Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Jimenez And Gen Martinez
Hi Melissa Jimenez and Gen Martinez, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Gen and I (Melissa) share a similar story as first-generation Cuban-Americans from Miami, where we grew up learning the value of hard work from our families. Our partnership is built on a shared entrepreneurial spirit and drive to achieve success in a fulfilling career.
After finishing our MBAs, we jumped at an opportunity to open an insurance agency (my family’s line of business) and quickly found ourselves unhappy. Gen turned to photography for a creative outlet, second-shooting weddings with a friend. Meanwhile, I, with a background in Hospitality and Tourism, began to envision a career that aligned more with my passions.
At her first elopement shoot, Gen instantly fell in love with the vibe of intimate weddings. She imagined there were like-minded couples in need of small wedding services, and she began working exclusively with them. Small Miami Weddings was born. Bringing my knowledge of event management and tour guide experience, I also became a Wedding Officiant while Gen showcased her stunning photography. Today, we celebrate over 2,000 memorable ceremonies over 12 incredible years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having comes without challenges. The first few years were both physically demanding and mentally stimulating as we managed to juggle our insurance agency alongside our wedding business. To keep costs down in our new venture, we took on nearly every task ourselves – even setups – often with little time for a day off.
Eventually, we realized that our hearts were all in on our wedding business, so we made the bold decision to sell the agency and focus entirely on weddings. It was a risk, but it’s one that’s been incredibly rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Small Miami Weddings designs and coordinates intimate ceremonies on Miami’s most beautiful beaches, gardens, and hotels. Our team includes wedding officiants, photographers, coordinators, and ceremony designers. As pioneers of the small wedding movement and Miami’s first and largest elopement planning agency, we take pride in our photography and the personalized care we bring to every wedding we create.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Our moms are our biggest fans – and two of our first employees. My mom was the first wedding officiant we hired, and Gen’s mom was our first in-house florist. Most of our couples might not know that our moms are still working with us today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smallmiamiweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallmiamiweddings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallmiamiweddings
Image Credits
Small Miami Weddings
