A woman with blonde hair, wearing a navy blue dress, sitting at a table decorated with a large bouquet of peach and pink flowers, clear glasses, and silverware.

Shelley Mendoza has built her life and work around bringing people together and turning gatherings into meaningful celebrations. 

How Simply Celebrate got started…

Growing up in a large Italian family, celebrations were simply a way of life. From holiday gatherings to a milestone event, or an ordinary Sunday dinner, there was always a reason to gather around the table, share a meal, and make memories. That love of connection ultimately became the foundation of Simply Celebrate.

Over the years, family, friends, colleagues, and community organizations have turned to Shelley to help bring their events to life. What began as a lifelong passion for planning meaningful gatherings has grown into a business dedicated to helping others celebrate life’s most important moments with ease, intention, and joy.

Shelley believes that while every successful event requires careful planning and flawless execution, it’s the personal touches that make an occasion truly memorable. The thoughtful details. The unexpected moments. The little things that make guests smile and leave lasting impressions long after the event has ended.

Indoor celebration venue decorated with a balloon arch in pink, white, yellow, and dark green. There are tables set with white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, glassware, and utensils. In the background, three women are standing near a window, engaged in conversation.
A smiling woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a white sweater sitting at a table with a notebook, pen, laptop, and a vase of flowers, in front of a white background.

Where the Details Matter

When clients work with Simply Celebrate, the goal is simple: to help them feel cared for, supported, and completely present during their celebration. We understand that planning an event takes far more time and energy than most people realize. From coordinating logistics and managing timelines, to solving unexpected challenges behind the scenes, we handle the details so clients can focus on enjoying the moment.

Known for staying calm under pressure, Shelley brings a unique combination of creativity, organization, and problem solving to every event. She has a gift for seeing the big picture while carefully managing the countless details that bring it to life. Whether she’s designing an intimate dinner party filled with fresh florals and personal touches or coordinating a larger celebration, her approach is thoughtful, intentional, and tailored to the people at the center of the event.

A gift basket containing a bottle of Luxardo maraschino liqueur, a lemon, a lime, and a box of Bumbu rum, with a blue sign listing ingredients for a Hemingway Daiquiri cocktail and decorative gold and white paper shreds.
A chocolate cake decorated with raspberries and green leaves, with blue writing that says "Happy 50th" on top, and a sign in the background indicating it is for the Bristol 50th Chorale event with dessert options listed.
A flower arrangement with pink and red flowers, green leaves, and buds in a glass vase on a dark table, flanked by two lit candles in ornate holders, with a magazine or flyer with a group photo and colorful border lying on the table.
Bouquet of pink and purple flowers with pink and red tissue paper in a purple gift bag, displayed on a black table near a window with stacked chairs outside.

Rooted in Community

Beyond Simply Celebrate, Shelley has spent much of her career serving the community through nonprofit leadership, volunteer work, and fundraising initiatives. She is proud to have helped local organizations raise millions of dollars in support of students, families, and community programs. That commitment to service continues to shape the way she works today - with a genuine desire to help others create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

When she’s not planning events, you’ll likely find Shelley golfing, skiing, singing with her community choir, volunteering on its Board of Directors, cooking for family and friends or hosting a gathering of her own.

To Shelley, the perfect celebration isn't about how extravagant an event can be. It's about the people who gather to share it. It's family and friends around the table, great food, heartfelt conversations, unforgettable moments, and laughter that fills the room. Those are the memories that last long after the decorations are packed away.

Two smiling women in close-up, one with blonde hair and the other with brown hair, posing outside in sunlight. The blonde woman is wearing a pink, fluffy feathered garment, and they are both smiling at the camera.
Stylized monogram letter 'S' with a pink and dark blue color scheme.
Inspirational quote about celebrating family, memories, and moments, with the message: "Celebrate family, celebrate memories, celebrate moments, enjoy what matters most, simply celebrate!" in dark blue text on a black background.