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!