About The Whole Shebang Events

From minimalist to maximalist, eclectic to classic, and everything in between — we’re here for it.

Compassionate, organized, relatable, approachable, and open minded - we are exactly the kind of people you want running everything behind the scenes of your wedding. The Whole Shebang team is delighted to talk with you and learn more about your plans.

What Sets The Whole Shebang Apart? 

With over 13 years of experience and 200+ celebrations planned, it’s safe to say that we are experts in weddings, in details, and in all-things High Country. Our roots here are deep and our work ethic is unparalleled.

As a team, we wholeheartedly value honesty, clear communication, a sense of humor, learning, growing and trying new things — all the while valuing our expertise and lived experience in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.

We are a Women Owned, Certified Living Wage Company.

We believe in hospitality, and our standard for our team members is the highest in the region.

About the Team

One of the great things about working with an experienced and extensive team is that we are able to pair you with a planner that fits you and your vision perfectly, giving you the confidence that you are well taken care of.

We can promise that you will be in the best of hands with any of our team members, guiding you seamlessly through the planning process and every step of your wedding day. 

Meris Gantt

Owner | Lead Planner

I’m Meris - owner, wedding planner, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. I believe authenticity, passion, hard work, and a touch of wit are the key ingredients to every successful event. 

I’ve been planning weddings since 2010, and I never tire of helping my clients bring their vision to life in a completely personal, unique way. Beyond planning a successful event, I want all of our couples to leave the wedding planning process feeling like it was fun and enjoyable, and that they were able to approach their wedding day with calm and confidence, knowing that their celebration was in the best of hands.

When I’m not planning weddings, I’m camping with my family, hiking off the Parkway, playing music, doing yoga of all kinds, drinking lattes, and listening to business and life podcasts.

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Lauren Trousdale

Lead Planner

I’m Lauren! Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, but the hills of the High Country called me home 12 years ago.

I’ve always been interested in beautifully gathering people together. I've always found myself eager to plan a friend's birthday party or any type of celebration in general. Still today, nothing makes me happier than the excitement of a wedding day—from the first reveal of the reception space to the final farewell.

Before The Whole Shebang, I worked in restaurants, catering, and venue management. While managing wedding venues in Georgia, I realized that my true calling was helping couples bring their visions to life.

When I’m not planning weddings, I am traveling as much as possible, taking in live music with friends, drinking wine, nurturing my collection of indoor plants, and hanging with my cats, Gary and Kitty.  

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Andrea Elaver

Lead Planner & Corporate Event Specialist

Hi I’m Andrea! In addition to my role as Assistant Director of the Events Department at the university, I am honored to work as a planner for The Whole Shebang for the past 10 years. I’m also a co-creator with our sister company, Bloom House and co-host of the Bloom House Podcast with Meris.

I believe a well-planned wedding is not only beautiful, but relaxed and insanely fun… weddings should be about weaving little bits and pieces of the two of you throughout the entire celebration. Your wedding is a chance to share your love story with your friends and family.

When I’m not planning events, I’m scuba diving, gardening or playing on the trapeze rig in my backyard, and entertaining [especially brunch].

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Sarah Fisher

Project Manager, Marketing, & Lead Planner

Hi! I’m Sarah, native of the North Carolina foothills and a lifelong aficionado of all things weddings. I was absolutely that little girl who watched every classic wedding movie I could get my hands on. While I enjoyed studying the beauty and style of weddings, for me, it is the joy and love of the wedding day that attracts me to the event industry.

I began working with The Whole Shebang as an event assistant while attending college at Appalachian State University and continued working with The Whole Shebang throughout college and during my teaching career. My teaching background taught me adaptability, organization, and how to manage lots of different personalities and learning styles. Now a full time project manager, I’m excited to bring those skills to our clients.

When I’m not planning weddings, you’ll find me reading non-fiction, taking in the latest rom-com, baking focaccia bread, and camping in the mountains with my husband Mason, and dog, Boone.

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Briana Palmer

Project Manager & Lead Planner

Hi there, I’m Briana. I grew up here in Boone, lived in Costa Rica for a few years and now I’m thrilled to be back home and part of The Whole Shebang team! I’ve spent years in restaurants and hospitality, so thinking on my feet in fast-moving situations is what I live for! 

People deserve to know how unique and loved they are, and what makes this job so special to me is being able to convey that. I believe that planning a wedding should be as peaceful as it is joyful, and I strive to bring that energy to the table with all of our clients.  

When I’m not planning weddings, I love making music, thrifting, sewing quilts and clothes, cooking, baking, and hiking with my dog, Blue Jeans.

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All we can say is hire The Whole Shebang and your wedding will be everything you ever dreamed of and more.

—  Alexi Z., Bride

We Believe

Your wedding is about you and your partner, fully and uniquely.

Our ultimate goal is to allow you to be fully present and fully joyful the day of your wedding.

Your wedding is the perfect time to start new traditions that celebrate your joy.

All love should be celebrated and we would be honored to witness yours.

Your wedding is just the start of your story.