MEET THE DESIGNERS OF YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE
Telling your unique story, and translating your inspiration into timeless weddings and events is exactly what we do.
We live for the details that make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated. The moments captured that you cannot wait to hang on your wall.
We believe in hosting celebrations that are thoughtful and timeless. Envision approachable luxury; refined, yet approachable.
We are passionate about providing a planning experience that is collaborative. Known for custom jaw-droppingly beautiful weddings and events in Michigan and beyond.
SINCE 2011
Conradie Event Design has built a reputation as one of Michigan’s premier wedding planning & event production companies.
Your experience in planning life’s milestone celebrations should feel organized and effortless. Translating into events that look and feel the same. This is the foundation the Conradie team has built their signature service on.
We orchestrate unforgettable moments, so you can spend the night on the dance floor—not struggling behind-the-scenes.
As Seen In
“Melissa’s true gift is to be an event designer—not only because she has a knack for bringing the most gorgeous version of your vision to life, but because she is able to make you feel so calm throughout the process!”
— EMILY
Meet The Team
Melissa Conradie
LEAD PLANNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Melissa lives in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan with her husband Dawie and English Bulldog Lola. An avid traveler, Melissa draws inspiration from favorite destinations from the sandy shores of South Africa to the historic streets of France and beyond, to create unique memories in exceptional locations for CED weddings and events.
Since launching in 2011 Conradie Event Design allows Melissa to illustrate her creativity each day. She loves working with a chic monochromatic neutral scheme as much as a vibrant color palette, and designing for the seasons. Melissa brings her signature style to each event through personalized touches, thoughtfully curated dining experiences, and lives to source the most unique items to reflect the style of the clients. CED is truly the perfect combination of her passion for design, creative endeavors and bringing people joy on their happiest days.
Dawie Conradie
LOGISTICS & PRODUCTION
Growing up on a 3,000 acre fruit farm in South Africa, Dawie realized a love of agriculture and nature early in life. Dawie has been calling Northern Michigan home for 18 years. In his free time you will find him fly fishing, cycling, or enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds him.
Dawie joined the CED team full time in the spring of 2022, following 12 years as a Cellar Master within the Michigan wine industry. His talents perfectly combine the appreciation he holds for exquisite wines and a luxury dining experience. He compliments the team by providing essential support, paired with a hands-on approach.
Brittany Cardenas
LEAD ASSISTANT
Brittany’s path to the wedding sphere began with a passion for making women look and feel their best. A talented hairstylist, she trained in Detroit, Michigan. Following her own wedding, she moved to beautiful Leelanau County and launched her on-site hair and makeup business.
In her spare time Brittany loves active hobbies and travel—surfing, skiing, rollerblading, and Disney adventures. Brittany is an essential part of the CED team for production and coordination. Her enthusiastic personality and love for hospitality makes her the perfect addition to the team.
Valerie Riedel
Lead Assistant
If you ask Valerie, she will tell you that since joining the CED team ten years ago, she has fallen head over heels for this creative industry and learned more about love, trust, and family than she ever imagined. From the thousands of linens and napkins steamed and ironed over the years, to countless guests welcomed into timeless and elegant spaces; it is never lost on her how lucky she is to be a part of the magic celebrating love. The CED team is truly a family, and we adore Valerie’s passion for design and hospitality.
“Conradie Event Design has done many events for us at our lakeside home and numerous other locations, ranging in size from 30 people to 600+. All of these events have been outstanding and total successes.”
— CASEY
We believe in a luxurious event experience that make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated.
We live for creating ambiance with outside of the box details.
We appreciate a good glass of wine, craft cocktails—even a delicious mocktail—paired with an exceptionally curated dining experience.
We are the architects of talented and collaborative creative teams who share a passion for planning and designing your outstanding special events.
If thoughtful luxury, refined details, and design tailored to your story is on your wishlist…
