WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Allison Lewis of Gillespie Conference Center

Looking for a wedding venue that embodies the spirit of Indiana with a helpful and knowledgeable staff to lead you through all the twists and turns of wedding planning? Gillespie Conference Center is located on the campus of Saint Mary’s College and adjacent to the University of Notre Dame, with hotels connected and nearby. Located only mere minutes from downtown South Bend, this is both a historic and bustling place to host your wedding!

With the assistance of Gillespie Conference Center’s skillful staff, planning your wedding will be a breeze. Their versatile spaces are suited to accommodate any style of wedding. With on-site catering and teams to help set up and tear down, you will be so happy you chose Gillespie Conference Center for your wedding! We spoke with Allison Lewis, Special Events Sales Manager, to hear what makes Gillespie Conference Center and the wedding industry special to her.

Tell us a little about the history of Gillespie Conference Center.

"Located on the campus of Saint Mary’s College and adjacent to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend and right off of I-80 and I-90, Gillespie Conference Center offers convenience for you and your guests. Built in 2008, the Gillespie Conference Center was designed to create memories for any occasion. Hosting weddings and conferences for over a decade, our various spaces were built as versatile locations to cater to any and all events. Named after Mother Angela Gillespie, foundress of many works at the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the Gillespie Conference Center has a deep and rich history that is reflected in our tenured staff. Our hospitable team offers event coordination, planning and catering for a complete event experience. Attached to the Hilton Garden Inn and adjacent to the Inn at Saint Mary’s, the Gillespie Conference Center is designed for any wedding and dedicated to your wedding."

Why should a couple get married here? What attracts couples to your venue?

"The Gillespie Conference Center is designed to prepare any wedding event, and we are dedicated specifically to your special day. Our convenient location makes us the perfect choice whether you are a Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s graduate or a lifetime Hoosier. The Hilton Garden Inn and Inn at Saint Mary’s hotels are both located on our campus, which provides enough accommodations for all your guests to enjoy the entire evening."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"The Gillespie Conference Center is designed to make your wedding day seamless. Couples can begin their day with an outdoor ceremony in our beautiful Terrace Garden, move inside to our Pre-Function space for a spacious cocktail hour, transition smoothly into their wedding reception in the Fleur De Lis Ballroom and conclude their big day with hotel guest room accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn and the Inn at Saint Mary’s."

What nearby activities make hosting a wedding at Gillespie Conference Center a memorable stay?

"There are so many nearby locations for activities and wedding party photos that make the Gillespie Conference Center so convenient! We are located on Saint Mary’s campus and across the street from Notre Dame, which both have countless beautiful locations for photos. We are only minutes away from downtown South Bend, which boasts many attractions for your guests that are traveling from out of town, such as restaurants and entertainment."

What benefits can a bridal party receive when booking with Gillespie Conference Center?

"The wedding party will receive a complimentary bridal suite for the night prior and night of the wedding reception, a private wedding party cocktail hour and bridal refresher space, Hilton Honors points, complimentary parking and hotel room blocks for guests at a discounted rate. The couple can also look forward to a private tasting with our executive chef to curate their wedding menu, as well as working together with me throughout their wedding planning process and the day of the wedding to create their dream day!"

Do you work with preferred vendors or offer your own exclusive services (catering, rentals, etc)?

"We are a full service hotel and conference center, providing the couple’s catering and alcohol, as well as the set up and tear down of the space. We do allow outside vendors for anything else the couple may need, but we can also provide a preferred vendors recommendation list, if desired."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"My favorite part of my job as Special Event Sales Manager is being able to assist a couple on such an important day. Having the opportunity to alleviate their stress and share in the excitement that they share is so fulfilling!"

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"My favorite part about the wedding industry is being able to meet and connect with amazing couples! I have so many past couples that I still stay in touch with and continue to update me on their lives."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"My favorite tip to share with couples on their big day is to enjoy every moment! Your wedding day will come and go so quickly, so it’s important to take a moment for yourself with your partner to enjoy all of the hard work and planning that went into creating each special memory."

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