The BEST decision that you could make in planning a wedding in Western North Carolina is to hire Mary Bell Events. My daughter was married at Deerpark at the Biltmore Estate in May 2024. Mary and her team are professionals – their planning and execution of my daughter’s wedding was flawless. Mary Bell covered all the details (vendors, photography, timeline, music, décor) so that we did not have to stress over anything. I enjoyed “being a guest” at our event because Mary Bell and her #1 team member Katie Garnett had planned out every detail and made certain it was delivered. And, I mean every single detail. Mary Bell Events was “on it” from the big picture to the smallest items. From the time that we began working with Mary and in the months before my daughter’s wedding, I realized that Mary Bell “knows everyone” (vendors and catering staff at Biltmore) important to a wedding event and that “everyone” enjoys working with her company. ALL the vendors that Mary recommended to us (band, transportation, floral, hike and catering companies for guest activity, hair and makeup artist) were excellent. The catering team at Biltmore knew Mary and Katie and they worked together seamlessly. I cannot stress enough that Mary has a network of superior vendors that are essential to hosting a beautiful wedding and reception and each of the vendors from Mary’s network of contracts that we hired “brought their A game” for my daughter’s wedding. Also, Mary Bell did not push us to hire the most expensive vendors – she was respectful of our budget and recommended a list of vendors with a range of pricing and we made the selections. Mary advised us what it was important to spend money on and what wasn’t. For anyone planning a wedding, this type of advice is invaluable. Also, if you are considering not hiring a wedding planner to save money, I suggest you re-think this idea. Mary Bell’s services and access to her network of vendors were well worth her reasonable contract charges. There are so many details involved in wedding planning – having a professional in charge is key to hosting an event that is beautiful, unique, fun, memorable and stress-free. Both Mary and Katie are very creative and they had wonderful ideas and worked with us on the décor (florals, lighting, linens, table placement) that made the evening beautiful. (For context, the ceremony was in the Lodge Room at Deerpark, the cocktail hour and reception were outside in the Deerpark courtyard under a clear, lighted tent and dinner was inside Deerpark). In addition, Mary and Katie were both fun to work with – they did their job but they also made the planning easy and enjoyable. They were enthusiastic and confident throughout the planning process which allowed us to enjoy the experience. In planning my daughter’s wedding, Mary was super organized and she covered all the details in the months before the wedding – nothing was overlooked or forgotten. The timeline planning document that Mary and her team created was unbelievable, and even more unbelievable is the fact that it was executed perfectly. On the night of the event, Katie was in charge and she did a great job. From the start with the line-up for the walk down the aisle to the last guest leaving the reception, Katie managed all aspects of the evening as planned in an unobtrusive way. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was really fun. Many guests (who traveled from Los Angeles and NYC to attend) have contacted me and the groom’s parents to say how much they enjoyed the wedding and reception. I also would like to add that it was easy to communicate with Mary – she answered emails and calls promptly, and our several meetings at the venue were organized and productive. I did not feel at any time that Mary was “too busy” with other clients to respond to me or my daughter. As soon as we were in contract with Mary Bell Events, Mary started working for us and she continued a high level of commitment until the conclusion of our event. In sum, Mary Bell Events has the experience, creativity, contacts and commitment to assist you in hosting an exceptional wedding event in Western North Carolina. In my opinion, Mary Bell is THE wedding planner to hire. If it were possible to give Mary Bell Events “10 Stars” – I would do it.

We booked full-service planning with Mary Bell and her team about 18 months prior to our wedding. Throughout the process they were proactive, responsive, and provided amazing insights and tips for our wedding along the way. Additionally, all of the vendors they recommended were fantastic. Every touchpoint that we had with them was helpful and the wedding itself went off without any issue. Would highly recommend for anyone considering hiring a planner.

My mom and I do not know where to begin with our sentiments and how to put into words how much Mary Bell and her team helped make my wedding day the most perfect day. It all starts and ends with Mary Bell and her team! Hiring her was like saying yes to my husband when he proposed! I just knew I had found the perfect match! Her confidence, vision, energy, experience and professionalism were evident . For me trying to explain our vision over the phone is difficult. You were patient and kind and when needed firm! You just seemed to get us!
The vision when it came to life was beyond my expectations! When I walked into the tent before anyone else I cried. Pure joy! I couldn’t believe all the beauty assembled together in such an elegant and unforgettable manner. You do this for a living! I have been to many elaborate events in exquisite places but May 11 at the Diana won the Academy Award for top design and coordination! The joy my husband and I felt to the joy my parents felt words can't describe.
My friends couldn't get over the incredible florals but are also repeatedly talking about the finer details like the elegant and well coordinated linens, the inclusive and unique items in the welcome boxes. The way the lighting played off the tent as the evening progressed. The fabulous ice sculpture and Lightning jersey instead of a guest book. How gorgeous the seating chart was and how beautifully it matched the invitation. The flower wall, every single detail. the day of the wedding Mary was there every step of the way to make sure we knew the timeline, all of our bridal party and guests were aware as well. Leading up to my wedding date I remember my friends telling me I would feel stress with last minute planning. While there were some things to do, Mary and her team made sure to handle most things and to make sure I relaxed up until the wedding and that they would handle it all and I knew it was in good hands. If you are looking for a wedding planner I cannot recommend Mary Bell events enough as I know they will help make your day the most perfect and special day and every detail and dream you had will become a reality.