A Tiny Feature: Creative Unions Event Design

I've had the great fortune of being able to connect with fellow creatives through Tiny Nuptials.  With that being said, Id like to introduce Michelle Gomez of Creative Unions Event Design. She is an art curator and event planner who is bringing her energy to the Magic City and beyond.

Thank you so much for participating in a Tiny Feature! How did your love of art begin? 

My love for art began when I was a toddler. Coloring books and crafts eventually turned into weekend art classes, which then turned into attending the best magnet arts high school in Miami (Go New World School of the Arts!) Which then lead into a fulfilling and very long six year art education at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, where I got my BFA in General Fine Arts followed by my MFA in Curatorial Practice. This lead to Creative Unions Event Design - the first event planning company dedicated to telling unique love stories through specially curated art exhibitions! 

I cannot remember my life not ever being centered around art and organizing art exhibitions/events around art. 

Creative Unions is such a cool and refreshing concept. What inspired you to become an event planner?

Miami is Nice co-curated by Nick Horan, Zachary Z. Handler, Creative Unions & Terrault Gallery

Photo by Kiirstn Pagan

Thank you! I agree - it is sorely needed in an industry that repeats the same dominant traditions and event design blueprint! 

When I was back home after going to school/working/living in Baltimore for 8 years, I was unemployed and figuring out my next steps (while simultaneously realizing I did not want to participate in the traditional 9-5 arts industry job). I meditated on the beach and thought to myself, what is the golden thread that brings together all of the various roles I held in the arts? That is when I realized that what I loved most about all the art exhibitions I have curated over the past ten years were the events that happened in those exhibitions, especially the opening receptions. I realized that I loved hosting and bringing people together. The people turn the art exhibition into a dialogue, which makes the exhibition and the artworks in it come to life.

You conceptualize events to the needs of your clients by incorporating the works of local artists and studios. How awesome is it to showcase their work and bring it to a maybe unfamiliar audience? 

Photograph: Fluffy Pop Postcards

Artwork: "Pulse Portal" by Davis McCarty presented by Harbor East  and Light City Baltimore

I love surprising guests on what a wedding could be. Art becomes a natural coversation starter. It is a natural way to beautify an event in a very intentional and deep way. I love that art now becomes a huge part of a couple’s special day (one of many special days by the way), and therefore becomes an integral part of their communities lives. That impactful memory did not have to come from a day strolling at the museum. 

That exhibition lives on forever in their mind because it’s associated with an important day/memory with their loved ones. They can now recognize that art IS everywhere and not just in traditional institutional spaces!

 What is your favorite wedding trend at  this very moment?

So I am really loving elopements right now. People are now understanding that elopements are not just drunken drive-thru's in Las Vegas. Couples are really embracing their unique styles and not feeling the burden of spending $50k+ on a wedding. They are embracing a more chilled out and intimate experience (I may want that for myself too since I plan events regularly, haha!). 

Because of my growing love for this trend (while also knowing how hard it is for couples in my own generation and arts community to afford a traditional wedding), I am now offering elopement packages called “Art For Two, Please” where I help them find the existing art that surrounds and connects them to their personal love story - whether it be in a park, museum, gallery, or any other quirky space to get married in front of! Art is everywhere! 

And the photos of their elopement become even more beautiful and spectacular with the art of their local neighborhoods.

Concept & Styling: Creative Unions Event Design X Fifth House Events/Artwork: Mural by Anika Starmer

Photography: Milana Braslavsky

A very special thanks to Michelle for her contribution to TN! Be sure to stay tuned to Creative Unions as new packages are coming soon! 

The Tiny Shindig

You have the space, so why not use it to your advantage? Having a backyard shindig is perfect for couples that can really relate to the saying, "Home is where the heart is!" What a perfect way to tie the knot without having your stomach in a knot - stressing about showing up to a venue on time, and all the other worries that come along with pre-wedding jitters. Get hitched in the comfort of your home, your parents', or even a close friend's humble abode. Heck, you can even rent a stranger's home on sites such as Airbnb or Homeaway.(if owners allow it of course.) 

Whatever you decide, just have a little faith and it'll all turn out just fine! Check out the list below for a lil' inspiration. 

This post is slightly geared towards my Miami residents. If you need any additional ideas, shoot me an email and i'll do my best to find vendors in your home city!
 

1. Create a budget! All great events must begin with a budget!
2. Make a guest list. Yes, you must make one in order to calculate what supplies you’ll need! In my opinion, a small wedding consists of anywhere between 10-60 guests. 
3. Get an officiant, or if renewing your vows, get a friend to perform the ceremony! There's nothing like having someone who knows you two lovebirds like the back of their hand be apart of your big day.
4. Hire valet or ask your neighbors if they are willing to lend their parking spaces. You can even offer them a slice of cake from Bunnie Cakes or tell them to stop by for a signature cocktail as a token of your appreciation.
5. Need to spruce up the place? Consider furniture rental. Unearthed Vintage provides the trendiest, vintage-chic collection in South Florida.
6. Need some centerpieces? Some pretty bunches of Baby's Breath in mason jars will do!
7. Cater from your favorite local restaurant. If the food makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, chances are your guests will feel the same way too. 
8. Go to Costco/BJs for some bottles! My husband prefers vodka and was given a HUGE bottle for Christmas. The quality and price were superb! Set up a station where guests can serve themselves OR If you know they love to indulge in that "dancing juice" a little too much, hire a bartender for portion control. Another option: Hitched Affair - Only the coolest mobile bar in Miami.
9. Need some music? No Prob! Create an eclectic playlist and use portable speakers.
10. Make a flower wall as a cool backdrop for photo ops. 
11. Get a photographer to capture the party. Since you're not having a traditional 6-8 hour wedding, some photographers may be willing to create a special package for you. Don’t be afraid to ask!
12. I don’t know if it's because we’re getting older or what, but our friends and I have the most fun when we stay in and play games. Board games, card games, games on apps, you name it! "Games at a wedding? Why?" Well, why not! 

If I were to tell you how many times I go on Etsy in a span of 24 hours, you'd think I was nuts. I'm so obsessed! Luckily, I have control over myself and do not splurge on every fabulous find. Etsy is a great marketplace to discover talented folks who produce amazing crafts and more. I also love how the store owners are so available to their customers regarding questions or concerns...there's something so special about the attention that they give you - that's why I keep coming back! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Oh, hi Rosie!

The Greek Goddess Crown

I was on the search for THE perfect flower crown for my wedding for several weeks before I stumbled upon Oh, hi Rosie! I contacted Sarah (the store owner) with a special request and she made it happen, no problem! This was the most important piece I wore on my tiny/big day. It made my Boho-bride dreams come true! 

Lilimandrill

A HUGE thank you to our friend Cynthia Bon for her calligraphy work!  Oh, and thank you Mother Earth for providing the leaves!

Okay, I have a confession to make. The only reason why Jason and I ordered announcements (just a few) was because we wanted to send something to the White House. I found out that if you send your wedding invitation/announcements to the President and First Lady, you get a memento in the mail! How neat is that?! Anyway, we wanted to spruce up our envelopes a lil’ and decided to do so with our faces! 

This handmade, rubber stamp is so cool and it came all the way from France! J'adore! The package even came with a free heart stamp! Thank you lilimandrill!

Handcrafted Folk

I knew from the very beginning that Jason and I would incorporate our own vows into our ceremony. It just had to be done! Hey, if there is any time to be mushy, your wedding day is THE day! Handcrafted folk has so many options when it comes to journals and even better, they’re super affordable! We will treasure this little book for a lifetime.