Our Story
Welcome to The Vault, Duluth's premier destination for distinctive event decor.
The 2020 Pandemic offered our founders, Mariah McKechnie and Ellen Plumb, a unique opportunity - time and space to dream. The chaos of that time created the perfect alchemy to finally launch an idea they had been sitting on for awhile - a division of Northland Special Events dedicated to specialty decor rental. The rest is our history…
Our journey began in the historic Torrey Building, the original home of our namesake Vault, symbolizing the treasure trove of possibilities we offer. In 2023, we moved into our dream home in the Bagley Building—a place that mirrors our evolution and invites you to explore our treasures in Duluth’s most colorful warehouse!
Ellen Plumb, our Brand Manager, is the driving force behind our curated collection and impeccable service. With a keen eye for both the unique and the functional, Ellen expertly sources pieces that are pivotal in transforming events. She has also curated a top-notch team with expertise in event design, styling, efficiency, and client experience.
Today, the Vault’s decor pieces and expert team can be found at events across the Northland, including weddings, corporate events, non-profit galas, birthday parties, bridal showers, the list is long. Our dream to transform events through specialty rentals comes true each and every day!
Vault Design from Scottie at Daymark Designs
Our Team work makes your dreams work…
Ellen Plumb
Brand Manager
From the moment I joined NSE as a college intern, I was drawn to the event decor side of the business. Working alongside Mariah, I learned every aspect of events - planning, design, managment, and client service. When the opportunity presented itself to launch and run a specialty decor division - I’d found my dream job. I love working with clients to transform their events into memories, using our incredible inventory. If you are lucky, you might even be sitting on a piece of furniture I upholstered myself!
Mariah McKechnie
Owner & Designer
From the very beginning of the business, I included design and decor for my clients, recognizing the power of transforming a space to an event. Today, I am proud to work with an amazing team, designing and installing incredible decor for events across the Northland. Transforming a space is incredibly rewarding and we love working with amazing clients to create memorable events and bring their visions to life!
The Vault team works tirelessly to bring event visions to life. From early mornings to late nights, our dedicated event stylists focus on every last detail, giving our clients the peace of mind they need to enjoy the event and focus on the guest experience.
We are always looking for new teammates to join the fun and create magic with us!
Sister Companies: Unlocking Event Expertise
When you partner with The Vault, you're unlocking a treasure trove of event expertise, supported by our sister companies under the Northland Special Events umbrella. This alliance includes True North Weddings and Superior Blooms, providing a seamless integration of style and services. Our extensive experience and established relationships with the area’s top vendors, enhanced by our robust in-house floral and decor capabilities, ensure that every aspect of your event is harmonized to perfection. Any challenges are smoothly resolved behind the scenes, maintaining the continuity and elegance of your event’s narrative. Whether your needs span the full spectrum of event planning or just specific elements, our collective expertise ensures a flawlessly executed and memorable experience.
Duluth’s hub for Corporate, Non-Profit, & Community Event Planning
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