Hilton Garden Inn
I've had the pleasure of working at the Hilton Garden Inn or "Gillespie Conference Center" many times this summer. Here are just a few of my highlights... it's great working with such a willing and helpful staff!
The glasstop canopy works beautifully in this ballroom...
Special effect lighting creates a tropical paradise for Lisa and Jose Munoz.
Large or small parties can easily be accommodated here.
Backyard Island Party
This party was great fun! My client chose to have a party celebrating the completion of her beautiful backyard renovation. We chose to do an Island Theme that suited the atmosphere perfectly!
The sounds of a steel drum band created a great background for the guests. The food was fantastic and presented in a unique style, just as I prefer!
The highlight of the evening was the entertainment of a team of fire dancers. At dusk, the performance capped off the affair.
Chelsea Bryant weds Aaron Markel
Once again I had the chance to work with a family for which I had previously helped plan an event.
Chelsea and her mother came to me with great ideas on the look and style of her wedding. I couldn't wait to bring it all together in collaboration with the design we created for her.
The weather was perfect for her outdoor ceremony at The Blue Heron at Blackthorn. Her guests were ushered into the unique set up style of encircling the couple as they shared their nuptials.
Clever signs helped offer direction for guests throughout the festivities. The chosen styles and contemporary design truly set this one apart from others.
The night was complete with a late night s'mores bar, enjoyed by all.
Sand Creek Country Club / Coffee Creek Nature Preserve
Another great location for a wedding and ceremony. This event took us to Chesterton, Indiana where Courtney Keifer wed Matt Korpak. The atmosphere depicted the personality of the couple. Nature lovers at heart, the ceremony site at Coffee Creek was perfect!
Sand Creek Country Club then hosted the celebration. Colors selected for the occasion were stunning and beautiful!
Ericka Hill weds Aaron Benson
The day couldn't have been more appropriate when Ericka and Aaron chose to wed 06.07.08. Family tradition was evident while planning this weekend event for the couple. They need very little assistance when selecting their vendors for the big day. Ericka knew what she liked and didn't like so decision making was made with ease.
Grand elegance, rich with tradition could sum up the day.
The family owned Morris Chapel was the setting for the intimate ceremony lead by Ericka's uncle. I've never seen the decor look more fitting and stylish. Perfect for this stylish bride.
Unique papery touches helped lead guests to their destinations while pretty flower balls adorned a pathway from the chapel to the tented reception.
The grand tent, set for nearly 400 guests, was positioned on the grounds of the family's stables. Although rain was in the forecast, nothing could have put a sunder on this celebration! From beginning to end, the event flow was flawless. Guests enjoyed the atmosphere beauty, relaxed in the lounge areas of custom furniture groupings and had a ball in the photobooth which was used as favors to the guests.
An amazing soloist from Chicago serenaded the guests for cocktail and hors' douevre hour. Certainly a crowd pleaser!
The Matterhorn did a superb job catering the event for the chosen menu of a polish style buffet (a special request of the groom)
Before the evening was over, a late night snack of a nacho cheese fountain was a fun and tastey surprise for the groom.
What joy and pleasure in seeing this couple and family thoroughly enjoy their very special day! I look forward to this life-long relationship that was established throughout the planning process.
Molly Abernethy weds Aaron Roussell
We took pleasure in once again working with the Abernethy family for their third and final daughter's wedding. I was especially pleased to work with Aaron's mother on obtaining some "home-grown" blooms. Renate just so happened to work for a wholesale florist in Minnesota and wished to use some of her special roses for the wedding. I was sure to make the process as seamless as possible while allowing her "special touch" to be included. Molly's bouquet was just that. She carried Ecuadorian roses along with the specially chosen blooms from her soon to be Mother-in-Law. A personalized touch I was happy to execute!
The setting was beautiful as photographs began at the family's historic property in South Bend. From there, the ceremony took place at First United Methodist Church, downtown. After the meaningful union, festivities were celebrated on Island Park at Century Center then moving to the Great Hall for dinner and dancing.
"...all of our family and friends were very impressed and I have never seen Century Center look nicer for a wedding reception..."quoted from a letter of gratitude from Spike Abernethy, father of the bride.
Ami Butler weds Rich O'Brien
This couple was so much fun to work with! From the very start, we were thinking along the same wave. Ami provided photos of design concepts for us to collectively develop great and innovative ideas!
The ceremony was nestled on the beautiful property of Willow Harbor Vineyards in Three Oaks Michigan. It was a perfect setting for this intimate celebration! Rather than the typical catered meal, Bob from Country Kitchen Catering jumped on board with Ami and Rich's unusual requests. The themed hor's douevre stations were a perfect match to the couples style and personality.
The Polo barn allowed us to create an atmosphere in which Ami and Rich along with friends and family members reflected on happy memories. Photos hung casually throughout the furniture lounge area. An abundance of candles danced on the rustic beams, floor to ceiling.
This venue has quickly become a new found favorite for Merry Me! We can't wait to return again later this year.
Chefs in the Heart of our Home- Jr. League Event
The Jr. League of South Bend requested our assistance with their event this year. We were thrilled to take part in creating an herb and vegetable garden atmosphere. As the items were displayed and bids were given, the auctioneer was positioned at center stage.
Cocktail tables surrounding featured miniature herbs, gardening gloves and seed packets, all of which guests were able to take with them post event.
Even on a limited budget we were able to make big impact!
Celebration Graduation X3
This graduation party included not just one graduate, but 3! All in the same family. 2 received their degrees from The University of Notre Dame and 1 from Indiana University, South Bend Campus.
The celebration included just over 1oo guests hosted in the family's backyard. Catered by The Matterhorn Catering; Tent rentals, tables and chairs by Burns Rental and all decor was designed and created by our team.
A Chicago band was contacted for entertainment and enjoyed by all.
Centerpieces were designed with an inverted graduation cap and tassle atop vintage books, with colorful blue delphinium and yellow button pom poms. Finishing off the look we used the school monogram on deco wire created by one of our in-house artists.
Raving complements were received! We look forward to many future events as these.
Success by Design, AFLAC Business Meeting
To start the new year, AFLAC established their theme as "Success by Design" Our team brainstormed ideas concluding the concept of a construction theme could really work great!
Tying in the idea of success begins by establishing a solid foundation. Thus, a backdrop of stud walls and an overall construction site was the atmosphere as the management team kicked off the goals and year incentives to their employees.
Tables featured blueprints while tools, ladders and other props added to the overall look. Music encouraged tapping into all senses with themed music in the background. Tool-shaped cookies were an afternoon snack.
Oh the Thinks You Can Think!
A great way to celebrate a birthday... the seussical way! Guests were invited with a clever rhyme invitation.
Upon arrival each child was able to create his favorite Seuss Character costume. Gems and silly jewels were available allowing kids' imagination to soar.
Activities were enjoyed by all as we read "The Foot Book", each child made their feet unique by coloring there feet with washable markers. How many different feet will you meet?
For snacks we made 'Schlopp Sundaes' with all the toppings and fixins' you could think of. This ideas was adapted from "Oh the Places You'll Go".
Baby Shower Bliss
We created this adorable unisex themed baby shower by using baby toys and accessories that Mother-to-Be was able to take home after the event. We were given direction on the chosen color palette then our design team took it from there. The results were cute and cleaver while enjoyed by all.
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Holiday Party, December 13, 2007
The fun and festive event was held at Windsor Park Conference Center, whom once again hosted a fabulous event! The invitation set the tone and theme for the party by establishing the holiday look and feel of ornaments in the hottest color palette this season. Tones of teals and jade greens with sparkles of silver created a magnificent splendor atop silver mercury glass vases, available for rental. Sprinkled throughout the room were several tall, eye catching pieces on custom made silver tripod centerpieces, also available for rental. These pieces quickly drew attention as guests entered the candlelit atmosphere of the space. The evening was celebrated by Physicians and their spouses with background music provided by ProShow. We love to create atmospheres, and it shows. Allow Merry Me! to participate in planning your next soiree.
Bella Bridal Event
The Bella Bridal Event is one I am proud to be part of. It not only enables me to meet brides-to-be, it offers a chance to share new trends and ideas I've gathered. Expectant brides and their beaus are filled with a wealth of knowledge and great ideas after a day of meeting some of area's best. This year I featured several of my lounge furniture groupings for a place to kick up your feet and relax after walking the show floor booths. This furniture offers a variety of configurations with a wide range of color choices using accent pillows. Lounge furniture is up and coming as one of the hottest new trends for events. Instead of your typical cocktail setting, create some atmosphere with comfy couches and chairs. Invite your guest into your "home" by adding a collection of your favorite photos. Another offering that Bella provides is a Bridal Brunch. You get a front seat to a panel of experts with personalized attention to your questions. This was an honor to be part of with great questions and conversation. Next year, be sure to attend not only the show, but the brunch as well.
Katie Layman weds Travis Garvas
Katie and Travis decided to tie the knot before he was once again called to serve his country in Iraq. Thus, a wedding was planned in just 4 short weeks! I absolutely love fall weddings and this was no exception. I've had the pleasure of working this family on two previous occasions. Katie's two older sister's also put me in charge of the decor for their weddings. Upon first meeting, her mother said she wanted to sit back and enjoy the wedding this time around. She asked that I not only handle the decor, but that I also coordinate and plan the entire event. I was happy to oblige. The color palette was amazing with the use of burnt orange and chocolate brown. Our theme was reflective of those delicious color choices. Everything used from start to finish used these appropriate colors. I arranged for some of her roses to be directly shipped from Ecuador right to my door step. The chosen varieties were Circus, Alambra, Cherry Brandy and Leonitas. Simply stated, they were AMAZING! It makes such a difference when you get roses direct shipped, rather than straight from a wholesaler. Linens were another design element that helped complete the overall look. We chose to use ivory chair covers with chocolate satin sashes. I decided on a rosette knot tie for a more contemporary look. Floor length ivory linens and ivory napkins bound with chocolate brown double-faced satin ribbon and a sprig of seeded eucylyptus completed the table top. Our main attraction was the irridescent orange vase filled with an array of roses and texture. For a little pizzaz we added crystal fall toned jewels to copper wires adding another dimension to the piece. Another of my favorites was the hand painted aisle runner created by one of my favorite artists! Her style is great! The verse used was a favorite passage in the bible "...a cord of three strands is not easily broken..." The ceremony location was Bertrand Bible church where Pastor Tony did the officiating. From there we moved to a celebration held at Windsor Park Conference Center. What a fantastic and willing staff to work with. The evening was a success with family and friends enjoying the festivities. Congratulations to Katie and Travis Garvas!
Camilla Pollock weds Michael Flynn
September 8, 2007
Camilla Pollock and Michael Flynn tied the knot on a beautiful early fall day.
The ceremony took place on the campus of Notre Dame at the infamous Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Following the vows, the couple, friends and family were welcomed at the Palais Royale to finish their celebration.
The theme was rich with fall tones of magnificent color. The chocolate brown dresses were complimented with rusty orange tones, deep reds and copper tones.
Instead of a traditional guest book, the couple chose to use a "wishing tree". Available for rental from Merry Me Events, we create a "tree" for you to hang your card of well-wishes from colorful, coordinated ribbons. A long-lasting memory for the couple, long after the day of nuptials.
Centerpieces were an abundance of leonitas roses, tangerine-gold spray roses, late bloom hydrangea in deep olive green and burgundy, hypericum berries for lots of texture and a finishing touch of birch branches for added height. Even though the container was a rental piece, the design was created in such a way that the guests could take home the beautiful flowers at the end of the night. Money saved and lasting memories.
A Fun Finish to Fall Futbol.
Why not do something fun to celebrate the end of the season sporting event? We decided on this nice fall day to be outrageous with a Banana Split Bonanza! We filled a trough with ice cream and topped it off with all the favorite fixins'. The teammates each grabbed a spoon and chowed down. The kids loved it!
Before the ice cream melted, we presented each child with their well-earned trophy. The nicknames of each were announced while the teams' theme song of "who let the dogs out" played in the background. Parents joined in the fun with smiles on their faces.
Why not contact Merry Me Events to help you celebrate your next party? Kids parties are a favorite for us!
Call Cher to start planning... 574.532.5588
"Gorgeous! Gals Comedy Luncheon"
"Gorgeous! Gals Comedy Luncheon" A silent auction and fund raiser supporting Hello Gorgeous of Hope, Inc. This organization is an non-profit whose purpose is to re-educate female cancer patients and survivors to use hair, cosmetic and skin products to hide the damage done to their appearance from radiation and chemotherapy used to treat their cancer. Merry Me Events helped with the atmosphere of the event by creating and designing the centerpieces. A simple design of red roses, the groups signature color, coupled with accents of pink to symbolize the well-known color for breast cancer presented a fun and whimsical design. Colorful deco-wire and bright pink sisle finished the designs. We were able to donate our time and supplies to help support this great cause.
The event was held at The Blue Heron at Blackthorn and featured the entertainment of local comedian, Craig Tornquist.
I wish the entire organization much success and hope for the future! Thanks for allowing me to take part.
Nello Corporation, Creating an Atmosphere
For the past ten months I have been working closely with the team at Nello Corporation to help design an appropriate atmosphere for their office relocation. The chosen site, Chase Towers, 20th floor, downtown South Bend, Indiana. The space had previously been used for wedding receptions and corporate meetings. Now it has become the new home for Nello Corporation, Corporate Offices.
This company wishes to create a contemporary, modern look as they take their business to the next level. The company creates communication towers around the world. This prime location boasts an extraordinary view of the city.
The design elements chosen are a clean, masculine and powerful option. Slate gray tones, brushed steel, black leather and blue tones surround the environment.
Photographs taken with an artistic approach were provided by Zeta-Alpha Photography of South Bend. These photos, framed in black steel will be featured throughout the space.
The conference room will highlight a table designed by Nello Corp. I felt this would be a great area to feature the custom tower-like look. The finished product is perfect!
The finishing touches are being made to the space. I look forward to featuring them as soon as the project is complete.
A Walk on the Wild Side, Potawatomi Zoo
Despite the weather conditions, this fund-raising event was still a success. The environment the zoo provides was obviously a key to the overall atmosphere when planning this event. Due to wet-weather, Director, Marcy Dean made the call to move the party to an available and dry location. So it was, the Zoo to Do was held at The Matterhorn in Elkhart. Guests were welcomed into the jungle with tiki torches and an animal paw-print path.
Proving our adaptability, we were able to pull it off last minute in a alternate location. Overall, I still think it looked great!
Included in the decor were signature drinks to reflect the theme. The Funky Monkey with a garnish taken from "barrel of monkeys" game; The Leopard Martini, complete with leopard spots; and The Camel Hump were among the featured cocktails.
Kurt, from The Matterhorn provided the catering and offered great ideas to theme the food. Easy to work with and open to outrageous ideas, he was willing to transform his wait staff into jungle animals by using face paint.
From start to finish, this event carried the Walk on the Wild Side theme. It was an enjoyable event to be part of.
Advantage Health Solutions Corporate Event
Corporate events are such a pleasure to be part of. This particular event featured a former NFL great, Joe Montana! He along with Dr. Rippe presented the group with a "Health Talk" for Advantage Health Solutions and Novartis' Hypertension Awareness Day. The location, College Football Hall of Fame, couldn't have been more appropriate. Events began off-site with complementary blood pressure screenings held at Saint Marys College Student Center and St. Joe Regional Medical Center. The VIP meet and greet took place in the Stadium Theatre, CFHOF. There, Centerplate Catering did butler style hors'douevres featuring health conscious choices. Delicious jumbo shrimp, sushi and veggie roll-ups were among the favorites. Each guest received an 8 x 10 autographed photo with Joe Montana. All photos were taken by event photographer, Scott Leonard of Valentino's Photography of Granger, Indiana. Also for appreciation of attendance, each VIP guest took home a small box of South Bend Chocolates, a local favorite. Later in the afternoon, by invitation only, guests enjoyed Joe and Dr. Rippe's talk in the Press Box room in the CFHOF. A light lunch and beverage service was provided. The atmosphere was enhanced with themed floral by MichaelAngelos. The afternoon was enjoyed by all!