As we recently set our clocks forward to “spring ahead” of a cold winter, Sperry is ready and excited for another busy year.  But before we get too ahead of ourselves…lets recap a great event from the 2009 season!

In June of 2009 we had the distinct pleasure of working with Melissa Mack of Moxie Events on one of the largest elevated flooring events in Sperry history.  Set in an ocean-side backyard of Kittery, ME, the level flooring design supported a 64’x125’ Sperry tent, the largest sailcloth tent handcrafted in Marion, MA.  Accommodating the sloping backyard, our leveled floor created a classic ballroom dining setting and provided stunning ocean views.  The tent, dressed with beautiful event décor, was adorned with custom asian lanterns filling the reception with elegant ambiance.

With anxious guests awaiting their arrival, a faint motor could be heard echoing through the bay.  Moments later the bride and groom could be seen fashionably approaching the familiar dock.  With a grand entrance from the water, the celebration was underway.

Three days of piecing the floor together, erecting the tent, and fine-tuning produced an event that the guests, and especially the bride and groom, will never forget.  The reception was a huge success.  The love and support for the newly wedded couple was visible as guests gathered under the cover of the sailcloth tent on the enormous elevated floor.

With favors provided by Maine-ly New Hampshire, party rentals by Be Our Guest, and furniture from Party by Design, the event was truly a display of tasteful planning and elegant décor.  The celebration was artistically documented by Michelle Turner Photography, providing an album of memories for the bride and groom.  This very special, elevated occasion was one to remember!

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  As we turn the corner on 2010, these three action words have become more relevant, describing necessary steps for a more sustainable future.

Sperry Tents has made a socially responsible commitment to sustainable business practices.  The ‘green’ initiative, which is based on principles of reduction, reuse and recycling, has contributed to a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

A company active in the event rental industry, Sperry reuses inventory and materials by nature. The signature sailcloth tent canvas is handcrafted in Marion, MA.  Natural spruce perimeter poles and center poles are locally milled, hand-sanded and stained, a repeatable process facilitating re-use of the poles each year.  Lighting options are energy efficient, and controlled on dimming panels for customer convenience and energy conservation.  Sperry’s uniform fleet of company vehicles is powered by biodiesel provided by Simply Green Biofuels.  Such actions have not only resulted in a reduced carbon footprint, but also reduced overhead expenses.

Sperry plans to continue on this path, improving on the ability to deliver unparalleled service and a unique product line enriched with eco-friendly solutions!

On a snow-covered January 16 of 2010, Sperry Tents had an opportunity to participate in something special.  Ray Martineau, owner of Martineau Electric, hosted a fundraiser for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an effort to raise awareness, and support a progressing research front.  Scheduled 24 hours after an eight-inch snowfall, the Dover fundraiser was a change of pace from the warm summer weddings and events a few months earlier!

We provided an array of heated sailcloth tents and walkways decorated with brushed nickel onion lanterns and perimeter lighting.   Accompanying the fully floored 46’x105’ ballroom dining tent, a heated 46’x65’ sailcloth tent covered an outdoor pool for warm winter swimming throughout the event.  And, sure enough, guests were swimming despite the eight inches of snow surrounding the warm tent!

With 450 in attendance, the event featured great support and was a huge success.  This special event was made possible by the generous donations from all of the guests and sponsors.  A special thanks to: Boston Equipment, Century 21 Realty, Danny Carroll, Dave’s Septic Service, Feliciano Limousine, Fortier & Sons Propane, Great Island Realty, Grupo Fantasia, Majestic Pool Services, Martineau Electric, Ocean Properties, Peter Rousseau, Philbricks Sports, Seacoast Catering Company, Sperry Tents Seacoast, Steve and Andrea McCusker, and Summit Land Development.

In August of 2009, we had the distinct pleasure of working with Leslie Barbini, from The Wedding Belle, for an elevated wedding reception in Newcastle, New Hampshire.  The ceremony and reception, scheduled to take place in the beautiful backyard of a seaside property, had an obstructed view of the ocean caused by towering coastal dunes.  We had an answer.  The tent was elevated 10 feet above the ground with our leveled flooring design.  Set higher than the dunes, the event featured breathtaking views of the Atlantic under the elegant sailcloth cover of a signature 46’x64’ Sperry Tent.

In typical New England weather fashion, ominous storm clouds rolled in shortly before the evening event commenced.  Completely protected from wind and weather, guests enjoyed the warmth of the heated tent and the well-dressed interior décor from The Wedding Belle.  Floral arrangements, provided by Susanne’s Weddings, filled the event with brilliant colors and aromas.  Mizuna catered the event with delicious cuisine, and musical services provided by Get Down Tonight Entertainment kept the celebration alive.  The evening event was illuminated with custom asian lanterns and perimeter lighting for elegant outdoor ambiance and décor.