For many brides to be, sifting through the NJ wedding venues out there stops at one Monmouth County wedding venue that stands out. It’s magnificent. Sprawling. Breathtaking. That venue is Ashford Estate. And when you make this 30-acre property yours for your big day, you have the entire Merri-Makers team there to see that everything goes as planned. You’ll especially enjoy working with any one or number of our Ashford Estate bridal attendants featured in this Q&A.
Celine Garica
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
My favorite part about working weddings would have to be how fun and rewarding the job is. Every shift is always so upbeat.
Any special moments with brides that come to mind that you can share?
A special moment was at the bride’s first look with her dad, it made me tear up, everyone was crying.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live in Hamilton, NJ. I am currently a Junior at Penn State double majoring in criminology and sociology on a pre-law track!
Taylor Bott
What is your favorite part of your role at Merri-Makers?
Working closely with the couples and making their day as magical and special as they envisioned.
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
The wedding day itself; I love the first look with Dad. It’s something so special between a father and daughter and gives them another moment to have in the day. I’ve worked for Merri-Makers for 16 years and always enjoy witnessing that particular moment.
Any special moments with brides that come to mind that you can share?
The most special moments I have with the bride are right before the first look when I’m helping her with her dress as she’s walking over to her future husband. Most brides are nervous or excited and it’s special to be with them in the moments before the first look. It’s heartwarming to see the love between two people who are about to spend forever together.
Do you have any tips for future brides based on your knowledge?
The most important thing I can say is to trust the people who are working your wedding and enjoy your day. The whole day goes by in a flash so relax and know you’re in good hands. Remember to take a few moments here and there to look around and soak it all in because those are the moments you’re going to remember 50 years from now.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live in Sea Girt and enjoy sitting on the beach with a good book, hanging with my friends and family and traveling as much as I can!
Bethany Chan
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
Teamwork among colleagues—and getting to experience the food.
Any special moments with brides that come to mind that you can share?
Simply being appreciated throughout the day goes a long way; getting a handwritten thank you card the week after always makes me feel accomplished and seen.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live in Freehold. I’m a huge ice cream and smoothie fan. I recently started to love coffee. I love to learn new languages by watching foreign shows. And I love to travel and explore new places with my husband.
Maddy Pullen
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
Each bride is different, so getting to know what is important to them and helping make their vision a reality.
Any special moments with brides that come to mind that you can share?
Watching the joy, happiness, and excitement on the bride’s and groom’s faces along with the family and friends.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I go to Allentown High School, and I am an upcoming senior. I started as waitstaff at Ashford, but I soon moved up to bridal attendant and that’s perfect for me.
Julia Rice
What is your favorite part of your role at Merri-Makers?
I love being a bridal attendant with Merri-Makers because I enjoy creating a personal and emotional bond with the bride on her big day! There’s nothing more special than having a bride consider you to be one of the many people who made her day seamless, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything!
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
It is extremely rewarding to see the entire day come together and hear about all of the dreams that have come to life throughout the night. By the end of the event, it’s hard to say goodbye to such wonderful couples that I’ve grown so close to throughout the special day!
Any special moments with brides that come to mind that you can share?
The most special memory I have with one of my brides was the day that a rainbow appeared during family photos. The bride was just the sweetest woman, who had recently lost her father. During family photos after a rainstorm, I turned around and saw the brightest rainbow over the Ashford Estate. I instantly stopped the photographer and ushered everyone to the rainbow. It lasted five minutes at most, but it was the perfect amount of time to have “a photo with dad.” This memory still sticks with me, and I’ll always remember how special the moment was for the family and myself!
What is a little-known fact about your role that people may not know about?
A little-known fact about our role as bridal attendants that people may not know is that when we go into the event, we know every important detail and time slot that the bride will be involved in or needed for on the big day. For example, the photography team and bridal attendants work closely together to ensure that the bride gets all of the gorgeous shots of the Ashford Estate and formal events throughout the day, and the bridal attendants ensure she’s on time, has everything she needs and is eating great food throughout it all.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live not too far from the gorgeous Ashford Estate, about 10 minutes away in New Egypt, NJ. I love coming to spend my weekends with the couples and their families. When I’m not spending my day with brides and grooms, I’m probably scuba diving or at the beach! I am very passionate about coral restoration and ocean sustainability, and I’m so proud to say that Merri-Makers is an eco-friendly company, which is the first step to help keep the world’s oceans cleaner! My favorite cocktail hors d’oeuvres is Merri-Makers’ special Mini-Cuban sandwich, and I LOVE to place the brides dress for the most aesthetic pictures around the property of the Ashford Estate.
Jasmine Holak
What is your favorite part of your role at Merri-Makers?
I’m the queen of timelines and love a perfectly executed event that runs smoothly from start to finish. Working with Merri-Makers allows me the opportunity to have a hand in keeping everyone on track and being an extra support to our couples and their VIPs.
What is your favorite part of working weddings?
I love seeing our couples share their story on their special day. It makes me so happy. Dad’s first look, the mother/son dance, and all of the excitement that exudes out of our couples will never get old!
Do you have any tips for future brides based on your knowledge?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust your professionals. Nothing will matter on your wedding day because your vendor dream team has done this many times and will make sure everything is perfect for you. At the end of the day, you may not have noticed the little details that you worked so hard on, but you will remember how you felt and the love that surrounded you!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a local to the LBI area for the past 7 years. When I’m not making dream weddings come to life, you can find me on the beach, at brunch, or supporting my favorite local establishments with my family.
Meet the rest of our team and explore our gorgeous NJ wedding venues!
