Anchors Aweigh to Celebration: A Bold Backdrop + Balloon Design for a USNA Commissioning in Annapolis

When the Herbert family reached out to Wonderwall Event Co., they weren’t looking for basic. Their son was graduating (aka Commissioning) from the United States Naval Academy—a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that deserved a celebration as bold and brilliant as Annapolis itself.

Their ask? Something custom. Something striking. Something that honored the blue and gold pride of the USNA Class of 2025. Oh—and could we find a creative way to define the dance floor, too?

Challenge accepted.

Custom Boxwood Greenery USNA Backdrop — Blue & Gold, Reimagined

We knew this graduation party needed a statement piece. So we built a one-of-a-kind boxwood greenery backdrop, with the iconic “USNA” spelled out in stunning blue and yellow flowers, arranged to reflect the Academy’s colors with elegance and power.

Set as the focal point of the celebration, the backdrop was more than a photo op—it was a tribute. Guests lined up for pictures, and it instantly set the tone for a celebration full of pride, tradition, and joy.

The perfect photo moment in front of our custom USNA flower wall — Annapolis graduation party magic, delivered.

Photo credit:  Jackalope Photography

Floating Balloon Orbs: Defining the Dance floor, Elevating the Energy

No tent. No stage. Just an open space and a dance floor waiting for a vibe. So we took it to the ceiling.

Using ceiling-hung balloon orbs, we created a floating canopy over the dance area—turning the empty air into an intentional, immersive moment. The balloon installation not only visually defined the space, but brought a modern, upscale look to the event. The colors? You guessed it: navy and gold, with a pop of metallic sheen to reflect the energy of the evening.

Sleek, modern, and totally unexpected — our hanging balloon installation transformed this USNA graduation into a showstopper.

Photo credit:  Jackalope Photography

Mission Accomplished, or Failure to Launch?

Well, did we pull it off? We’ll let the client’s review tell the story…

”For event decor that will exceed your expectations, I highly recommend Wonderwall Event Co. Owner Jen Whitlock is talented, reliable, personable and easy to work with on creative projects.

Jen’s flair for design turned a drab wall into a fun focal point at the graduation party I planned for my son at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at the United States Naval Academy in May of 2025. Jen created a stunning boxwood greenery backdrop that was bedecked with flowers that spelled USNA. At all points during the party, my guests could be seen taking pictures with this pretty backdrop.

Plus, to designate a dance floor, Jen hung balloon orbs on the ceiling in front of the DJ stand. These balloons made the whole space pop, and they didn’t do any damage. It was prettier, easier, and more cost effective than renting a dance floor.

What’s more, Jen happily collaborated with me during the design process. And she was a pleasure to see during set up and breakdown of all the materials (she was prompt at both).

I believe that little details make all the difference, and I credit Jen Whitlock’s Wonderwall Event Co. with making my party a hit with my guests and my graduate!”

From Naval Academy Tradition to Anne Arundel County Celebration

Annapolis isn’t just home to the Naval Academy—it’s a town that shows up for its graduates. From Commissioning Week to private graduation parties across Anne Arundel County, families want creative ways to mark the moment. And that’s where Wonderwall Event Co. comes in.

Whether it’s:

• A USNA Commissioning party backdrop
• An elegant balloon installation
• A custom shiplap or flower wall for a graduation party
• Or a private celebration that calls for a WOW moment

—we’re here to design event decor that goes way beyond ordinary.

Planning a USNA Commissioning Party in Annapolis? Here’s What to Know:

✅ Book early—graduation season gets busy faster than a Blue Angels fly by
✅ Let your decor reflect academy pride without being stuffy
✅ Don’t forget ceilings—they’re blank canvases for balloon magic
✅ Choose a vendor who understands Annapolis venues and Naval Academy tradition

Ready to Make It Iconic?

If you’re looking for bold backdrops and brilliant balloon decor in Annapolis, Edgewater, Arnold, Severna Park, or greater Anne Arundel County, Wonderwall Event Co. is your go-to. We specialize in turning “can you do this?” into “I can’t believe you DID that.”

📍 Serving Annapolis, Maryland, and beyond
📞 Booking 2026 USNA Commissioning Week and college graduation parties now
📸 Follow us on Instagram [@wonderwalleventco]
💌 Let’s create something unforgettable

(Note:  As an Approved Business Partner of NABSD, Wonderwall Event Co. is not a federal entity and thus not part of the Naval Academy. Additionally, neither the Department of the Navy, the United States Naval Academy, nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed or authorized any Non-Federal Entity, Company, Organization, or their Products.)