Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Goodbread.
Hope, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start right after graduation by planning weddings for teachers and close friends. Soon after, I made the decision to pursue my education full-time, earning my degree in Hospitality and Event Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. During that time, I also became a certified wedding planner through The Bridal Society, which gave me both the knowledge and confidence to take my business to the next level.
When I returned to the industry, things didn’t take off as quickly as I had hoped. There were moments I seriously questioned if this dream would ever come to life. I even considered giving up. But one day, I realized if I didn’t go all in now, I’d always wonder “what if?”—and I couldn’t live with that. With a little extra motivation from my (lovingly) annoying brother and his teasing about my “failure,” I finally made the leap and committed to my business fully.
I invested in platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire, and little by little, things started to shift. I created my own website, rebranded, and officially changed my business name to Hope Marie Events—a name that truly reflects who I am. From there, things took off. Every event I plan continues to teach me something new, and with each one, Hope Marie Events keeps evolving. I’m proud of how far it’s come, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting a business is not for the faint of heart, as cliché as that might sound. It’s a lot of work, especially in the beginning when you’re putting in countless unpaid hours, often undervaluing your services just to gain reviews and build a client base.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to truly understand my value and recognizing which clients are the right fit for me. I made some costly mistakes along the way—like investing in bridal shows that didn’t align with my brand or bring in my ideal clients. But every misstep taught me something important and helped shape the direction I want my company to grow in. It’s all been part of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to think of myself as both the creator and the organizer of my clients’ vision. So often, couples come to me with a head full of ideas—inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok—and they’re not quite sure how to bring it all together. My job is to help guide them through that creative noise and uncover the true vision: the feeling and experience they want to have on their big day, and just as importantly, what they want their guests to take away from it. It’s about curating a moment that’s both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
Along with planning, I specialize in event design. That includes helping couples choose colors, florals, place settings, linens, layouts, and all the elements that bring cohesion and personality to their celebration. While I offer different levels of planning, my favorite clients to work with are my full-service couples. These are the ones who bring me in from the very beginning, and over time, we build more than just a working relationship—we truly become friends. I love being part of that journey with them from “yes” to “I do.”
What I’m most proud of is my ability to really capture a couple’s unique vision and bring it to life in a way that feels like them. There’s nothing quite like seeing the bride’s face when she walks into the fully set space for the first time—that moment of joy and awe never gets old.
What sets me apart is the range of experience I bring to the table and the diversity of weddings I’ve had the honor to plan. I’ve worked in several areas of the wedding industry beyond planning—bridal wear, florals, and rentals—so I understand how each vendor contributes to the bigger picture. That insight allows me to communicate better with the full team and advocate for my clients in a way that’s efficient and informed. I also work with couples from all different backgrounds, cultures, and styles, which has helped me develop a flexible and personalized approach to every wedding I plan. No two weddings are ever the same, and that’s exactly how I like it.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve loved weddings for as long as I can remember. I grew up obsessively watching Say Yes to the Dress and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. One year for Christmas, my family even drove me out of state just so I could attend a seminar he was speaking at—that’s how deep my passion for weddings ran, even as a teenager. I collected wedding magazines religiously and still have editions from the early 2000s!
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a wedding planner. I talked about it so much that I was voted “Most Likely to Be Famous” in high school because of my big entrepreneurial dreams. I’m extremely motivated and always on the go—I love to work, I thrive under pressure, and I can’t stand sitting still. I’m also a travel and adventure junkie. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway, an international trip, or riding roller coasters at Universal, I find my reset in movement and new experiences.
Outside of weddings, I’m also a big foodie. I run a local food Instagram called @TakeOverOTown—definitely check it out if you’re looking for fun eats in the Orlando area!
Pricing:
- Day Of Coordination: $1,000
- Partial Planning: $2,900
- Full Planning: $3,900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hopemarieevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopemarieevents/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/hope-marie-events-apopka-fl-2085875
Image Credits
KDcollectives
merakiphotography
