When you think about your wedding day, parking probably isn’t the first thing on your mood board — but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that can quietly shape the entire guest experience. Enter Parking Professionals, a Birmingham+ Central Alabama-based valet and transportation company focused on hospitality from the moment your guests arrive.
With Marlon Drake’s 22 years of experience in the parking and valet industry, Parking Professionals brings a thoughtful, polished approach to weddings and events across the Birmingham area — blending professionalism, preparation, and a welcoming presence from curbside to send-off.
Meet the Team Behind the Bow Ties
Parking Professionals is led by Marlon Drake, President & CEO, alongside Shemeka Drake, Director of Marketing and Social Media.
Marlon began his career in the valet industry in 2003, spending over a decade working his way through leadership roles across Georgia and Alabama. Along the way, he learned the ins and outs of large-scale operations, customer service standards, and what truly makes a valet experience seamless.
Those experiences ultimately led him to start his own company — one built around hospitality first.
“We are a customer service company that are cars.”
That philosophy is what shaped the name Parking Professionals — a title meant to reflect a broader vision beyond valet alone. Today, the company services weddings, hotels, stadiums, ball games, and special events, all with the same customer-service-forward mindset.
Their polished appearance is intentional, too. For events, the team arrives in crisp white shirts and black bow ties — a visual cue that guests are in capable, professional hands from the moment they step out of the car.
Why Weddings & Events?
Marlon’s focus on weddings became personal while planning his own.
He understands how many details couples are managing — and how important it is to have vendors who take ownership of their role.
“I want to be someone to have your back.”
For Parking Professionals, that means handling parking with precision, preparation, and care so couples don’t have to worry about guest arrivals, logistics, or last-minute curveballs.
Their Service Style, In Three Words
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Efficient
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Integrity
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Fun
That balance allows guests to feel both well taken care of and genuinely welcomed.
What the Wedding-Day Experience Looks Like
Preparation is at the core of Parking Professionals’ approach. Leading up to the wedding day, Marlon connects with the bride or wedding planner multiple times to discuss guest count, timing, venue layout, and contingency plans.
Rain plans are discussed early, and the team is always scheduled to arrive ahead of time — allowing flexibility if plans need to shift.
For venues they haven’t worked at before, Marlon makes it a priority to visit the location weeks in advance to understand:
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Parking layout and available spaces
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Guest arrival flow
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Where the getaway car should be staged
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How to stay clear of ceremony spaces and photo backdrops
This level of planning allows the team to adapt quickly if something unexpected comes up — without disrupting the flow of the day or guest experience.
Special Accommodations? Absolutely.
Parking Professionals works directly with couples and planners to accommodate VIP arrivals and special needs, including wheelchair and walker accessibility and designated parking areas when needed.
More Than Just Parking
Over the years, the team has handled everything from classic cars to limousines — carefully positioning vehicles so they’re accessible, protected, and never in the way of guests or photos.
But the most rewarding moments come at the end of the night.
“After the ceremony and the bride exits and they look at us and give us a thumbs up and say thank you.”
“After the getaway and the bride comes up to us and says thank you — everyone has been raving about you.”
Pro Tips for Couples Booking Valet
Parking Professionals encourages couples to think about parking early in the planning process.
A venue may be beautiful, but limited parking can create stress for guests if it isn’t addressed. Knowing how many spaces are available helps valet teams plan accordingly.
Couples are also encouraged to research valet companies thoroughly — asking for referrals, checking reviews, and exploring social media to get a feel for the team they’re trusting.
“Don’t let valet parking be an afterthought.”
When to book: Ideally, valet should be secured at least two months before the wedding to allow ample time for pre-planning.
When deciding between valet and self-parking, couples should consider guest comfort, weather, and arrival timing — valet helps eliminate uncertainty so guests arrive relaxed and on time.
Behind the Scenes: The Hospitality Difference
Parking Professionals prioritizes customer service when building their team, often recruiting individuals with strong hospitality backgrounds.
Some of their standards include:
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Opening doors whenever possible
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Making eye contact within 15 feet
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Speaking to guests within 5 feet
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Treating every vehicle with care and respect
The team is made up of experienced adults — reinforcing Marlon’s belief that valet is a profession rooted in hospitality.
“It is a profession.”
“Hospitality done right.”
Final Thoughts
Parking Professionals brings care, preparation, and professionalism to every wedding they serve. From entertaining shuttle services and 15-passenger vans to polished attire and detailed pre-planning, their goal is simple: create a smooth arrival so couples and guests can focus on celebrating.
Because when parking is handled well, everything else flows just a little easier.
