Staff Feature: Alexis Duda
This week on our wedding blog, we would like to introduce you to another key part of our Meadow Brook Hall event team: Alexis. Alexis is one of our Event Managers – the main point of contact between our clients and MBH, who makes sure each event runs smoothly.
We interviewed Alexis so you can get insight into her and the events she is so passionate about!
Name and Role:
Alexis Duda, Event Manager
How did you get started?
I went to Western Michigan University for college; when I took a class in the new event program there, I knew I found something I loved. After graduation, I moved to Illinois for my first job as an Event Planner at a beautiful venue on the campus of University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana. After some time there, I moved to Colorado, where I worked at a GORGEOUS venue in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Eventually my friends and family were calling me back home, and that’s where my journey at Meadow Brook Hall began! I have been an Event Manager here for about 4 years now.
What is a typical workweek like?
Let’s just say there is not a “typical” workweek in event planning, which is what I love! I plan all types of events from weddings, and showers, to meetings, employee appreciation nights, and holiday parties. On event days, I am managing the event from start to finish: greeting vendors, checking in with the food service team, making sure the timeline is flowing, making sure the room is set up correctly, and executing the event to its best! Other days, I am at my computer finalizing the details of upcoming events. Everything from timelines, to room diagrams, to vendors – no detail is missed!
What tips or advice can you give to couples who are planning their weddings?
My best advice is to follow what your heart tells you, not the internet. I see so many people who put so much work into trendy homemade décor because it’s all over Pinterest, when this day should be about them and represent who they are!
You just got engaged – congrats! What is your vision for your own wedding day?
My big day will be timeless, elegant, romantic, and fun! It will be at the most amazing venue I’ve ever seen… MEADOW BROOK HALL!
My colors are white, white, and more white. Can you tell I love the color white? We will get married in the Rock Garden. Afterwards our guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while touring around the mansion, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Meadow Brook Hall’s Executive Chef, and eventually dance the night away to my favorite band, Parallel Fifth.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I am not at work, I am spending time with my fiancé and our families. I love being outdoors, shopping, working on our house, shopping, boating, shopping and traveling! Oh, I also love shopping!
I have two of the cutest dogs in the world (Rusty, 11, and Birdie, 4, both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) and I love being around them. I also cannot wait to meet my first niece or nephew, due in January! 
What is the most memorable event you worked on?
My favorite event at Meadow Brook Hall is Yappy Hour. It is an annual fundraiser held every June for Michigan Animal Rescue League. We host over 400 people, wonderful vendors, and the guests are encouraged to bring their dogs. What is better than being at Meadow Brook Hall, in the Rock Garden, with 200 dogs, supporting one of southeast Michigan’s most established animal shelters?! For the last few years, I have brought my dog and watching her have fun with the other dogs makes me smile. She even got a doggie massage at the event this past year, lucky girl!
Thanks for sharing, Alexis! We will be sure to show everyone pictures of your wedding at Meadow Brook Hall next year when the time comes!
