For Marisa Goldman, founder of Gold Ribbon Productions, event planning has always been more than a job—it’s a calling. What began as a campus passion at Towson University, where she helped book concerts and homecoming festivities, has grown into a boutique event production company serving New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and now Florida.
Goldman’s career has spanned film, advertising, staffing, real estate and title, but events were the constant. She produced weddings and milestone celebrations “on the side” for two decades before officially launching the business last year. Soon after, she met event coordinator Jennifer Ortiz at a LeTip networking meeting—the two clicked immediately. “We work in lockstep,” Goldman says. She’s also long known event coordinator Alexandria Melone-Kunigonis and is thrilled to have her on board. “We keep communication open and consistent—our clients can feel that connection, and it puts them at ease.”
From Weddings to Corporate Retreats
Gold Ribbon Productions specializes in weddings, grand openings, charity galas and client-appreciation events. Corporate retreats and destination experiences are a growing part of the portfolio, supported by Ortiz’s travel background and supplier relationships. The team often threads philanthropy into its programs—pairing student volunteers who need service hours with local nonprofits and connecting partner businesses across events so the impact extends beyond a single night.
Recent projects include collaborations with education and wellness organizations and planning support for community fundraisers. This spring, the company will help produce a golf tournament benefiting MOCEANS Center for Independent Living, a local charity the team supports. “When we grow together, it’s a wonderful feeling—that’s when you know you’re doing something that makes a difference,” Goldman says.
Destination Dreams
Looking ahead, Goldman says the company is expanding its destination offerings—from weddings to wellness and corporate retreats—and exploring partnerships with properties and transportation providers to create all-inclusive experiences. “Our tagline is ‘Your Event Seamlessly Tied Together,’ and that’s what we want for every client,” she says. The goal: one Gold Ribbon itinerary that covers travel, lodging and on-site programming with trusted vendors the team already knows how to mobilize.
The “Oh-No Button” Approach
Crisis management is part of the appeal. Goldman welcomes events that have already begun planning without her team. “Whether starting from the outset or stepping in to take the reins mid-planning, we excel at getting everything on track,” she says. A typical scene: a worried bride calls, and within minutes, the team is tagging in vendors, troubleshooting logistics and resetting timelines. “You might start off crying, but after speaking with us, you leave happy,” she says with a laugh. Gold Ribbon Productions embraces being a late-stage problem solver — “like an emergency button” — allowing families to relax while the team handles the details. “If a client gets off the phone with us feeling happier than when they first called, we’ve done our job,” Goldman says.
A Signature Look
This winter, Gold Ribbon Productions is producing a New Year’s Eve wedding that will showcase the company’s signature style: timeless, less-is-more elegance. “We aim for a cinematic yet classic look—images that could have been captured 20 years ago or just last week,” Goldman says. That aesthetic, combined with disciplined coordination, keeps clients returning—including couples who have asked the group to take over destination components after experiencing the team’s local execution.
Community, Stitched In
Monmouth County remains home base, and community ties are woven into every project. The company’s events often spark cross-pollination among small businesses—restaurants, venues and vendors—and create opportunities for students seeking meaningful volunteer hours. “It means everything to us,” Goldman says. “When local businesses grow together, the whole community benefits.”
Goldman credits the company’s network—built across production, real estate and events—for its speed and agility. Calls get answered, favors get returned and details fade into the background so hosts can focus on their guests. “When you approach your work with generosity and care, support has a way of finding its way back to you,” she says.
For more information, visit goldribbonproductions.com.
Gold Ribbon Productions — At a Glance
Boutique event production company delivering high-end, tailored experiences for corporate and personal clients.
Specialties
- Weddings and destination celebrations
- Grand openings and charity galas
- Client-appreciation events and corporate retreats
Service Area
New Jersey · New York · Pennsylvania · Florida
Contact
917-423-5822
marisa@goldribbonproductions.com
goldribbonproductions.com