meet the team

merge event group

In 2023 Paul and Kristin Privette had the privilege of stepping into this legacy, bringing fresh energy and a bold vision for the future. Today, we are proud to lead a team of 20 extraordinarily talented artists and designers who transform dreams into masterpieces. From stunning visuals to impeccable service, we collaborate with our clients to craft events that are not just memorable—they’re unmatched.

Our reputation is built on artistry, precision, and an unwavering commitment to delighting our clients. As we continue to grow and innovate, we’re driven by the same passion that built this company: the pursuit of creating extraordinary experiences that inspire and connect.


For over two decades, our event production company has been creating unforgettable moments that leave lasting impressions. Founded 22 years ago by Keith Watson, a visionary artist who began his career designing events in Manhattan, our story is rooted in creativity and passion. After relocating to Gainesville to raise a family, he built this business into a cornerstone of the community, known for its artistic brilliance and dedication to excellence.

A legacy of

artistry

join us as we continue to redefine what’s possible in the world of event production.

Meet the

team

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

KRISTIN

Meet

Kristin’s story begins in Okeechobee, Florida, but Gainesville quickly became home when she moved here for college—and met a boy named Paul. Her career path has been anything but ordinary: from teaching to yearbook sales to print production, each chapter shaped her love for creativity, storytelling, and connection. In 2008, she and Paul launched Footstone Photography, building a business rooted in purpose and community. When the opportunity came to carry on the Keith Watson Events legacy—after years of friendship and collaboration—stepping into MERGE felt like coming full circle. Both she and Paul knew in the same moment that it was time.

What Kristin loves most about her work is the people—her team, her clients, and the chance to create meaningful moments that last well beyond the event itself. She believes the team is capable of incredible things and that together, they get to serve in a mighty way. Kristin lives by Positivity, choosing joy even on the busiest days and believing that gratitude can transform everything.

When she’s not with the team, you’ll find Kristin traveling, spending quality time with her four boys (five, if you count Paul), or practicing her Italian—a language she’s been studying for eight years and hopes to use often when living part-time in Italy one day. And if you ever spot a very large, joyful group taking over a Gainesville restaurant, it’s probably hers—between both sides of the family, they fill a room in the best possible way.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

BECKY

Meet

Becky’s Gainesville story began when she came to attend UF and decided she never wanted to leave. After nearly a decade as Marketing Manager at The Oaks Mall—where she wore every hat from media spokesperson to event planner—she was ready for a new chapter. Lucky for MERGE, Becky had already crossed paths with Keith Watson while producing mall events. A quick “looking for part-time work” conversation turned into a full-time role, and the rest, as she says, is history.

For Becky, the best part of her work is the chance to be creative every single day—whether that’s designing, problem-solving, or pulling off the impossible with a smile. She resonates most with Excellence, a value rooted in her parents’ belief that giving 100% is always enough to succeed.

Outside of MERGE, Becky soaks up time with family and friends, takes long walks with her dogs, and sneaks away to Disney whenever possible. And here’s a fun twist—she met her husband through her high school bowling league!

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

PAUL

Meet

Born and raised in Gainesville, Paul has always been deeply rooted in this community. When longtime friend Keith Watson decided it was time to sell his business, Paul and his wife Kristin knew it was the right opportunity to step in. For them, it felt less like a leap and more like a natural continuation of something meaningful.

At MERGE, Paul loves the freedom to dream big, create unique experiences, and find inventive solutions to challenges along the way. He resonates most with Innovation, always eager to explore every angle and discover new approaches that push creative boundaries.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

LEXI

Meet

Lexi’s story starts in Northern New Jersey, where her love for hospitality first took root. What began as running a trendy restaurant (and secretly turning its events department into a million-dollar powerhouse) quickly grew into a full-blown passion for designing experiences that people never forget. A move to Florida opened the door to bigger stages and breathtaking destinations—but Lexi’s heart pulled her back to where she feels most at home: building community and connection right here at MERGE.

Ask Lexi what excites her most, and she’ll tell you it’s the chance to take a spark of a client’s idea and turn it into something magical. She lives by the value of Innovation—never one to say “no” when “what if” feels so much more fun.

Outside of MERGE, you’ll find her kneading bread, tending her garden, or upside down on a yoga mat (yep, she’s a 300-hour certified teacher!). Oh—and she once lived in Puerto Rico for a year without being fluent in Spanish.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

NOLAN

Meet

From the farm fields of Ashville, Ohio, to the bright lights of New York City, Nolan’s journey has taken him around the world before landing in Gainesville. A lifelong performer, he spent years in musical theatre—where he first met Keith Watson—and picked up a knack for being “handy” thanks to his farm upbringing. When Keith invited him to help build the business, Nolan jumped in, eager to bring his mix of creativity and practicality to the team.

At MERGE, Nolan’s favorite part of the work is simple yet powerful: creating moments that make people happy and leave them smiling.

Outside of events, you can often find Nolan at the theater, catching the latest film, or dancing with the Cross Creek Cloggers. And when the holiday season rolls around, Nolan heads North for his winter season role. He grows out his big white beard, puts on his bright red suit, and begins his very important work at Macy’s Herald Square. Yes, that’s right—Nolan knows if you are on the naughty or nice list!

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

DEBBIE

Meet

Born and raised in Belle Glade, Debbie followed her love for art to Gainesville and the University of Florida. Her creative path started early—professional art lessons at 12, her first florist job at 15, and by 21 she had earned the distinction of FTD Master Floral Designer. A year later, she owned her first flower shop.

At MERGE, Debbie connects most with the values of Ownership and Excellence—because for her, floral design is equal parts beauty and precision. She believes clients can always see the difference when details are cared for, rules of design are honored, and installations are executed flawlessly.

Her career highlights include decorating the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee for Christmas (twice!) and spending ten years as a purchasing manager for Harley-Davidson—yes, with her own Harley, too. Outside of MERGE, she paints in her studio, plays pickleball, enjoys American Mah-jongg, and gathers with her book club. And her quirky talent? Debbie swears her blonde hair is a superpower—it stops strangers in their tracks with compliments almost everywhere she goes.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

PATRICK

Meet

Born and raised in Gainesville, Patrick didn’t have to look far to find his passion for building teams and creating unforgettable experiences. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, he headed to Atlanta, where he gained years of experience in sales, leadership development, and large-scale event production for organizations like Allstate, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, and Passion Conferences. Most recently, he served as Worship Director at Greenhouse Church, leading teams and developing leaders across multiple gatherings and events.

At MERGE, Patrick is energized by the chance to invest in people—helping his team grow as leaders, creatives, and humans while partnering with clients to create moments that inspire and memories that last a lifetime. He resonates most with the value of Humility, believing that a posture of lifelong learning is the foundation that fuels growth in every other area of life.

When he’s off the clock, you’ll find Patrick with his wife Sally and their two kids, experimenting with new recipes on the grill, or writing and performing music throughout the community. He’s also known for sneaking in a little jazz on the trombone.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

SEBASTIAN

Meet

Born and raised in Gainesville, Sebastian first joined MERGE as a part-time team member and quickly found himself drawn deeper into production and fabrication. With a love for building, creating, and all things artistic, he thrives on opportunities to take ideas off the page and make them real.

Sebastian resonates most with the MERGE value of Innovation, because thinking outside the box is what fuels his creativity—and often leads to unexpected solutions (and cooler projects). For him, the fun comes in blending artistry with hands-on craftsmanship.

When he’s not fabricating, you might find Sebastian at a live show, sketchbook in hand, or—by his own admission—“frolicking in the woods.” He’s also a talented illustrator who’s happiest when he’s drawing. 

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

CALEB

Meet

Born and raised in Gainesville, Caleb has always enjoyed working with his hands and being active—which made MERGE a natural fit. With a background in building and years of experience in upholstery, he brings craftsmanship and attention to detail to every project. For Caleb, the best part of his work is the people: the family and friends he’s made on the team and the chance to create something meaningful together.

The MERGE value that resonates most with Caleb is Positivity. He’s known for keeping spirits high and believes that a good attitude makes every challenge easier to tackle.

Outside of work, Caleb loves spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, or unwinding with a good video game. He’s also a skilled sewer from his upholstery days—and as a proud Eagle Scout, if you’re ever stranded in the woods, he’s the guy you want around(Unless his sister Shelby is available).

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

JONKARL

Meet

Born and raised in Gainesville, JonKarl brings a unique mix of hospitality, logistics, and construction experience to his role at MERGE. He loves being able to pull from each of these worlds to help bring events to life—and nothing is more rewarding than seeing a client’s face light up with that unmistakable “WOW” when they step into a transformed space.

For JonKarl, Excellence is the value that matters most. He takes pride in knowing every detail meets the highest standard so clients can simply enjoy the experiences crafted for them.

When he’s not on site with the MERGE team, JonKarl can usually be found in the kitchen. Cooking is one of his favorite pastimes, and he’s got the bragging rights to prove it: he’s a three-time Chili Cook-Off champion at his church.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

TYLER

Meet

Although born in Virginia, Tyler has been a Gainesville local since he was two—and a part of the MERGE story almost just as long. Through a family connection with founder Keith Watson, Tyler was introduced to events in grade school and started helping out as early as 2008. What began as a side job quickly grew into a passion, and after years of working on and off with the team, he officially joined full time.

For Tyler, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing client reactions when the vision comes to life. Knowing the team created something that made someone’s day unforgettable is what keeps him inspired. He resonates most with Positivity, always looking for ways to bring laughter and keep spirits high during even the longest event days.

Outside of MERGE, Tyler loves gaming, baking, movies, and live concerts. In fact, he keeps a running list of every concert he’s ever attended—complete with the artist, date, city, and venue.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

MARK

Meet

Born in Palatka and raised in Gainesville, Mark first connected with MERGE through his friend and roommate Tyler. What started as helping out on the auxiliary team quickly turned into a part-time role—and, as Mark jokes, they haven’t been able to get rid of him since.

Mark thrives on the creative side of events, especially when it comes to non-standard or custom décor installations. He connects most with Positivity, believing it’s the “lubricant” that keeps everything moving smoothly. For him, obstacles are simply opportunities to approach things differently—a mindset that makes collaboration and problem-solving second nature.

Outside of MERGE, Mark enjoys live music, cooking, and just about any type of game. He plays the clarinet, is bravely learning the accordion, and has a mischievous streak that goes way back. As a toddler, Mark loved hide-and-seek so much that he’d launch into games unannounced—in department stores, at home, and even once on a cruise ship. (Yes, his parents eventually bought a leash.)

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

ERIN

Meet

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Erin moved to Gainesville to be closer to her sister and six-year-old niece—family is everything to her. With a passion for storytelling and visual media, she sought a role where she could capture authentic, impactful moments through film. MERGE stood out as the perfect fit: a team that values real connections and believes in creating experiences that make people truly feel something.

What excites Erin most is the chance to collaborate with such a creative group, bringing compelling stories to life through content that feels genuine. She resonates with the value of Excellence, always striving to refine every detail and ensure each story is told in the most captivating way possible.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her pup, trying new recipes, or belting out terrible karaoke with friends. A few fun twists? She once worked as a personal vegan chef, owns an 8-foot-tall T. Rex costume, and co-founded Fruit Punch, a community brand built to bring people together in inclusive, authentic spaces.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

ALYSSA

Meet

Originally from Newberry, Florida, Alyssa found her way into events through an unexpected twist. After starting at Publix, her supervisor recruited her to Celebrations Catering, where she quickly realized she thrived in the fast-paced world of hospitality. Seven years later, she joined Keith Watson Events in 2017—and she’s been part of the journey ever since (yes, through the Merge).

For Alyssa, the excitement comes in the details—whether it’s tackling stacks of linens or keeping the behind-the-scenes wheels turning, she loves the challenge of staying busy and turning chaos into order. The MERGE value that resonates most is Ownership; Alyssa prides herself on carrying her weight, even joking that she was emailing to-do lists from the hospital right after giving birth.

At home, Alyssa is all about DIY projects, from building chicken coops to renovating her closet. And here’s a fun fact: she’s completed 27 obstacle course races, earned both Spartan and Savage Syndicates, and even once applied for American Ninja Warrior.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

SHELBY

Meet

Growing up in Gainesville, Shelby discovered her love for events early—working at local venues in high school and realizing how special it felt to be part of moments people would remember forever. She’s been hooked ever since. Behind the scenes, Shelby is at her best: she thrives on logistics, loves solving problems in creative ways, and gets the most joy from making the magic happen seamlessly for clients. That’s why she connects most with the MERGE value of Innovation—she’s always eager to try new approaches and find smarter ways to work.

Away from events, Shelby’s adventurous side takes over. You might find her paddling down the Suwannee River, fishing, or skating with her roller derby team. Her travels have taken her as far as Guatemala, where she taught for a season, adopted her dog Shanti, and even climbed the highest peak in Central America—Tajumulco—on leap day of 2020.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

JASON

Meet

Originally from West Palm Beach, Jason first came to Gainesville for a new job, but fate had other plans. While working as a self-employed IT consultant, Keith Watson became one of his clients. With a background in warehousing and logistics from his Air Force service—and a knack for tech—Jason quickly found himself drawn into the world of events. Before long, Keith offered him a full-time role, and Jason has been part of the team ever since.

At MERGE, Jason is most energized by the chance to lean into the MERGE value of innovation—whether that means designing smarter systems in the warehouse or finding new ways to make events run smoother. His curiosity extends well beyond work, too; he’s constantly reading about the latest breakthroughs in science and technology.

Outside of MERGE, Jason enjoys time with family and friends, binging anime or movies with his mom, and even breaking out his flute. And a fun fact? He once earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award in high school.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

SAVANNAH

Meet

Born in Tallahassee and raised in Gainesville, Savannah has always had a passion for bringing people together and creating experiences that feel special. After college, she turned that passion into a career in event planning and design—combining her creativity, organization, and love for thoughtful details.

What excites Savannah most about her work is transforming ideas into experiences. She loves taking a client’s vision, adding her own creativity and flair, and watching it all come to life. The MERGE value that resonates most with her is Innovation, because every event offers the opportunity to imagine something new and unforgettable.

Outside of MERGE, Savannah finds her balance by spending time at the beach or traveling to new places for a dose of inspiration. She’s also an avid horseback rider who finds peace at the barn and joy in the saddle—and if she’s not at the beach, there’s a good chance that’s exactly where you’ll find her.

Warehouse Manager

Jason

VP of Integration

Shelby

Social Media Content Creator

Erin

Operations Assistant

Mark

Operations Assistant

Alyssa

Production Assistant

Tyler

Production Lead

caleb

Production Lead

JonKarl

Production Lead

sebastian

General Manager

Patrick

Floral Designer

Debbie

Senior Production Lead

Nolan

Business Development and Marketing Manager

LEXI

Assistant Account Manager

Courtney

Senior Account Manager

Savannah 

COO/Senior Account Manager

BECKY

Owner/Production Manager

PAUL 

KRISTIN 

Owner/CEO

COURTNEY

Meet

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Courtney moved to Gainesville when her husband’s career brought them here. With family ties in the area, it didn’t take long for Gainesville to feel like home. Her career has always centered around bringing people together and creating memorable experiences—so joining MERGE felt like a perfect fit.

What excites Courtney most about her work is collaborating with clients to design and deliver unforgettable moments. She resonates most with Positivity, believing that kindness, laughter, and an upbeat spirit make any challenge easier and every day more enjoyable.

When she’s not designing beautiful events, Courtney can be found in her kitchen cooking, baking, or cheering on her favorite football team with family. She’s also an avid gardener, dreaming up plans for her perfect cottage garden—though she’ll admit indoor plants don’t stand much of a chance. And for a fun twist? Thanks to her paternal ancestry, she technically holds an English title… so yes, you can call her Lady Courtney.

“The organization and pure joy they have in making others' dreams a reality, in turn makes them an absolute joy to work with and actually makes the planning process fun.” 

Stephanie Kershner

YOUR VISION + OUR ARTISTRY

dream
with us