Testimonials

"Merryl is a consummate professional in every way. Her ability to design, implement and do so on budget is amazing. She is a kind and generous woman that says what she thinks and does what she says she will do. There are few professionals I have worked with over the years that share her integrity, which is stellar. I would always want her to be on my team with whatever I am doing."
—John J. Daly, Jr.

"A year of preparation, one magic night and a lifetime of memories. That is what Merryl Brown Events gave to my family as wedding coordinator for my son's recent wedding. Every detail was taken care of with professionalism, patience and style. Her staff, ideas, execution and follow-up were second to none. With her focus on being a "green" event planner, Merryl consistently made wise use of materials with very little wasted. No wonder she has recently won several industry awards, including Social Planner of the Year, from her peers. I would wholeheartedly recommend Merryl to plan any kind of event, but especially a wedding. She has our vote for Wedding Planner of the Year!"
—Anne Smith Towbes (Mother of the Groom)

"Merryl Brown Events made our grand affair seem effortless and truly organic. Our guests knew they were a part of something authentic and special, as flawless execution was delivered by Merryl and her team. I've had the pleasure of working with many of the world's top event planners and I would without question choose Merryl over any of them. You are in amazing hands with Merryl Brown Events."
—Michael Smith, Chief Executive Officer, The Playlist Generation

"In an industry that too often misses the mark on what constitutes good taste and ignores 'less is more,' Ms. Brown is a consummate old-school style professional--gifted in her artistry, calm and prudent in its execution. Ms. Brown planned every aspect of a beautiful garden party for us, from the invitations to the decorating and flowers to the luscious meal. Her designs have beauty and elegance, and she was as much fun to work with as the party was to give. In fact, we miss her so much, we are already talking about marking more special occasions with celebrations large and small."
—E.K.T., Matinecock, NY

"Merryl Brown is a genius at producing sensational events. This first Royal Ball is in celebration of the four thousand clients we serve annually, from high school students to seniors and moms."
—David Selberg, Executive Director, Pacific Pride Foundation

"One of the most creative, colorful and fun parties I've been to in five years of covering events in our rarefied enclave. Merryl Brown Events made Fellini look positively mundane!"
—Richard Mineards, Montecito Journal columnist

"Merryl Brown has been the event planner for all of our corporate events for several years. We produce numerous internal events, with lots of moving parts, and we have thrown her many last-minute changes and direction shifts. She rolls with each change, and makes it look effortless. She has raised the bar on our events with her great ideas, amazing team, and flawless execution. Aside from all that, she is such a genuinely caring and wonderful human being! We are all very spoiled by working with Merryl. She is simply the best there is! Her love for her work shines through, and her passion and talent is unsurpassed."
—Lynda Weinman, Co-Founder, lynda.com

"We are your biggest fans! Thank you for allowing us to host such a lovely, important and fun event—the kind that only you can orchestrate!"
—Anne Stephany, Director of Marketing & Communications, Bacara Resort & Spa

"Over the years we have had a lot of big parties in our home and we have always been very pleased with them and with the people who have helped us to plan them. This is the first time we've worked with Merryl and the experience was extraordinary. We live mostly in New York, so most of the planning was done long distance. Merryl not only created a beautiful and wonderful party (and really fun for our mostly college age guests), she was a pleasure to work with. She thought of everything- no detail escaped her and she worked incredibly hard. While the whole experience was fantastic, we especially loved being around Merryl."
—Lina Beltran, New York, NY

"Merryl, last night was so unbelievable I can't put it into words....the work you do for this community is so inspiring. The CEC is so blessed to have you and your amazing team. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do! You are a creative genius, and the most fabulous Event Planner in the world!"
—Carrie Riley, Santa Barbara, CA

"When a writer cannot find sufficient superlatives to describe an event or occasion, they've either lost their imagination or simply attended the Royal Ball. I thank you (as do my guests) for a flawless evening and a lifetime memory."
—L. Redd, Santa Barbara, CA

"Last night's benefit for Pacific Pride, the Royal Ball, was SO over the top that words and photos cannot describe it properly. Only Merryl Brown could create an event like this."
—Amie Parrish, Santa Barbara, CA

"I was very impressed by what you put together for the Pacific Pride Foundation Royal Ball. It was truly the most fabulous party that I have ever attended."
—Jim Stoicheff, Santa Barbara, CA

"Congratulations to Merryl Brown for organizing the most amazing fundraising event last night for Santa Barbara's Pacific Pride Foundation...her tireless work and inimitable style were reflected in all aspects from the fiercely decorated private lounges to drag queen stilt walkers to male flamenco performers to the killer DJ! What an amazing party! Thank you Merryl!"
—Ricardo Calderon

"In 12 years in Santa Barbara, I have never been to an event that was so visually exciting and full of energy. You truly outdid yourself and created something that will be the talk of the town for years to come. You rock!"
—Cynthia Spivey

"Thanks for your amazing leadership and passion to make a difference in our community! You and your team did a outstanding job at the Heart of the Matter event last night!"
—American Heart Association, Santa Barbara Chapter

"You are such a special person to have pulled together our awe-inspiring wedding. It is crystal clear from the success of our event that you do so much more than plan. You execute in a holistic way by making sure everyone is taken care of – including emotions. You made the planning process so smooth. I feel so fortunate to have had you and your team's guidance over such an important time in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
—Mia Feldman, Bride, Santa Lucia Preserve

"I knew from day one that the wedding planning process would be complicated. You and your team made the last ten months more seamless and manageable then I could have imagined. You knew the questions to ask to keep us on track and handled the endless logistics with seeming ease. You were our rock and even when something didn't go as planned (missing iPod, bees, rogue seven year olds), we were never worried. You put our minds at ease which allowed us to have so much fun. The expectations for this wedding could not be matched and thanks to you and your team, they were actually exceeded. Thank you more than I could ever express."
—Stephen Parker, Groom

"The evening was a masterpiece of elegance and opulence! Merryl delivers seamlessly and flawlessly. Her attention to detail is astounding and her passion for perfection is unparalleled. I can't wait to attend another event by Merryl Brown Events."
—Andrew Antone, Santa Barbara

"Angels Foster Care had our first annual signature event on February 11, 2011, "Heaven on Earth." Our event planner was Merryl Brown Events. The event was so beautiful and specific to what we wanted to do. In planning, Merryl listened carefully to what was important to those involved with Angels and really took the time to make sure the event struck a chord with our mission. Merryl is so professional, organized and hard working. If something unexpected came up, she always had a plan in place to handle every eventuality. I felt so cared for and knew that I was in capable hands. I would highly recommend Merryl and her amazing staff for any event and look forward to working with her again soon."
—Meichelle Arntz, Executive Director, Angels Foster Care

"Thanks so much for everything; our party was perfect!! It was so nice to have everything so well- organized and well-planned. Every design detail and decision was perfectly executed and better than the next. We can't wait for you to plan our next party! Thanks again for everything; you and your colleagues are truly talented, wonderful hosts!"
—Chad Dorsey, Dallas, Texas

"During a meeting at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito, CA, it was mentioned to me that they absolutely love to work with Merryl Brown. After seeing my photography, they suggested I reach out to her and introduce myself. I set up a meeting with Merryl and instantly fell in love with her. She has such a calm and positive demeanor, yet at the same time, an undeniably powerful presence. I was immediately relaxed and inspired, knowing with no doubt that I had met someone very special. What I learned from this meeting and viewing her beautiful work is that Merryl is an amazingly creative and brilliant breath of fresh air. We immediately discussed the possibility of creating an inspired fashion photo shoot together and after months of back and forth ideas and juggling our busy schedules, we were finally able to work together to create a dark and mysterious yet beautiful wedding fashion story, featured on Junebug Weddings. We each pulled together some of the top names in the industry and combined everybody's talent into one shoot. I am already looking forward to coming up with our next story. We make a great team and I feel so grateful to have met such a talented and amazing woman!"
—Joan Allen, Photographer

"Our Halloween event produced by Merryl Brown Events was a huge success. Their work is always creative, professional, and they have consistently delivered quality events that exceeded our expectations. Working with Merryl is always a pleasure."
—Kate Blake, Community Relations Manager, lynda.com

"We would like to thank you for making our wedding at San Ysidro Ranch extra special. It was comforting to know that you were there to make sure that everything went smoothly. Everyone who attended commented on just how wonderful everything was; your taste is impeccable. Thank you again to you and your staff for making our day very special."
—Marion and David, Bride and Groom, San Ysidro Ranch

"Merryl, last night you and your Green Gala Committee gave the Community Environmental Council (CEC) an astonishing party. After 40 years of commitment and service to this community, CEC deserves to be celebrated, and last night you helped us celebrate in style! From the minute we walked down the steps to The Enchanted Forest to the final moments of dancing under the stars, the event was magnificent! The place was alive with magical energy and camaraderie all night. Thank you for making this happen, Merryl. I will remember this party for the rest of my life!"
—Ivor John, Former Board President, Community Environmental Council

"What a wonderful evening. You blew everyone away and what an expression of creativity that people rarely, if ever, get to experience. From the entry welcome to the luscious desserts, and of course the fantasy world you created, what a treat. You are amazing. Not to mention, you filled the room and you did a great service in positioning CEC's brand in the community. That isn't easy by any means. It was wonderful to see. I enjoyed being part of the experience."
—Cord Pereira, MD Brandentertain

"The party that you created was by far the most gorgeous event I have ever been to!!! What an experience; thank you!"
—Daniel Randall, Co-Founder and Roastmaster, Green Star Coffee

"Words can't express our appreciation for everything you have done to make our wedding so memorable. You are just incredible and, of course, did so many things beyond the 'call of duty.' We were absolutely thrilled with our ceremony and reception. We really appreciated the prompt return of emails, phone calls, etc. Good communication makes all the difference when you are planning an out of town wedding! We really appreciate your personal involvement. Also Richard and I were very impressed that you were able to keep so many details straight and with such a relaxed, fun manner. Thank you for the very professional job that you did for us. August 8th was everything we hoped it would be. I would recommend your services to anyone. Without you we would have been lost. You and your staff are real treasures. Thanks again."
—Helena & Richard Martinez, Bride and Groom, Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel

"One of the things that a bride-to-be is exposed to early on in the planning of her wedding are all of the horrific stories about what can go wrong on the "big day." All I can say is: Not on Merryl's watch! The ceremony and reception were absolutely seamless! Merryl is an incredibly talented and creative artist with an eye for detail and an energy that instantly makes you feel safe and at ease. She is honest, authentic, and truly understands how to help people articulate what their needs are. It is rare to find someone who is proficient in what they do as well as adept at reading and understanding people. Merryl is an absolute DELIGHT, and I am thrilled to have had her guidance and expertise on the most important day of my life!"
—Yvonne Huffman, Bride, San Ysidro Ranch

"First of all, let me say a big THANK YOU for the Howard School Fundraiser. It was the most beautiful, most fun, classiest, best attended, best party we have ever seen at the school! I am aware of the enormous amount of work and resources you brought to the table - your indispensable helpers, the silent auction items, the French vendors, and your enormous talent for conceiving and throwing a party. The party under the stars was so beautiful. Best of all was your kindness. Thank you so much. You did a really good thing, Merryl. We are grateful to you."
—Belita Ong, Managing Director, Dalton Investments

"Thank you Merryl. We had a perfect wedding day! Thanks for going above and beyond..."
—Karen Millan, Bride, Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel

"Merryl planned the perfect party for my daughter's first birthday...from the first idea meeting to the day of, working with Merryl was a joy! Guests said it was the most elegant children's party they had ever been to...and Merryl Brown's eye, flair for special touches and passion for perfection helped make it a day I will never forget."
—Jennifer Hale, Editorial Director of Santa Barbara Magazine and C California Style Magazine

"We are grateful for the inimitable creativity, skill, and passion for people and dolphins extended by Merryl Brown in the creation of our first Protect Our Dolphins event. Merryl is pure magic in every aspect of creating an event... having the ability to manifest dreams and visions into ecologically sensitive events that make a real difference in the world."
—Dr. Toni Frohoff, Ph.D., Wildlife Behavioral Biologist and Director
POD (Protect Our Dolphins) of Santa Barbara, TerraMar Research

"I wanted to thank you for a special afternoon / evening on Saturday. You put everything together beautifully! I had so many compliments on the food, the wine and the way everything looked. You made it look so effortless, but so accommodating. I am so happy not only to have the opportunity to work with you, but also to get to know you and see what a beautiful person you are."
—William Laman, William Laman Furniture-Garden-Antiques

"Merryl's eye for detail and exceptionally good taste took the Community Environmental Council's Green Gala up about 10 notches. She has an innate sense for how things should look, feel, sound and be. If there were any hiccups going on behind the scene, no one but Merryl knew about them -- our guests absolutely raved about how comfortable, fun and beautiful the event was! She also has a strong environmental ethic that matches our own. Who but Merryl would arrange for our wheatgrass centerpieces to find a second life with a local turtle rehabilitation center? The waste audit done by Merryl's staff was a great success as well and our event was both elegant and sustainable, as promised!"
—Sigrid Wright, Assistant Director, Community Environmental Council

"The Community Environmental Council is very grateful to Merryl Brown Events for helping us create a beautiful "Green Gala" on October 17. Merryl's attention to detail is amazing; she was part of every aspect of this event, from the "Green Greeters" welcoming our guests to the delicious and unique dessert to the waste audit where we achieved a diversion rate of over 90%! Our goal was a fun party that emphasized sustainability and Merryl Brown Events was the perfect fit in achieving that goal."
—Kathi King, Donor Relations Coordinator, Community Environmental Council

"Merryl is the consummate event planner. Every single detail is tended to by Merryl with love, enthusiasm, generosity of spirit and astounding attention to detail. Not only is everything she does spectacularly beautiful, but also socially responsible. She perfectly exemplifies the future of elegant and sustainable entertaining."
—Hollye Jacobs, www.thesilverpen.com

"You really helped keep things flowing throughout the Sustainability Conference. I was delighted to work with someone so skilled and patient."
—Katie Maynard, Sustainability Coordinator, UCSB, UC, CSU, CCC Sustainability Conference Organizer

"Merryl throws unforgettable events. Her creativity and attention to detail create seamless experiences that appear perfectly natural, yet completely unexpected at the same time. Whether it is the imaginative floral designs, sustainable culinary delights, lighting, or the wines, Merryl simply exceeds expectations and leaves both clients and guests satisfied and smiling."
—Samantha Goldstone, www.adessoshop.com

"The thoughtfulness and attention to detail that Merryl brings to all her events is second to none. No matter the size of the party or the occasion for celebration, Merryl's events are intimate and designed to make every guest feel a part of something incredibly special. She effortlessly orchestrates community and puts a high value on creating experiences that are not to be forgotten. Her guests always leave feeling honored for the experience."
—Jo Saxon, Santa Barbara

"Merryl turned our legal marriage ceremony into a very personal and beautiful event. Working from our values and tastes, she transformed what might have been commonplace into an elegant, and very lovely day. She considered every detail of the ceremony and the reception afterward with thoughtfulness. This is her gift. We were comfortable and relaxed throughout, while she effortlessly arranged the details. The flowers, the food, the location on the beach, and the mood all spoke of her consciousness of making an outdoor space truly magical."
—Jennifer Yates, Bride, Beach Wedding at Private Estate, Padaro Lane, Carpinteria, CA

"I cannot thank you enough for all of your incredible hard work. It truly was a perfect day. Everything was exactly how I imagined, but better. Thanks to you for bringing our vision together. You were such a pleasure to work with. Lots of love, and all my thanks and gratitude."
—L.A.M., Bride, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa