How does a Mother (and Father) of the groom, who own an event design and production company, help plan and design their son’s wedding without getting in the way of the bride and her family?

Communication was key! Both families come from the same school of thought…wise spending, nothing over-the-top and too flashy, we’ve been raised with good values and practical thinking. Keeping our friendship with the Bride’s family was a top priority. We wanted nothing to jeopardize that relationship. But what do you do when so many friends, family and colleagues expect this to be ‘the wedding of the Century’?! After-all, you do own Merry Me Events and have done thousands of weddings over the years. I did what I always try to do first. I prayed, “God, whatever this ends up being, let it glorify you,” and so the process began.

Regardless if you’re the parents of the bride or parents of the groom and whether you’re in this industry or not, the “budget talk” is the best place to start. Having the conversation about money, with all contributing parties, before any decisions are made, will benefit you in so many ways throughout the planning. Determine the things that matter most and pour your ideas and vision into those details. And for those items that don’t rate high, don’t sweat it so you don’t have to waste time and money. There are a gazillion ideas to see on Pinterest, magazines and social media…hone in on what matters most to you, then focus on those things.

Design is the part of the planning process that makes my heart beat fast. I’ve been doing this for 28 years now and I still find joy and thrill when I’m considering how we can transform an atmosphere into something breathtaking and memorable for the couple.

Lyndi and Caden wanted there wedding in a space that Merry Me has never been. That was no small task.  We don’t have endless possibilities here in Michiana. Learning more about the vibe and design Lyndi was hoping for, I considered a warehouse or a vacant, raw space would be the perfect, blank canvas to work within! I was on the hunt for an abandoned warehouse somewhere within a 30 mile radius of the church in South Bend. Nothing. Nobody felt comfortable committing to renting space more than a year out. If they had a buyer, they would sell, leaving me no guarantee the venue would be available. 

I had another idea! Let’s plan a design in my dear friends’, Sarah and Aaron Johnson, airport hangar as Plan B. As we got closer to the date (and before invitations needed to be sent out) the look and design would translate great in either space. Questions began to pop into my head, how would I sell this look to the Hurt family? This is their only daughter, how am I going to ask them to consider a garage full of airplanes? However, during a site visit to the hangar, half-way through the tour, Lyndi’s dad, Steve, asked me, “Why does this need to be Plan B? This Place is awesome!”

The challenge ahead of our team was to transform the atmosphere, without going over the top, choosing colors and soft textures to warm up and create an inviting space. To hold back and not do all the things, but to carefully curate all the RIGHT things.  I gathered our team for a brainstorming session on-site, with sketch pad in hand and we came up with a plan. It adapted and shifted, but stayed on track with the main elements from start to finish. 

Lyndi wanted to know some of what we were doing, but not everything. We included Caden and Lyndi in a lot, but wanted to keep some things a surprise. They attended the delicious cake tasting with Carmella at Macri’s Bakery and an outstanding food tasting with Jeff and his team at Navarre Catering. Lyndi and her mom, Carol, came to our design studio for her flower and design demo meeting to give them a glimpse of what we had in store. Seeing the smiles and getting the approval that she loved it all, really charged me and gave me a sense of peace and excitement that we were on track with her vision and not just ours.

It was important to both of them, that we sprinkled little touches to honor Caden’s sister Lilli, our sweet angel who unexpectedly went to heaven 2 years ago. Lyndi included her as an honorary bridesmaid in the bridal party; surprised us and pinned her fingerprint imprint and a tiny crown on her bouquet wrap – Caden pinned these inside his suit coat; her giggle was heard at the start of the processional and there were many more. We created a beautiful memory display that read “Here’s to our Angels, they have the best seat in the house!” and included all of our family members, no longer with us.

Everything was lined up according to plan and anticipation grew as the day came near. We knew having a sunny day would be ideal, but the layout would work in rain or shine. It’s important to always have a back-up plan if any activities are taking place outside. 

The God-honoring ceremony was so beautifully thought through with the help of Lyndi’s uncle Ben, who did the officiating.The large, wooden cross, borrowed from Cade’s home church, was front and center at the altar. A prayer led by a dear friend, was perfectly planned to surround the couple and blanket them in God’s provision. 

We wanted movement from the minute the guests arrived, until the end of the night. Our carefully thought out timeline would do just that! We started with Blammo band for the tented cocktail lounge placed just outside the hangar doors. When the bridal party arrived, we kicked off with introductions in an “East Coast Style” of dancing. Celebration was in the air and the party had begun with a bang!

Two of my favorite reception moments were the reveal to Cade and Lyndi and the unveiling for  the guests. We kept the dinner reception off limits to all the guests so our newlyweds could see the space first! Their look said it all and gave us the stamp of approval!  When the giant hangar door slowly opened, it was Caden and Lyndi who welcomed their guests into their party! 

The dinner, a hybrid of family style and plated meal, was outstanding and executed with perfection from Navarre Catering. Matthew, from 27E took over the dance floor and kept it full all night long! 

There’s nothing we would change, only that the night could’ve lasted longer and that time could stand still. It was truly one of the best days ever!