Laura,

What can we say besides we were absolutely blown away with our experience at Ashford. Thank you for everything you did to help guide us throughout the process, and work to make our day so incredibly amazing.

We got so many compliments about the venue, the service, the food, the staff, everything! It was truly the best day of our lives and we hope to come back sometime soon to visit and reminisce about this special special day.

We hope you have a great rest of the summer and wedding season! Thank you again!

With love,

Jack and Andrea

 

We had our wedding at The Ashford Estate on August 13th, and it was truly magical and perfect. Laura and the rest of the team made it so easy to plan our dream wedding from the very start. Laura in particular is super prompt, so sweet and accommodating, and very organized. My husband and I are huge planners, so we appreciated that our main venue contact was responsive, had a great attention to detail, and asked all the right questions (especially about all of the small things we didn’t think of!). Laura is a pro whom you can trust!!

That being said, the rest of the staff at Ashford also deserves a huge shoutout! Many of my guests commented on how flawlessly the day unfolded, and that takes a whole team. The night manager was extremely friendly and helpful, ensuring all of our guests made it home from the after party safely and that our guests staying overnight at the venue were well taken care of (she was willing to drive one of our guests to the airport when his Uber kept canceling, even). She and the rest of the staff also gathered our items neatly and made it easy to pack up our car- we definitely needed the help! Last but not least in terms of staff were the bridal attendants! I was given THREE attendants to cater to my every need, I felt like royalty. They went above and beyond.

Ok, now the venue itself. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and many of our guests said it was the most beautiful wedding they’ve ever been to- I don’t think they were just being nice! We originally thought we wanted to get married at a real historic estate, but quickly realized that many feel as old as they look, aren’t used to hosting weddings, and just weren’t the best choice to ensure a stress-less event. When we saw Ashford, we knew it had the best of both worlds and was perfect for us- the look of an historic estate, the feel of a new venue, and the expertise in planning and execution that comes with a purpose-built wedding venue. Additionally, we could get married in the barn chapel, which really is the original barn from the 1800s, adding that nice touch of history. The grounds are very well landscaped and manicured, which made for amazing photos. They have 12 GORGEOUS rooms onsite for wedding party/parents. We loved that we could have our after party onsite in their library, which made it so easy to keep the festivities going until the early hours of the morning!

Last but not least, the food. Merri-Makers is the sole caterer for the venue, and they are FANTASTIC. My husband and I are huge foodies, and we think it’s very important to provide our guests with high-quality food–and lots of it. Merri-Makers delivered, and then went above and beyond. We had to warn our guests that there would be a three-course meal after the cocktail hour, as we had eight buffet stations and 10 passed canapes, which is their standard! And it wasn’t trashy buffet food, it was extremely high-quality (think huge, succulent scallops and handcrafted sushi rolls). The dinner was also excellent, and they let you customize the menu as you wish. We of course had a wedding cake (provided by Bakeworks- AMAZING), but Merri-Makers also provided “dessert canapes”, such as heavenly carrot cake truffes and fruit tarts. Food and drinks were served promptly. My parents couldn’t get over how amazing the waitstaff was–they constantly checked in, which I think elevates just a “great” dinner to an “excellent” one.

Don’t just take my word for it- go visit!

Gianna,

I cannot tell you how thrilled we were with everything on Friday. I am so thankful that we decided to have our kids big day at Mallard.

We were blown away by every detail. The night was incredible. Beautiful weather certainly added to the dream come true day.

My husband and I want to thank you for guiding us all every step of the way. Jackie and Dexter said it was truly the best day of their lives. Out of 5 stars you guys got a 10!!!!

We will treasure every moment.

Tim and Debbie B.

Mary,

Thank you for making my daughter’s wedding fabulous. The buzz during the night …”this is the best wedding I’ve ever been to”….Great job!!!

Thanks,

Christine C.

To put it simply, my daughter’s wedding, as well as our entire Ashford Estate experience, far exceeded anything either of us could have imagined. My goal was to give my daughter the wedding of her dreams, and thanks to the spectacular staff at this extraordinary venue, I am happy to say that was achieved.

The estate itself, from its beautifully manicured grounds, to the various spaces for ceremony, cocktail and reception in the absolutely stunning ballroom, were just jaw dropping. The spacious and luxurious suites were immaculately clean and such a treat for those of us who stayed overnight.

The food was plentiful and delicious. Our guests are still raving about it! Personally, I have never had a better Chateaubriand anywhere, which seemed to be the general consensus about all the entrees.  The passed desserts were also exceptional, and just kept on coming,

Leaving the best for last, I must say that the staff at the Ashford is a literal dream team. From Laura McCann, event coordinator extraordinaire, who was always lovely and responsive, to our maître d’, the wait staff, bridal attendants and a myriad of other people whose names I don’t know, but whose professionalism, helpfulness, pleasantness and kindness kept us on schedule and helped our day flow seamlessly. There was not a need that went unmet, not only for the bride’s entourage, but for every single guest. We were treated like royalty. I have never seen anything like it!

In closing, I’d like to thank EVERYONE at Merri Makers and The Ashford Estate for helping make my daughter’s dreams come true!. 🙂

 

Sincerely,

Carol S.

Hello Laura!

We just wanted to send a quick THANK YOU for all your help and guidance for our occasion last Friday. Everything was just fantastic! Everyone involved was so helpful, gracious, understanding,  and just so very on top of all the details.

The venue looked spectacular, the food was yummy and we are so happy we chose The Ashford Estate. Many beautiful memories were made and you will all be thought of in a very special way for years to come. I have 2 more after Michael down the road so who knows? Lol

 

Thanks so much again!

Laura & Joe N.

The unbelievable response I got back from my guest was, “this was the best wedding they have ever been too!”

From the attention to detail, professionalism, unbelievable food, and fantastic ambiance you don’t need to search any further. Merri-Makers at Mallard Island will make your wedding dreams come true.

Nina

Andrea-

Thank you to you and all the rest of the staff for helping the wedding go seamlessly yesterday!

You especially have been incredibly helpful and patient with us throughout the planning process and we appreciated it so much.

Best,

Caroline

This catering business was nothing short of phenomenal.

They are extremely professional, their staff are kind and attentive and genuinely happy doing what they love to do, and that is to create joyful experiences for their customers.

The food is far superior to any event I’ve ever attended. The guests raved about all of the appetizers and main dishes, and not a single plate was left with food on it. It was all prepared perfectly, and and it was all served with such pride and grace.

Beautiful work!

Laura is the best!   Extremely organized and will answer every question big and small with a smile.

The staff the day of the wedding is also incredible and very attentive. You also can’t beat this place, this venue is designed to leave your guests in awe with beauty around every bend.

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