About The Emerson
Welcome to The Emerson, a micro wedding and event venue in the heart of historic downtown Lake Wales, Florida.
The vision for The Emerson was simple: to create a beautiful gathering space that felt as warm and comfortable as home, but with an elevated touch that made every occasion feel special. We wanted a place where you could walk through the doors and immediately feel welcome, surrounded by beautiful details, timeless character, and just the right amount of luxury.
Set within the newly revitalized historic core of downtown Lake Wales, The Emerson blends restored vintage details with modern elegance. Tin ceilings, classic storefront windows, iron gates, and thoughtfully chosen finishes create a setting that feels both sophisticated and inviting.
Designed for gatherings of up to 50 guests, The Emerson is home to micro weddings, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, private celebrations, and other meaningful moments. Inspired by Lake Wales' City in a Garden, botanical touches throughout the space bring a little of the city's natural beauty indoors.
More than anything, we believe a beautiful celebration shouldn't have to feel out of reach. The Emerson was created to offer the warmth of home, the beauty of a boutique venue, and an elevated experience—all in a space where the people you're celebrating with remain at the heart of it.
About Belinda | Owner
Hi there! I’m so glad you stopped by to learn more about us. I’ve enjoyed every moment of my journey, starting with corporate events, moving into weddings, and now doing a mix of both. I’m the proud owner of The Emerson, and my heart behind creating this space was simple: to offer a beautiful, thoughtfully designed venue for meaningful gatherings at a realistic price point, especially in today’s expensive economy.
My experience comes from owning a catering company and working in a large-scale event venue, where I developed a deep appreciation for both the behind-the-scenes logistics and the emotional moments that make events special. Now, I bring that same expertise and heart into every celebration hosted at The Emerson.
While we are a venue-only space, I’m always happy to offer trusted vendor recommendations and insight from my years in the industry to help your event run smoothly. My goal is to provide a welcoming, stylish setting where your celebration can shine, without compromising comfort, style, or your budget.
The Team That Brings It All Together
At The Emerson, we believe the best celebrations are the ones that feel personal. We’re a small, hands-on team that genuinely cares about the details, from your first tour to the moment your guests walk through the door. Whether you’re planning a micro wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner or milestone celebration, we’re here to make the process feel simple, welcoming and uniquely yours.
Venue Manager
Monique Rivera
As the Venue Manager at The Emerson, I’m here to make sure every detail feels just right from the moment you walk through our doors to the moment you say goodbye. I’m a big believer that the best events feel effortless, personal, and FUN!
Whether you’re planning your dream wedding, celebrating a milestone, or hosting a special event, think of me as your venue bestie! I’m here to help, keep things on track, and make sure you feel taken care of every step of the way.
Venue Host
Marlo Rodriguez
I am an experienced event manager and decorator with 17 years of industry experience. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to produce and design everything from weddings and social celebrations to corporate events, tradeshows, and sporting events, including working with notable teams such as the Miami Heat. I’m passionate about creating memorable experiences and bringing every detail together to make each event feel truly special.
