Wedding Wednesday: Notre Dame Trees

Ok, so this isn't exactly a wedding... but we were dying to share these trees and decor we designed and last week on the campus of Notre Dame. Be sure to check out the fabulous gift ideas offered at all Hammes Notre Dame Bookstores -Main Bookstore, The Varsity Shop at Purcell Pavilion , and The Hockey Shop at Compton Family Ice Arena.

  

nutcrackers... yes nutcrackers! a  must have collectors item.

Loved the vibrant colors we chose for each location...

The Hockey Tree

Being a former (high school) basketball player myself... this one is a nod to the ND lady Irish 

(I have a fondness for Skyler Diggins and love to watch her play!) Of course this is also the Men's Basketball tree!

Notre Dame Football...have you heard they're 10-0!

And we couldn't forget baseball and softball...

Go check it out! Great gift ideas... so make your list, check it twice and head to ND to shop!

Oh, and we're not done yet... we'll be on Eddy Street the week of November 26th to finish the Holiday Happenings Display and add some finishing touches to their holiday decor too! So be sure to mark your calendars for Dec. 1 for a visit to Eddy Street Commons!

Merry Monday: Basilica Monday

On your mark.... Get set.... GO!



Today marks the day that The Basilica of the Sacred Heart opens the calendar for 2013 wedding dates.

We love coordinating and designing for our 'Basilica Brides'. Feel free to contact us as soon as you get your date and time and we'll be sure to get you off to the right start! Because of the desire and demand for weddings at Notre Dame, planning your wedding in the South Bend area may be a bit different than in other parts of the country. No worries! We have a To-Do list of 'First things First' to ensure you're contacting the important vendors and venues in order of importance.

Merry Me Planning packages included: Getting Started and 'Day Of' ; Fresh Floral and Design ; or Full Service - Comprehensive Planning and Design. 

We'd love to meet you and share your excitement with you. Call us!
574.271.1676

WSBT BRIDAL SHOW: It's time to start some Spring Thinking....

This warmer than usual weather was perfect for our Spring Garden themed booth at last weekend's WSBT Bridal Show at the Joyce at Notre Dame! Now we are ready for the smell of fresh cut grass and the rainbow of tulips popping up everywhere this spring! 

Brides waved their wedding Wish Wands that stated "It’s your Day – Wish the Merry Me Way" or "Wands Waved- Wishes Saved,  Merry Me Events." These were a huge hit among the brides. Loved seeing these in the brides hands all over the show! 

Notre Dame O'Shaughnessy Hall | Outdoor Christmas Decor

Who knew Decking O'Shaugnessy Hall would be such fun?! This year we had the opportunity to spread some Merry Cheer on the campus of Notre Dame.

We started with just a few rough design concepts we sketched...

and combined them for a look and budget our client loved! Looking forward to expansion of their interior decor next year...

Nello Christmas Party

20th floor in the Chase Tower, downtown South Bend has been the location for the past three years. This company is growing rapidly. This may be the last year we can use this space for the celebration. The view overlooking the city is amazing! One can easily see the campus of Notre Dame with the 'Golden Dome' all glowing. It will tough to find an equal replacement location. I'm confident we'll come up with something for 2010.

Guests had a great time listening to 'Kevin Q and the Night Crew band'. They were just perfect for the crowd. If you wanted to get up and dance to some old time blues and jazz, you could, if you wanted to just sit and enjoy, that was fine too. They provided a great mix of background and upbeat songs.

The invitations came from Spark Fine Stationery. A great place to find cards, unique gifts and custom papery.

Colors this year were blackberry and garnet red mixed with their established corporate colors of deep blue and platinum. It was a nice blend and very festive! We used a crushed shimmer linen and a new crinkle tafetta in blackberry and with silver chavairi chairs. Candlelight illuminated the entire room.

LaSalle Grill did a fabulous job with the food. The menu consisted of Mini Delux Burgers with Gruyere, Bleu Cheese and Argula (Yum-o), Cajun Bacon Wrapped Chicken (what a hit!), Assorted Sushi rolls (gone in 15 minutes), Roasted Bruyere stuffed Cremini Mushroom caps, Caesar Salad in Parmesan Cheese bowls served with mini forks (a great display), Housemade Salt and Vinegar Chips, and Fruit and Veggie Crudite. Snickerdoodles, Assorted Mini Cheesecakes and Mexican Wedding cakes for dessert.
We also added hometown favorites from The South Bend Chocolate Factory. 'Christmas Crunch', Dark Chocolate Truffles, Old Fashioned Toffee, and Peanut Butter Meltaways.

We provided bar services with our own licensed bartenders. The 'Nello-tini' signature cocktail was once again a hit! Served chilled just right in a martini glass, the blue concoction is delicious!

This is a party we love to create each year. The client gives us complete freedom on the design, menu and style of the party. Thank-You Nello Corporation!

Rain Rain Go Away!

This year has been quite the year for rain... but why is it that rain falls only on those days that we have amazing events planned?! Ughhhh. Thank goodness for back up plans.

Yesterday, despite the weather, our couple had a great day celebrating their wedding. They traveled from afar- from New York to Florida and all the way from California. Their destination wedding took place at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at The University of Notre Dame. We love planning and designing weddings held at the Basilica!

The sounds of Ireland were heard as our bagpiper piped away while guests began to arrive. Although we've done many weddings at Notre Dame over the past 13 years, the sounds of a piper continue to be a memorable favorite to these Irish weddings! Another favorite of ours is the sound of a trumpeter in the choir loft. The old wooden doors open to the sound of Trumpet Voluntary as we present the beautiful bride. This introduction still sends chills through me.

Brian and Kate invited all their guests for a celebration in one of South Bend's finest and oldest venues. The Studebaker Mansion, Tippecanoe Place hosted the evenings' festivities. Cocktails and hor' douevres were served on the third floor bar while Kennedy's Kitchen played Irish tunes in the background.

The main level was set for a fabulous dinner. Guests had their choice of Prime Rib, Herb-Crusted Chicken, Filet Mignon or Baked Tilapia. The intimate crowd was thrilled with the top-notch service and delicious meal.

Despite the change and re-organzing of plans to accomodate the rainly weather, we had to use our rain back-up plan. Dinner on the main then dancing in the lower level. The teamwork necessary to produce a successful event was crucial. Everyone pitched in to help and we appreciated such willingness to do so.

We added our part by designing and planning the affair perfect to the couples' style. A very clean organic and botanical look added to the beauty of Tippecanoe Place. Fresh bamboo, moss, grasses, snake grass and polished black river rock gave the couple a relaxed sense of what they had wished for. The unique bouquets are certainly one of our favorite looks this year! Fantastic texture and dimension gave the unique and personalized touch for our nuptials.

Following dinner, friends and family gathered to the lower level to be entertained by The Matt Young Band. This was our first encounter with this group. We really enjoyed their team approach as well. Matt and his group did a great job while guests enjoyed dancing all night. S & S Photobooth was also there allowing guests to have fun while posing with unique costumes at hand.

Thanks to all who worked hard to produce this event! But most of all, congratulations to Brian and Kate!