About Us

Merryl Brown Events designs and produces breathtaking experiences and events that are unparalleled in their creativity, ingenuity and diligence. Our design and project management teams are among the best in the industry. Every aspect of our events is meticulously managed by the exceptional design and production capabilities, contacts and resources of the Merryl Brown Events team. We are based in Santa Barbara, CA with a presence in Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY.

Merryl Brown, President and Creative Director of Merryl Brown Events, a certified wedding and event planner, holds a master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. Merryl is a multilingual former international banker with American Express Bank and Bankers Trust in New York.

Merryl Brown Events' creative event solutions and total event management strategies have garnered multiple industry awards, a testament to our relentless quest for excellence on behalf of our broad range of clientele.

Some of our current and past clients include:
  • Access Destination Services
  • AGIA
  • Alem International
  • AlliedPRA
  • Beauty Counter
  • Clocktower Technology Ventures
  • Citrix
  • CosBar USA
  • Credit Suisse
  • ERG Resources
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • lynda.com
  • Moelis & Company
  • NBCUniversal
  • Procore
  • Rincon Venture Partners
  • Rosewood Miramar Beach
  • Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Skinbetter Science
  • Virgin Australia

Awards

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Finalist, 2020

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Finalist, 2019

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2018

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2016

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2015

  • Gala Award

    Best Fundraising Event
    Nominee, 2015

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2014

  • BizBash Event Style Award

    Best Event Decor Budget $250,000+
    Winner, 2014

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Wedding under $75,000
    Finalist, 2014

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2013

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Team Effort Budget $75,000 – $200,000
    Finalist, 2013

  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SB) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award

    Tourism and Hospitality
    Winner, 2012

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Wedding $75,000 to $200,000
    Finalist, 2012

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Green Solution
    Winner, 2012

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2012

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Green Solution
    Winner, 2011

  • Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award

    Special Events
    Winner, 2011

  • BizBash West Award

    Social Planner of the Year
    Winner, 2011

  • Event Solutions Event Planner of the Year Award

    Finalist, 2011

  • BizBash West Event Style Award

    Best Green Initiative for an Event
    Finalist, 2011

  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SB) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award

    Tourism and Hospitality
    Finalist, 2011

  • Event Solutions Spotlight Award

    Rising Star
    Finalist, 2011

  • ISES Esprit Award

    Best Green Solution
    Finalist, 2010

Press

Testimonials

  • "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, CEO, The Playlist Generation, Los Angeles, CA
  • "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
  • "Words can not describe how amazing Merryl Brown and her team are. Merryl planned an incredible weekend-long celebration for my husband. Merryl was attentive to our every need, listened and addressed all of our concerns and desires and at every step along the way outperformed our every expectation. She well deserves her reputation as a top event planner. She is AMAZING!"
    —Kristin Bendikson, Los Angeles, CA
  • "Merryl Brown Events delivered the perfect destination wedding weekend for us. From the very first Skype call Merryl and her team have been extremely helpful and incredibly attentive to our every need, making the entire wedding planning process a breeze! Merryl knew how to ask the right questions to help us craft and execute our vision. We had the added challenge of living on the other side of the world but it was never an issue because Merryl was extremely responsive and an excellent communicator. We would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for expert planning services."
    —Kimberly Jan (Bride), Hong Kong, China
  • "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 event 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."
    —E.K.T., Matinecock, NY
  • "Working with Merryl Brown Events was extraordinary. We mainly live in New York City, so the majority of the planning was done long distance. Merryl not only created a beautiful and wonderful party, she was a pleasure to work with. She thought of everything—no detail escaped her and her entire team worked incredibly hard."
    —Lina Beltran, New York, NY
  • "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, JP Morgan, New York, NY
  • "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."
    —Chad Dorsey, Dallas, Texas
  • "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, Creator, Last Cut Project
  • "Merryl Brown Events is the only team that I consider when planning my large or intimate gatherings. Their creativity and vision is unparalleled. From their wonderful vendors, elegant and innovative decor, flawless day-of coordination, every single detail is executed with absolute perfection. I can actually relax and enjoy my parties. I could not be more grateful for the tremendous care and commitment that this team gives to every event, large or small."
    —Virginia Wigle, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "YOU made the most fun party of the decade happen! Everybody in our group LOVED it and is still talking about how they danced so much their feet hurt and they all will look back on how this was one of the best parties in their lives! Great band, great feather show, great chandelier martini bar, and great dance floor action. YOU really did it and Merryl, you made so many people so happy! A phenomenal evening with a spirit of joy that can only come when somebody like you steps out there and shows them how to party! YOU are the master!"
    —Geri Bidwell, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "Most glamorous and gorgeous party ever in SB—you nailed it!"
    —John Houchin, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "A year of preparation, one magic night and a lifetime of memories. That is what Merryl Brown Events gave to my family. Every detail was taken care of with professionalism, patience and style. I would wholeheartedly recommend Merryl to plan any kind of event. She has our vote for Event Planner of the Year!"
    —Anne Smith Towbes, Montecito, CA
  • "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 person 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 Daly, President, The Key Class
  • "Merryl Brown Events helped us with every single aspect of our so that we really maximized our donor contributions and learned new ways to attract supporters via a word of mouth and social media campaign that Merryl's team managed. The event was magical: we increased our attendance by over 60%, our proceeds by over 100% and we cultivated many new friends for the organization. Employing Merryl Brown Events for this work was rewarding on many levels, and a great investment for our organization."
    —Leslie Bhutani, Montecito, CA
  • "Thank you and your staff again for a wonderful week in Mexico—what a great time we had! You thought of everything so meticulously and the execution was perfect. Mostly, we knew throughout that we could always count on you to do what was right and what would reflect our values and desires. You are amazing!"
    —Bud Colligan, Santa Cruz, CA
  • "Merryl Brown is a genius. We hired her based on the recommendation of every venue we visited in Santa Barbara. From the Four Seasons Biltmore to San Ysidro Ranch to Santa Barbara Polo Club: they all urged us to use Merryl Brown Events, and we are so happy we did. You will be in the absolute best hands with Merryl Brown."
    —Nadine Jolie, Beauty Blogger and Author
  • "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
  • "We are your biggest fans! Thank you for choosing Bacara Resort & Spa as the venue for such a lovely, important and fun event—the kind that only Merryl Brown Events can orchestrate!"
    —Anne Stephany, Director of Marketing & Communications, Bacara Resort & Spa
  • "I had an amazing time at the Pride Foundation Ball. It was one of the best events I have been to here in Santa Barbara. You did a wonderful job, I was truly amazed."
    —Karen Earp, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
  • "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."
    —Loretta Redd, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "Last night's event was SO over the top that words and photos cannot describe it properly. Only Merryl Brown Events could create an event like this."
    —Amie Parrish, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "You are a such a low key rock star. No drama. Everything from the heart, with joyousness and gratitude. It was an amazing production, and done with such grace, always, always, your crew was smiling and seemed to be so present, not harried or hurried. So unbelievable what you did and achieved. Full on perfect. It was such a joy to work with you."
    —Soaring Starkey, Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
  • "Congratulations to Merryl Brown for organizing the most amazing fundraising event last night. Her tireless work and inimitable style were reflected in all aspects from the fiercely decorated private lounges to stilt walkers to the flamenco performers to the killer DJ! What an amazing party!"
    —Ricardo Calderon, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "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."
    —Cynthia Spivey, Santa Barbara, CA
  • "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, CA
  • "Merryl, last night you and your team created an astonishing party. 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, CEC
  • "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, Green Star Coffee
  • "First of all, let me say a big THANK YOU for the event you produced for us. It was the most beautiful, fun, and well attended party we have ever seen. I am aware of the enormous amount of work and resources you brought to the table and your incredible talent for conceiving and throwing a party."
    —Belita Ong, Managing Director, Dalton Investments
  • "Merryl Brown Events planned the perfect party...from the first idea meeting to the day of, working with Merryl was a joy! Guests said it was the most elegant 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 Smith Hale, Editorial Director of Santa Barbara Magazine and C California Style Magazine
  • "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
  • "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, CA