One Beautiful Bride = One Fabulous Wedding

Ok, so I'm a little bias on this one. OUR Ashley (can i say that?!) recently wed the lucky Brian Joines. The ceremony and reception will be one to remember.
The Challenge:
Trying to come up with a new concept that Ashley hasn't seen. She's worked with me for several years now and has helped create some pretty amazing events for Merry Me. How could we out-do and produce something beyond the 'been there, seen that' experience for this very special young lady?
The Plan:
We were determined as a team to do as much as we could without her knowing and to design some one-of-a-kind custom decor with never been used color combos, lots of textures and styles to make it uniquely her own. We put on our creative thinking caps and got to work.
The Result:
Fabulous!
I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of joy when Ashley and Brian entered the tent. Ashley began to giggle and smile and giggle some more as she was surprised and excited all in one. We were once again able to accomplish the wow factor kind of event we had aimed for.

Take a look at some of my favorite shots. Amanda Fales and her husband Andy outdid themselves with the photography they captured that day. Alexis Davis of CakeWalk designed irresistible and delicious cakes. Matterhorn catering prepared a flawless and fantastic meal. The Historical Oliver Gardens hosted the event with outstanding hospitality! A team of professionals who together, despite the rain surprise in the middle of the day, pulled off one fantastic soiree.

Check out one of our newest custom designs... we call these the "Ashley Chandeliers". Innovative decor made in-house with our team of designers thinking outside the box! We'd love to help create your fairytale...

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!

Benchmarks 2009

Once again, Merry Me had the opportunity for involvement with a great organization called Benchmarks. This organization supports the Women's Care Center of Elkhart County. We love being part of an event that allows creativity through the arts. Despite the state of the economy in this area, the event was packed with great people, willing and ready to give!

The Merry Me team designed and created "Tea for Two". We thought it was most appropriate since we love planning and designing parties. We are proud to report that our little tea party raised upwards of $375! We can't wait to be part of this again next year and appreciate this awesome opportunity!

Make-Up Party at Camellia's

I love this... and the ladies did too! We wanted to do something a little different for our bride this past weekend. So when she asked us for suggestions on 'something the ladies could do while the guys had their golf outing', this was it! We were thrilled to offer a make up party at Camellia's The Makeup Store in Heritage Square, Granger. Gabrielle, an amazing make up artist and one of our preferred vendors, shared with me this new concept they were about to unveil. Here's the idea: You reserve their party space and get the opportunity to learn some basic "how-to's" in make up application; Discover new tips, tricks and trends; Try out the newest colors and much more. What a very fun 'girly-thing' to do. You even have the option of sipping champagne and enjoying hors' douevres. Like the idea? We did. My bride did. We love coming up with new ideas and we enjoy sharing them with you.

Michigan Vineyard Wedding

We loved working with this couple! Merry Me joined in on the planning just 4 weeks prior to their big day and filled the role of "Finishing Touches and Day of Planner". They were struggling with some last minute logistics as well as trying to pull "the look" together. We enjoyed the challenge and came up with a fabulous look that exceeded their expectations, but NOT their budget.

Setting: Willow Harbor Vineyard, Three Oaks Michigan

Color Palette: Deep and pale purples with shades in between, slate gray then adding lime green to add the pop.

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan!

Getting the Groom to do some of the To-Do’s before the I Do’s….

From the moment we are asked those four little words we start thinking of everything that needs to be done for one of the biggest days of your life. Before you know it, you have a to-do list a mile high of things that you need to take care of before you become the Mrs., While Most brides count on the their mothers or their bridesmaids to help with all of the tasks at hand…. don’t forget the person who most likely asked you to be in this situation in the first place, Your Fiancé!

The Groom may feel one of two ways… he may want to be apart of all aspects of the wedding from budget to flowers OR he may feel he asked the question and now it is your “job” to plan your wedding day—it is the day that every girl dreams about her whole life, right?

So how do you get our groom to take part in the wedding planning without him even knowing it? Here are some ways to get him involved while allowing you to cross off some of your To-Do’s

Simple To Do lists. Don’t fill his inbox with millions of e-mails, texts, or phone messages of individual tasks that he needs to do RIGHT NOW. If you do this he may feel overwhelmed and that is the last thing you want. Instead look at your to-dos and make a separate list, for your eyes only, of some of to-do’s before the wedding that you think he might enjoy doing. If he is excited about certain parts of the wedding, this is a perfect time to get him involved. Maybe the band is very important to him… ask him to do a little research online and show you a few he likes? One thing to keep in mind is what you may want finalized in a month may take a guy a little longer… so if you want him to get back to you sooner than later you might want to give him a heads up before hand. Just make sure you have the time to make these decisions.. some do need to be made right away depending on the length of the engagement.


The Honeymoon. What guy would say no to a little research online to plan one of the best vacations of his life? Remember how much time college guys put into planning the best spring break ever? If that does not seal the deal that he will plan the most amazing trip for the two of you… I don’t know what will!


His Buddies. Like bridesmaids, groomsmen also play a crucial part in your big day… while the groomsmen may not exactly enjoy stuffing your invitations or help pick the table arrangements, groomsmen do a lot. For example did you know that the best man should deliver all of the checks for any remaining balances to the vendors the day of the wedding? Here is another way the groom can get involved, getting the best man and the groomsmen organized… because we all know getting a man to be at not only the right place but at the right time is a job!

Of course there are areas you know he has to be apart, just keep in mind that he may not, like being involved in finding items for the wedding registry, getting a marriage license, and making a speech (make sure to give him a heads up on this one— once again, don’t wait until the last second)

And as a reminder to both of you, don’t forget to smile, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride…. of your life (together!)

Posted by Chanell Cochran
Merry Me Details and Decor Specialist

Many thanks to Groom Groove for some pointers for the Groom… take a minute and check out www.groomgroove.com and DO send this to your future hubby’s inbox—he might enjoy it!!

7 Reasons Why to Hire A Wedding Planner

7 Reasons Why to Hire a Planner?

So often brides and grooms think hiring a planner is a luxury suited only for celebrities and those gifted with endless budgets. O how false this idea is. A planner is your symphonies’ conductor, magically orchestrating theme, budget, stress levels and your dream event all into perfect harmony.

From Magazines to Magnificence
So you have thumbed through every magazine on the shelf, and tore out every page of every idea you love. It is a great start, but now what? This is just one of the many magical things a wedding planner can do for you. Together with you and your ideas, she can make masterful setting combining the hodge podge of magazine clippings and internet finds that line your wedding folder. It is here where a planner can be most efficient in finding ways to make the theme of your event come alive and stick to your budget while doing so.

Beware of Budging Budgets
Whether your wedding is $3,000 or $300,000, you need a budget. “A budget will give you perspective and center you.” Beginning your processes with a realistic number and sticking to it is very hard to do when you have a million ideas from Platinum Weddings rolling around in your head, but not a platinum budget. A planner is the key to optimizing your budget to result in the most fabulous event. A budget and a planner will help curb your impulse to randomly purchase items that have no rhyme or reason, and allowing those funds to be better used to create a more ideal experience for your guests. In addition, having an experts’ guidance to show you where your dollar is best spent, is a valuable tool to have in your back pocket. Your planner is a third party personal accountant that can help you make rational decisions to create your dream event, with out putting you or your parents in the poor house.

Inside - Out…of Town
With so many couples that have moved out of town and want to pursue a dream wedding back at home, a wedding planner becomes the essential go between to make sure not a single detail is missed with the long commute. Your planner is your eyes, ears, and legs about town as you plan your wedding from afar. With today’s technology; digital cameras, email and internet, you can plan your wedding from across the country when an experienced planner is at hand. She is armed with all of the knowledge and tools to be able to communicate key information and suggestions to create an exceptional event!

Unique You
Michiana offers so many unique and historical venues rich with tradition and, yes, specific regulations to abide by. A local planner has experiences and longstanding relationships with the venues, and their managers, that will ensure nothing less than a smooth event for you. From the majestic Basilica, and the rich tradition of the Campus of Notre Dame to the Historical Oliver Gardens and the Vineyards of Harbor Country, having an experienced planner by your side will make sure no detail regarding the local venues is missed.

Details, Timelines and Etiquette ...oh my!
With magic wand in hand, your planner is the fairy godmother of weddings. She not only offers valuable experience and advice in wedding etiquette, but also is key to keeping the wedding timeline moving. Who, what, when and how is the best way to address issues with out stirring up commotion? Every bride needs a liaison to keep emotions and relationships in check during the stress of wedding planning. In addition, timelines and checklists are an important key to keeping perfect pace to result in the perfect wedding. A planner will help you develop, orchestrate and keep track of all timelines and lists, with out missing a beat.

The Venue Event Manager
“When the event manager from your venue tells you they can do your wedding planning, they are not lying. They will do everything under the sun to oversee everything they are ‘responsible for’. However, they are ‘not responsible’ for 90% of the details that go into your wedding.” Venue managers are experts in their field, and are a valuable source of information when it comes to set-up and running their venues. However, when it comes to pulling together all of the other details that go into planning your wedding, some brides are shocked when things go wrong. “They thought their venue person would be on top of things. Not necessarily. If they have several events that day, they can’t be held responsible for letting you know your flowers haven’t arrived or your Best Man is held up in traffic. Imagine walking into a bald room instead of the floral intensive ballroom you paid for. Your wedding planner is your overseer. Their job is to make sure everything arrives on time and complete. If you have 15 tables, 13 centerpieces just won’t do. They will get the florist to fix it. If the videographer does not show up, they should be able to find a replacement for you. Things happen, but it is your wedding planner’s job to see that things are fixed and end up perfect”

Fabulous Not Frazzled
“Wedding planning and the events that lead up to your day will be stressful. You should have one job only, keeping yourself relaxed and living in the moment. You need time to take in and enjoy this special day. Be with your loved ones. Be happy. Be kind. And mostly, be assured that your wedding is going to be the most fabulous day of your life.Yes, all weddings have glitches. And yours will too. But your wedding planner will make sure you never have to deal with or see them. You may never even know anything out of the ordinary happened. And that is the sign that you are a genius at wedding planning. You started out with great ideas, hired a wedding planner to bring them to life, and sat back like a pampered princess on your wedding day accepting all the accolades that you deserve.”

(Excerpts and quotes from; Why to Hire a Wedding Planner by Luxurious Wedding Etiquette & Protocol Expert, Claudia Lutman)