Meet the Owners

Hello!!! We are Hope and Joe Szklarski! Most everyone knows us as the owners of Hope's Perspective Photography or Zinc Coffee in Joplin as we've been in the wedding industry for nearly a decade! Our mission in this small town is to help celebrate the gift of marriage and be there for our couple's biggest moments!

Let's chat!


Family Owned


The Emerald Event Centers are privately owned by The Szklarski Family. Hope and Joe run and operate the venues themselves and take care of each couple individually with extreme pride and gratitude. Each client who books is supporting small and helping contribute towards the dreams of two local entrepreneurs. We are sincerely thankful for each and every one of you who considers us for your venue!

Casual portrait featuring long wavy red hair and lace detailed cream top against outdoor backdrop.

Hi, I'm Hope!!

As co-owner of the venues, I am the one you will do all communicating with leading up to the big day! I do most touring, scheduling, texting/calling with brides, and you can find me at each open house! My goal is to be easily accessible to our couples so they are comfortable with booking our venues and trust us as the owners! I am also a mother to three boys, photographer, and we own a coffee shop in Joplin called Zinc Coffee!

Meet Hope Szklarski
Casual portrait of bearded man in floral print shirt sitting on stone steps.

Hey I'm Joe!

I am also an owner of the venues and I am in charge of all maintenance, yard work, bartending, checking brides in and out on the wedding day, and I manage our cleaning teams!! My favorite things to do are hunt on our property, fish locally, drink good beer and coffee, and attend our local church Hope City! I can't wait to see you around!

Meet Joe Szklarski

Listen, we get it! We've been in your shoes. Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and the location is pretty much everything. Let us ensure you why our venues are the right fit for you.