Cultural identity has always been the pulse of events. From the vibrant archways of Indian weddings to the minimalist grace of Japanese ceremonies, clients expect every celebration to tell a story woven with tradition and personal expression. Event planners may be plentiful, but those who can create events truly rooted in cultural values are rare.
Michael Burris is the latter.
An elite luxury event planner of cultural distinction, Burris has carved a unique place in the hospitality industry. Over his 40 years as an African American business leader, he has had a front row seat to the industry’s evolution. His journey began in Boston, managing staffing for a catering firm where he witnessed firsthand how cultural authenticity often gets lost behind the glitz and glamor of events. That experience sparked a fire in him.
“Clients pour their heart, soul and savings into their events. Yet, they are often told how their event must run in order to fit a venue’s standard service model. That’s not a celebration, that’s a compromise,” says Burris. “I wanted to change that.”
In 2015, he founded MB Enterprises, a company built on inclusion, artistry and deep respect for clients’ heritage and vision. What he’s accomplished since is nothing short of transformative. Under Burris’ leadership, MB Enterprises has blossomed into an elite, full-service event powerhouse that moves seamlessly between worlds, from fusion weddings that bring different cultures together to contemporary Black-tie galas and corporate events infused with soul.
Our capability to address every logistical and creative need of clients in-house allows us to keep costs competitive and deliver exceptional value.
Orchestrating Every Detail with Precision
MB Enterprises’ expertise spans every facet of the event’s execution—curated catering, professional staffing, premium rentals and bespoke bartending. By bringing all these elements under one roof, the company eliminates the chaos of coordinating multiple vendors and the associated costs. This full-service approach has earned MB Enterprises the reputation of a one-stop shop.
From grand marquees to the smallest details on the dinner table, MB Enterprises owns every piece of equipment needed to bring an event to life. Its expansive inventory includes top-of-the-line tents, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, silverware and buffet serviceware. For components beyond the company’s inventory, like photography, lighting and DJs, Burris leverages his long-standing relationships with trusted vendors, integrating these services into a cohesive, high-quality experience.
“Our capability to address every logistical and creative need of clients in-house allows us to keep costs competitive and deliver exceptional value,” says Burris. “We often waive taxes and delivery fees or provide key items at no additional charge, helping clients achieve their vision without compromise.”
Catering menus are as diverse as the cultures MB Enterprises serves. As a licensed caterer, Burris offers 14 curated menus with an emphasis on ethnic cuisines, including Indian, Nigerian and Persian specialties. Dishes are customized to suit clients’ personal tastes. For events requiring specialized culinary expertise, Burris goes out of his way to source the right chefs, guaranteeing authenticity. Complementing the company’s culinary diversity, six fully outfitted portable bars allow for versatile and stylish beverage stations tailored to any theme or preference.
“I’m willing to walk on water for my clients,” says Burris. “I can have a million menus ready, but when clients come with their own vision for food and if it’s not on my menu, I customize.”
This flexibility is particularly crucial in wedding planning—a hallmark of Burris’ expertise. Every detail is crafted to reflect the client’s vision, transforming the day into a truly personal and unforgettable experience.
Delivering Excellence on Budget
At MB Enterprises, great events aren’t defined by budget; they’re defined by vision. All celebrations receive the same level of creativity, care and flawless execution, even if it means creating a ‘Mercedes-Benz wedding on a Chevrolet budget.’
In one of the recent weddings managed by MB Enterprises, the bride had envisioned a luxe celebration on a modest budget. Through careful planning and resourceful customization, Burris and his team executed an exquisite affair, complete with elegant décor, curated catering and seamless service. All details, from table settings to menu choices, reflected the couple’s personality and cultural roots.
“My goal is to make the day entirely about them, because a wedding is one of the most meaningful days in a person’s life,” says Burris.
The bride’s feedback, praising the event as a dream realized, underscores Burris’ philosophy that excellence is not about expenditure, but about creativity, planning and reverence for the client’s vision and values.
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Clients pour their heart, soul and savings into their events. Yet, they are often told how their event must run in order to fit a venue’s standard service model. That’s not a celebration, that’s a compromise. I wanted to change that.
Serving multicultural families and LGBTQ+ couples with the same care and creativity, Burris has positioned MB Enterprises as a steadfast advocate for all communities. This advocacy is informed by Burris’ experiences as an African American business leader navigating an industry that frequently undervalues minority-owned businesses. Inclusion is not symbolic for him; it is operational.
A Process Built for Excellence
Event planning begins with a free, in-depth consultation, designed to uncover every aspect of the client’s vision, including the desired date, guest count and specific requirements. Burris carefully explores preferences for venue, service style, décor and cuisine, creating a comprehensive blueprint for the event.
Unlike typical planners who may overpromise and underdeliver, Burris guarantees that everything specified in the consultation is flawlessly executed. Since many of his clients prefer hosting events in private homes, he has refined the art of home wedding planning over the years.
“Home events demand more ingenuity,” says Burris. “It’s not just about arranging tables and chairs; it’s about transforming a personal space into a ceremonial venue that captures a family’s distinct heritage and personality in all its glory.”
Whether the event takes place in a sprawling suburban garden, a historic venue or an intimate private residence, MB Enterprises adapts with precision. Burris ensures that even the most complex elements—from the symbolic Khan Maak parade in Thai weddings to sacred nuances of Jewish rituals— are handled and executed with elegance.
A Team that Goes Above and Beyond
MB Enterprises’ staffing service is equally meticulous. Burris’ team of chefs, servers, bartenders and hosts undergoes a rigorous selection process where they are vetted for experience, efficiency and cultural literacy. His integrated service model fosters an environment where cultural fidelity and personalized service seamlessly coexist.
Over 100 full-time and part-time staff, along with a cadre of supplemental personnel, contribute to the operations. Whether serving at a lavish wedding, staffing a corporate gala or managing a community celebration, the team consistently upholds a high standard of professionalism.
Empowered to act as extensions of Burris’ philosophy, the staff anticipates client needs, provides thoughtful recommendations and maintains relentless focus on authenticity and quality. By embedding these values into training and operations, the company ensures that clients experience an unwavering level of excellence.
“People are usually on the lookout for a partner who truly understands them. We closely listen to our clients and go above and beyond for them every single time to earn their trust,” says Burris.
Taking the Wedding Experience Up a Notch
Building on the success of MB Enterprises, Burris has recently launched MBE Weddings by Michael to create immersive wedding experiences that showcase the company’s full event expertise. This year marks the debut of proprietary wedding shows in key markets across the East Coast.
Unlike typical participation in third-party expos, these events are produced, marketed and managed entirely by MBE Weddings by Michael. The shows give prospective clients an opportunity to experience the creativity and attention to detail that defines MB Enterprises. Burris and his team host interactive forums where attendees can ask questions, gain insight into planning processes and hear directly from past clients about the thoughtful execution and cultural authenticity of their celebrations.
Burris is poised for greater success with the launch of an event-hosting branch of his business, MBE Presents. The new venture will host international wine, cheese and chocolate tastings, New Year’s Eve celebrations and culturally inspired events. Through this strategic expansion, Burris continues to position MB Enterprises as a leader in event production, combining operational excellence, creativity and cultural awareness.
In an industry often constrained by convention, Burris challenges the status quo, proving that thoughtful planning and creativity can transform any space, budget or concept into an extraordinary experience. By crafting events that honor identity, heritage and individuality, he reshapes the way families, communities and organizations perceive celebration itself.
MB Enterprises is more than an event planning company; it is the bridge between tradition and innovation, logistics and artistry, expectation and possibility. Through his work, Burris demonstrates that when planning is intentional, every celebration becomes a story worth remembering.
