Courtney Drake
I started Drake Social with a passion for creating beautiful events that leave your guests in “awe”. I am a natural leader and consider myself lucky to have found the event industry.
Between Atlanta, Georgia, and Santa Barbara, California, I’m officially bicoastal. As an Atlanta native, my heart will always be in the south but my soul thrives on the west coast. I love mixing traditions and trends across both markets and that translates to one-of-a-kind events for my clients across the country.
My education and corporate experience elevate my natural talent for planning, design, and event management. A bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama in interior design, a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in construction management, and 11 years of corporate finance experience provide a solid foundation for superior event planning and design services.
Cait Madden
The self-proclaimed "semi-professional bridesmaid". I was involved with weddings from the jump. If I wasn't working on one of my public relations events, I was at some wedding-related occasion. After being a part of my close friends' weddings for years, I joined the Drake Social team by assisting on event days. Shortly after earning my Master's in Business Administration, I learned that events were my passion and turned my "fun job" into my full-time job. When I'm not planning unforgettable moments for clients, you can find me trying a new restaurant, spending time with my pup, Blanche, or watching the latest on Bravo.
Marielle Matthews
My passion for events stems from a longstanding love for hosting in my home. During my career as a music educator, I realized this passion for planning beautiful showers, parties, and weddings, combined with my professional experience, could manifest itself into a meaningful career. As a trained musician, I view your wedding or event as the ultimate performance as I seek to bring your vision to life.
I earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Georgia. Pursuing these degrees and teaching choir helped me become the communicative and the proactive Planner and Producer I am today. Originally from the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area, I love planning events throughout the Southeast. And, I thrive best when partnering with clients and vendors who offer unique ideas to make each event one-of-a-kind.
Outside of planning epic events, I enjoy teaching private piano and vocal lessons, singing with a local professional choir, treating myself to a good blowout, and playing with my daughter.
Jamiya Brinson
My career has been fully dedicated to creating unforgettable moments. My journey began at Georgia State University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. It was during this time that I discovered my passion and combined my love for sports with the desire to make meaningful impacts on guest experiences. This realization led me to pursue further education, where I went on to obtain a Masters in Sport Administration from Georgia State University, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Georgia.
Ensuring that every couple receives an unparalleled experience tailored to their desires further drives my passion for weddings. With my combined expertise in sports, guest services, and event coordination, I am uniquely positioned to create extraordinary moments that surpass expectations.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, spending time with loved ones, including my fur-baby, Nino, and trying new restaurants. You can find me on the couch in a t-shirt and sweatpants with a bowl of popcorn during football season.
Ella Vance
Events have many layers to them that some find overwhelming & exhausting while others may find them exhilarating & addicting - and that’s me. It is so rewarding when you take a vision from paper to life, there is nothing quite like it. To see clients' & their guests' faces light up with joy is what drives my passion for event planning.
I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and attended The University of Mississippi “Hotty Toddy”! I graduated with my Bachelors of Science with a focus on Event Planning. Shortly after graduation, I had the incredible opportunity to spend several months in London for an event internship. It was in London where I found my passion for events & a love for the industry.
In 2015, I moved to Atlanta with my husband & English Bulldog, Stu. In September of 2021, we welcomed beautiful twin boys who most definitely run our world & keep us on our toes! Pre-twins I worked as Director of Marketing & Events for Modern Luxury, the nation's largest luxury media company. I planned large scale events for top luxury brands both in the corporate & social sector. After many years with the magazine, I took on the roll as VP for B.Worley Productions under the guidance of Brian Worley, a true event design guru. I can wholeheartedly say, these experiences have allowed me to build & develop my passion for events and connect with some of the best & most talented in the industry.
Ally Dunn
Amidst traveling the world, earning a degree in Psychology from Cal State Channel Islands and starting a beautiful family, I’ve managed to work every title and position in the service and event industry for over two decades. From hostess to manager, calligraphy artist to lead planner; I have acquired an extensive and well rounded repertoire of skills, knowledge and experience specific to producing seamlessly beautiful events that align with our clients vision. I love to live in the details, the organization (LOVE a to-do list), and the process of creating THE day for couples that will be fondly remembered as one of their happiest. I have an affinity for creating beautiful things and an enthusiasm for life which I choose to fill with gardening, dance, art and of course, my beautiful children and husband.
Abby and Drew | Sunstone Villa
Masterfully Detailed. Effortlessly Engaging. Truly Extraordinary. I cannot find enough words to express how eternally grateful & blown away my spouse & I are with Courtney Drake, Cait Madden & the Drake Social Team for tirelessly curating our dream wedding.”
Exceptionally Talented.
lizzie and Gordon | macarthur place
Drake Social Events was the single best investment we made for our wedding. From the initial consult to wedding day, we felt extremely taken care of. They were prompt with their communication, transparent on their process, patient and incredibly detail oriented."
can't recommend drake social enough...
lauren and carter | biltmore ballrooms
If you are a bride looking for a full service, bespoke, luxury planning experience, you absolutely must consider the Drake Social team. Courtney is the archetype of what you want your master of wedding planning ceremonies to look like - stylish and sophisticated; bubbly and effusive; discerning and business-oriented; and, above all, relationship driven."
stylish and sophisticated...
Saskia and Alex | Mandarin Oriental
when it came to planning weddings. She took our piecemeal vision and brought to life a celebration more breathtaking than we could have ever imagined. Her professionalism, creativity, charm, and warm personality are unparalleled."
In a league of her own...