Events of a Lifetime Productions owner and founder Gillian Marto (left) and Vice President Debra Hull (right)

Events of a Lifetime Productions (ELP), an award-winning, certified women-owned experiential event agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Founded by entrepreneur and designer Gillian Marto, the Atlanta-based firm began with a focus on luxury wedding planning and has since evolved into a premier provider of corporate events, incentive travel and high-profile luxury experiences.

Marto and her partnership with Vice President Debra Hull—an acclaimed writer, event producer and brand strategist—have fueled the agency’s growth. In addition to its Atlanta headquarters, the firm has expanded to new locations in Sarasota, Florida and Beaufort, South Carolina.

Hull (left) and Marto (right) accept the award for Best Tabletop Design at the Allie Awards

After a chance encounter on a beach, Marto and Hull discovered a mutual love for creative expression and community-building. They simultaneously developed a time-honored friendship and laid the groundwork for ELP’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation.

Both women remain deeply involved in every project ELP undertakes, ensuring each event reflects their signature blend of dedication and creativity. Their hands-on approach has seen them do it all—from driving U-Haul trucks and washing silverware to tackling the truly unexpected, like escorting an unruly alligator off the premises.

Marto (left) and Hull (right) showcase a branded live hand wall at an event for Holbrook Sugar Hill

Throughout the past decade, ELP’s work has garnered acclaim, including numerous Atlanta Event Awards for Best Charity Event, Logistical Achievement in Planning, Best Tabletop Design, Best Corporate Event and several Best Wedding Awards.

The agency has also been named among the “Top Ten Conferences That Captivate” and won an “Event Experience Award” for a Ferrari brand launch from the international trade media company BizBash, all while creating “Parties with a Purpose” in support of charitable causes. We chatted with Marto and Hull about the inspiration behind ELP, their most meaningful moments and what’s next on the horizon.

What inspired you to found Events of a Lifetime Productions?

For Gillian, the spark was always there. From the time she was a little girl growing up in Jamaica, she was captivated by the magic of gatherings. Her earliest role model? Her glamorous, piano-playing grandmother—a true island hostess who transformed every dinner party into an elegant, unforgettable experience. Little Gillian would slip into maxi dresses just like her grandmother’s, soaking in the joy, the beauty, the feeling of celebration.

Fast forward to years later, when her own children had grown more independent. Gillian felt a calling—not just to reclaim her creativity and independence, but to build something that would support her family and fund the experiences that mattered most to them, like travel and adventure. With a degree in Fashion Design and a flair for the extraordinary, she had already made a name for herself planning spectacular themed events for friends and family—from whimsical Easter egg hunts to magical holiday teas with Santa.

But Gillian didn’t just want to throw parties. She had a vision—inspired by industry icons like Preston Bailey and Mindy Weiss—to create an agency rooted in storytelling, style and soul.

Ten years later, that vision has blossomed into Events of a Lifetime Productions—an award-winning, certified, women-owned experiential agency with a global reach and a heart for meaningful, memorable design. Alongside her business partner, Deb, Gillian has been named by Modern Luxury as one of Atlanta’s “Extraordinary Women to Watch” and continues to raise the bar in the industry, one extraordinary event at a time.

Marto (left) and Hull (right) accept the award for Logistical Achievement in Planning at the Allie Awards

What sets ELP apart from other experiential event agencies and planners in the industry?

At ELP, we don’t just plan events—we craft immersive experiences that captivate the senses, achieve brand goals, and leave lasting impressions, not to mention providing a return on your event investment. Here’s what sets us apart in the experiential event industry:​

Strategic Storytelling Meets Sensory Immersion:

We blend strategic brand storytelling with immersive, multi-sensory design. Our events are not only visually stunning but also align seamlessly with your brand’s objectives, ensuring every detail resonates with your audience.​

Innovative and Personalized Touches:

Our signature elements—like the Branded Live Hand Wall and Champagne Vending Machine—add unique flair to events, making them unforgettable. These creative touches are tailored to reflect your brand’s personality and message.​

Deep Client Relationships:

We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients, understanding their goals, and collaborating closely to bring their visions to life. This personalized approach ensures each event is uniquely tailored and exceeds expectations.​ When you work with ELP, you get the expertise and creativity of Gillian and Deb personally.

Global Reach with Local Expertise:

With headquarters in Atlanta and locations in Sarasota, Florida and Beaufort, South Carolina, we have the capability to execute events worldwide while maintaining a deep understanding of local cultures and preferences.​ Our extensive network of vendor partners assures that our clients get the BEST prices and products anywhere in the world.

Recognized Excellence:

ELP’s work has been featured in publications like Modern Luxury Weddings, The Atlantan, Mingle Magazine, Atlanta Style Weddings, BizBash and several national and international publications. We’ve been honored with awards like having a corporate incentive project named one of the year’s “Top Ten Conferences that Captivate” by industry giant BizBash as well as multiple Atlanta Event Awards for Best Wedding, Best Corporate Event, Best Tabletop Design, Best Charity Event and Logistical Achievement in planning.​

Choosing ELP means partnering with a team that combines creativity, strategic insight and a commitment to excellence to deliver events that truly are the experience of a lifetime.

What has been one of the most meaningful moments in your career so far?

One of the most meaningful moments in our career came from doing what we love most—using events to create real impact. Gillian and I are deeply passionate about giving back, and we believe every event has the power to change lives. That’s why we weave purpose into nearly every experience we produce. But one moment that will stay with us forever was an event we created for an anti-sex trafficking nonprofit. We designed the experience to begin with a live butterfly release on the rooftop of the venue—a stunning, symbolic gesture. As hundreds of butterflies took flight, guests witnessed a powerful visual of what their support was making possible: helping survivors move from captivity to freedom, from trauma to transformation. It wasn’t just an event—it was a moment of collective hope. And to this day, it reminds us why we do what we do.

Where do you find inspiration for the experiences you create, and is there one detail you believe always elevates an event?

We find inspiration in everything—from the natural beauty of our island homes (Gillian on Longboat Key and Deb on Lady’s Island in Beaufort) to the pulse of pop culture, design and innovation. We make time to attend cutting-edge industry events and open all our senses when we travel. We’re inquisitive and adventurous and we bring it all to our work. But above all, we draw inspiration from our clients: their stories, goals and the impact they want to make. The one detail that always elevates an event? Intentionality. Every choice we make—from the scent in the room to the tone of the lighting—is designed to create emotional resonance and tell a compelling brand story. It’s that level of thoughtfulness that turns a great event into an unforgettable experience.

As ELP celebrates 10 years, how do you see the agency evolving for the decade ahead?

As ELP celebrates 10 years, we’re leaning into the next decade with bold vision and deeper strategy. The future of experiential is about impact and lies in intentionally designed, emotionally intelligent events that not only wow but also work and drive real results. For our corporate clients, we are trusted partners who deliver: experiences that drive measurable outcomes (sales, loyalty and brand lift), seamless tech integration that supports connection and empowers, personalized, immersive, on-brand design that reflects company culture and values and agile planning to meet the evolving needs of hybrid and global audiences.

Our role is shifting from event producers to strategic partners—co-creating impactful, future-ready moments that align with our clients’ business goals. In a post-COVID, disconnected world, we have the honor of crafting the events that bring people together and rebuild relationships and the collaboration that results in innovation. For charity and fundraising events, we focus on storytelling that inspires giving and builds community, because hearts open when experiences move them. And for social celebrations, we design unforgettable, five-sensory moments that reflect your story and leave guests saying, “That was SO you.” At ELP, we don’t just plan events—we create experiences that change the way people feel, think, and act.

See also: The Atlantan’s Local 2025 Best of Luxury Travel Awards