behind ‘ella events, a boutique wedding and event planning company based in South Florida but we expand over the US and planning for some international events! I started this business over ten years ago with a big vision and a love for bringing people together in beautiful, intentional ways.
What started as me handling every detail solo has grown into something much bigger. When those big event weekends arrive, that’s when the team comes together and the energy builds. It’s the best part—watching all the pieces fall into place and seeing our clients finally live out the moments we’ve been creating for months.
‘ella events is personal to me. Every event is different because every client is different, and that’s what keeps me inspired. We’re not about copy-paste weddings or overdone trends. It’s about designing experiences that feel effortless, full of emotion, and completely them.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow the brand in a way that still feels authentic, expanding our reach while staying true to the reason I started in the first place.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was definitely as a kid, organizing our family talent shows and “weddings” at recess in Catholic school. While other kids were running around playing tag, I was busy pairing people up, assigning roles, and figuring out who’d bring snacks to the reception. I didn’t realize it then, but that was the start of my love for planning — bringing people together, creating moments, and watching something I imagined come to life. Even back then, I loved the feeling of turning chaos into something beautiful and fun.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her to trust the timing of her life. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away, and the things that don’t work out are just redirecting you to something better. Keep showing up, keep creating, and don’t lose that spark that makes you different. One day, all the little moments that felt uncertain will make sense as they’re building you into exactly who you’re meant to be.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
When it comes to planning, every wedding and event is different because every client is different. My job is to listen, interpret, and then build a team that brings their vision to life. That’s where my inner matchmaker comes in. I love pairing clients with the right vendors whose style, energy, and budget align perfectly with the vision.
So when you ask whose ideas I rely on most, it’s definitely my trusted vendors. They’re creative partners, not just checkboxes on a list. I trust them to bring their expertise, ideas, and artistry to the table, and together we make magic happen.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. No one told me to do this, it was just something that always felt natural to me. I’ve always had this instinct to organize, create, and connect people in meaningful ways. Event planning wasn’t something I stumbled into; it’s something that’s been part of me since I was little. It’s where my creativity, leadership, and love for people all collide. So yes, this is definitely what I was meant to do and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www. ellaeventsbygm.com
- Instagram: @ellaeventsbygm
- Facebook: Ella events by Gabriella Marie
- Other: TikTok @ellaeventsbygm
Image Credits
Stephanie Lynn
Kirnos Photography
Lauren Alatriste
Tiffany Maysonet
Eloi Photography
Munoz Photography
Joley Studios
