"We genuinely enjoyed every second of the day"
What was your favorite part of working with the Merri-Makers team?
Oh my goodness, where to begin! Laura and the whole team made our whole wedding day perfect. I’ve heard people say that it’s more fun to be a guest at your own wedding than it is to be the bride and groom, and my husband and I disagree! The team at the Ashford Estate all made it feel like we could really be “guests” and party and enjoy the celebration like our guests could. Everyone was so attentive to my husband and me; we felt special and cared for the whole night! My parents did as well.
The rooms upstairs were comfortable and gorgeous, and blew the 26 people who stayed there away. Another amazing touch for the family. It was so nice to have such amazing accommodations attached to the venue.
Laura was attentive, relaxed, and excited for us, and made the planning as easy as the day was enjoyable. Cannot recommend this venue and caterer enough for any bride/groom, in any season!
What was your favorite food of the night? Which dish were guests raving about?
My husband and I are all about the food, and our friends and family had high hopes for our menu – and it did not disappoint! Our guests RAVED about the lamb chops, the pasta wheel with all the cheese, the passed hors d’oeuvres, in cocktail hour. It set the tone for a night of great eating. We absolutely loved the burrata salad – an Italian personalization touch to the salad course. We really appreciated the scratch kitchen and the incredible food in the reception, and the gelato (with the hand that gives you a cone) was a huge hit!
What was your favorite photo spot of the venue?
We absolutely loved the driveway, and we loved how the photos came out for the entrance to the ballroom! And our photographer, Kate from Off Beet, got an absolutely fantastic photo of us outside by the gazebo. You can’t go wrong anywhere on the Ashford property!
Was there a theme to your wedding? Tell us about your wedding colors and aesthetic!
We had a December 2nd wedding, so we wanted a wintery feel, without it being like Christmas. We were looking for lots of greens and candles, and were so happy with how it all came to life in the beautiful ballroom.
How did you and your partner meet? Share your love story with us!
We met in high school, but we were in different grades (the bride one year older than the groom). We coincidentally went to the same college, and went to a date party as friends. The theme was “Alpha Spy” and while most dressed up in black leather, we wore togas, in a very loose interpretation of the theme (think “under covers”). Our humor and love for one another only grew, and we were engaged six years later.
What made you select this venue?
My family had had a wedding there years before, and we knew the Ashford was situated on breathtaking property, with delicious food! My fiancé’ and I visited and he was absolutely blown away by the facility, how relaxed and wonderful the whole team was, and how we could have the cocktail hour in one portion of the estate, and the reception on the other half. The hotel rooms were also a HUGE plus on property. We couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.
Would you recommend Merri-Makers to another bride? Share why!
ABSOLUTELY! We genuinely enjoyed every second of the day, as did our guests. We will cherish these memories and all that the Ashford did for us always! Thank you for making it a perfect start to the rest of our lives together
