Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariela Fernández. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mariela, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity stems from my empathetic nature and the experiences that have shaped me. My grandmother poured little droplets of generosity into my life while I was growing up—whether it was through her warm meals and sweet desserts, little gifts of love or the way she always made time to listen to others. I carry her lessons with me and thank her for this gift. I believe we all have something to share, and giving enriches us in beautiful ways—filling our lives with kindness, abundance, and love. For me, generosity is about giving freely and selflessly, fostering meaningful connections, and cultivating gratitude with others.
At the same time, I’ve learned that generosity needs balance. It’s not just about giving to others; it’s also about nourishing yourself. Setting boundaries is essential because it’s easy to pour everything into others and forget about your own well-being. True generosity includes being generous with yourself, ensuring you have the energy and capacity to give meaningfully.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Mariela, born and raised in Puerto Rico. I am the founder of Etéreo Events, a wedding planning business that’s as much about love and connection as it is about creating beautiful celebrations. My passion for weddings started unexpectedly during a challenging time in my life. After a rough patch working in a corporate setting, a friend took me to Barnes & Noble, where I stumbled upon a stack of wedding books, something inside me clicked. That day marked the beginning of a passion that eventually became my purpose.
Etéreo Events is built on the belief that weddings are about more than just the big day—they’re about celebrating love, family, and the cherished memories that bring people together. Growing up in a close-knit family, I learned to value the little moments that create deep connections, and I bring that perspective to every wedding I plan.
My grandmother, in particular, was a huge influence. She taught me resourcefulness, the importance of being present for others, embrace creativity, sparking my love for all things artistic and meaningful. Those lessons guide me every day as I pour my heart into my business.
What excites me most about what I do is the chance to help couples tell their stories in the most heartfelt way. I truly believe that weddings aren’t just about one day; they’re about celebrating the journey of love, the joining of families, and the creation of memories that will last a lifetime. My favorite part of the wedding day is when I send the bride down the aisle—it’s such an emotional, magical moment that reminds me why I do this.
That said, I’ve also learned how important it is to balance my passion for weddings with self-care. Early on, I poured so much of myself into my work that I neglected my own needs. Now, I make it a priority to set boundaries and ensure that I’m giving from a place of abundance, not exhaustion. This balance allows me to bring and continue to offer the kind of thoughtful, empathetic care that my clients value.
As for what’s new, Etéreo Events is constantly evolving! I’m always looking for ways to elevate my clients’ experiences, whether through new planning tools, creative collaborations, or fresh ideas to make their day truly unique.
I’m incredibly proud of what Etéreo Events has become, is more than a business to me—a brand built on love, authenticity, and connection. I want my clients to feel that same sense of warmth and joy in every detail of their wedding, knowing that their story is at the heart of it all.
At the end of the day, what drives me is the joy I see in my clients’ eyes—the gratitude, the love, the sheer happiness of being surrounded by those they care about most. That moment when everything comes together, and the couple realizes this day is everything they dreamed of, is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
As I continue this journey, I’m committed to growing not just as a planner but as a person. I want Etéreo Events to remain a reflection of who I am—a brand built on love, authenticity, and a deep respect for the connections that bring us together.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: empathy, creativity, and resilience. Each has shaped not only how I approach my work but also how I navigate challenges and connect with people.
Empathy has been the foundation of everything I do. In the world of wedding planning, understanding the emotions, needs, and dreams of my clients is key. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about truly listening and creating an experience that reflects their unique story. For anyone starting their journey, I’d say practice active listening. Take the time to genuinely understand others—it’s a skill that will serve you in every aspect of life and work.
Creativity has allowed me to bring ideas to life and solve problems in innovative ways. Whether it’s designing a stunning tablescape or finding a workaround for last-minute changes, thinking outside the box has been invaluable. My advice? Feed your creativity. Explore different forms of art, try new hobbies, and never stop learning. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, so stay curious and open-minded.
No journey is without its ups and downs, and resilience has helped me navigate the tough moments. From starting my business to managing high-pressure events, I’ve learned to adapt, stay focused, and keep going even when things feel overwhelming. For those just starting out, I’d suggest embracing setbacks as learning opportunities. Build a strong support system, and remember that growth often comes from the challenges we face.
If I could give one overarching piece of advice, it would be this: trust the process and trust yourself. Growth takes time, and every experience—good or bad—is helping you build the skills and confidence you’ll need for the next step. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate how far you’ve come along the way.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who values authenticity and the personal touch that goes into creating their wedding day. I love working with couples who are deeply connected to their love story and want to celebrate it in a way that feels true to them. An ideal client for me is someone who appreciates thoughtful details, understands the importance of family bonds, and is open to collaborating to create a meaningful, unique celebration.
I tend to attract clients who are genuine, kind, and respectful, and who understand that planning a wedding is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. They might not have everything figured out yet, and that’s okay—they’re open to guidance, trust the process, and understand that their wedding day is a reflection of who they are, not just trends or expectations.
For me, the relationship I build with my clients is just as important as the event itself. So, an ideal client is someone who values communication, transparency, and working together to create something that is not only beautiful but also emotionally meaningful.
If a couple feels that their wedding should be a deeply personal celebration, and they are looking for someone who is empathetic, organized, and passionate about making their vision a reality, then we’re likely a great fit!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etereoevents.com
- Instagram: @etereo.events
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etereo.events
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielafdez
- Twitter: @etereo_events
Image Credits
Phosphillic
Pearl Memories
Photos by NM
Two is better
Jose ruiz Photography
Eager Hearts
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
