Love Letters

Hi Laura!

I just wanted to let you know that we were all thrilled with how everything turned out on Saturday. Your entire staff at the Ashford is amazing!  Geri (I apologize if spelling is incorrect) was there whenever I may have needed her. She actually anticipated things before I did and was ready. And she always had my next drink ready!  My daughter Lauren had only good things to say about Taylor and Lauren- they were so attentive and such lovely girls. Also many thanks to Justin too as we knew he was there to handle anything that may have come up. We soon realized after being there only a few hours that morning that we were in very capable hands which helped us relax and enjoy the day.

A big thank you to you for always being available to all of us whenever we had questions or concerns – which we did ever since the original wedding date had to be postponed.  You were a pleasure to work with!

The food must not go unmentioned as it was amazing.  We were so pleased with our selections for the cocktail hour.  And I am so thankful that the staff put together a generous sampling for Lauren and Joseph to enjoy privately. They then did the same for Paul and me and I’m so glad they did. I spent so much time socializing and greeting people during the cocktail hour and didn’t really try the food until we had our private sampling. As for the main course- the steak was cooked to perfection and the halibut was absolutely delicious.

We received so many compliments on the wedding reception. We knew that the venue and it’s beautiful grounds would be gorgeous. We knew that that food would be delicious and it was. But what truly made the day run so beautifully was you and your team.

Many thanks!

Caroline

My review will likely be a little long, but my experience with Merri-Makers Catering was nothing short of exceptional, and in a time when there are a lot of brides feeling unsure, I hope that this provides some comfort and confidence in your decision-making because if you book with Merri-Makers, you will not be sorry. When I booked my wedding at The Mallard Island Yacht Club for June 19, 2020, at that time Merri-Makers was not the caterer for the property yet but were going to be as of 2021. In the early days of COVID-19, my original wedding date was cancelled, and we picked a back-up date of July 24, 2020. Just about 8 weeks before the new date, the original caterer ended up having to close their operations and Merri-Makers took over earlier than their scheduled date. As stressful as it was to have to start over with a new caterer on top of everything else, I cannot even begin to express how much it turned out to be the greatest blessing in disguise. We were introduced to Gianna, who over the course of the next 8 weeks became our lifeline, our greatest cheerleader, our strategist, and most importantly, our friend. I can’t imagine anyone else putting in the time and effort that she did and being so dedicated to making our wedding how we were envisioning it and keeping it within the ever-changing constraints set by the state. At one point we had 3 different plans, layouts, and menus. She had a back-up plan for her back-up plan and she and the team at Merri-Makers were not going to give up on giving us our dream wedding. We ended up bringing the entire wedding completely outside, utilizing the beautiful veranda for our seating instead of the ballroom and it was gorgeous. We were able to have all of our family and bridal party there to celebrate with us, and it was the perfect evening. I haven’t even gotten to the food yet, which was absolutely fabulous. We have two big (and opinionated) Italian families, and all we heard from everyone was how incredible the food was. I’ve had multiple people tell me that the filet was not just a good “wedding filet,” but one of the best filets they have ever had, period. There is a reason Merri-Makers has been around 40 years, they are the best at what they do. The best part of all of this was not only did everyone walk away saying that it really felt just like a completely “normal” wedding, but because Merri-Makers took every precaution possible (temp checks, masks, gloves, sanitizing stations, etc. ) every single guest at my wedding also walked away completely safe and healthy. There just aren’t enough words to express how grateful we are to Gianna and her staff at Mallard Island, as well as all of Merri-Makers for making our dream wedding happen. If you are considering Mallard Island, or any of the Merri-Makers properties, do not hesitate at all and know going in that you have the best of the best catering your special day.

Dear Rick-

On April 23, we sent Patty, our Event Coordinator, an email with an invitation for Merri-Makers to collaborate with us to turn our annual fundraiser into an at-home virtual event, The Online Broadway Bash.

Six weeks later, on June 4, your refrigerated truck pulled into its familiar spot in the theatre’s parking lot to deliver 119 pre-packaged, four-course meals for our volunteers to pick up and deliver to our VIPs from the shores of the Raritan Bay to the banks of the Toms River.

You and your team took on this unique task with the same hands-on, service oriented approach and culinary expertise we were introduced to at last year’s Broadway Bash, and executed the project helpfully and flawlessly.

Speaking with participants in the days following the event, time and time again we’re getting the same feedback regarding the meal: “It was delicious!”

The success of this dinner-at-home endeavor provided a unique way for us to connect with our supporters during a time when we otherwise wouldn’t have much opportunity to do so.  By the time the internet stream of The Online Broadway Bash had ended shortly after 9pm, we had met or exceeded every financial goal we had for this event including our live appeal for donations.

Thank you for playing a major role in making this event a success.  We look forward to working with you again.

Best regards,

David A.

Hi Laura,

I hope you’re doing well and staying safe during this time. I finally received our wedding photos back and wanted to share them with you! Everything looked absolutely amazing, people are still talking about how flawless the wedding was!!

Thank you so much for all that you did, it made all my dreams come true!

Christine

Mary,
Thank you so much for making our wedding day the best day of our lives! You made the process so stress-free!

We cannot believe it’s been three months already! We look back on our day with such fondness and pure joy – and so much of that is because of the amazing work of you and the amazing team at Bonnet.

Thank you!
Jess & AJ

We had the pleasure of working with the Merri-Makers team for our wedding at Bonnet Island Estate this past October, specifically with Andrea Muniak. She was absolutely amazing to work with in every single aspect – she was kind and flexible and so knowledgeable and accommodating to us, I had literally nothing to worry about throughout the entire process. As a planner myself, she was always two steps ahead of me.

Dear Rick & Cindy,
I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful Ribbon Cutting Reception you did at our farm. Everyone who attended commemted on how delicious the food was. Patty, Dana and Kenny were so professional and friendly. You should be proud of those representing your company.

Thank you again for being so kind and supportive of our farm and its mission. Sean and I are blessed to have you both in our lives.

Hope to see you both over the holidays.

With much appreciation,
Jo Ann burney
Co-Founder
Allaire Community Farm

Dear Laura & Kelsey,
Thank you both for a picture perfect wedding. Everything was just exactly what I had hoped and much more. Kaitlyn and Stephen were so happy and us parents where just blown away with how everything ran so smoothly. As one of my friends said to me, I don’t know what you spent on this wedding but every penny was worth it. Bill and I whole heartily agree.

Of course I’m hearing from friends and relatives how incredible the food was that you both tried to get me to eat. I was just so caught up in every moment I ate very little but big kudos from the guests on the lobster rolls and lamb chops and of course the delicious main course served hot!!

Thank you again for making my daughter’s wedding day so memorable.
Best wedding ever!!

Debbi and Bill C.
November 16, 2019

Hi Laura,

I cannot find the words (not even close) to express to you and your unparalleled staff what a completely magical, unforgettable night you created for all of us. There was not a detail overlooked, not a thing out of place, not any moment where everything wasnt attended to. I had no doubt that I would be impressed, but no idea I’d be blown away.

From the ceremony straight through the after party, Ed and I were able to completely enjoy the evening with ZERO stress (that says a ton after the last year! LOL). Everyone of course raved about the food, drink, presentation, service, atmosphere-beyond fabulous.

The entire staff was wonderful but there was a moment with Kelsey that I have to especially point out. When dinner was served, I was talking with some friends, so I didnt sit down for about 10 minutes after meals were served. I took a bite of my fish and it was still warm (and delicious) -but before I could put my fork in for a second bite, Kelsy swooped in and took it away and replaced it with a piping hot, fresh plate–it was like magic. I was so appreciative, and that moment really captured how perfect the service was all night.

So Laura, thank you for all you have dealt with throughout this process and thank you for ensuring the most perfect night for my son and daughter in law. I could not be more grateful. If you ever need anything – like one day you decide you want to learn how to juggle, just reach out! I’d be happy to help!

Many, many thanks and kindest regards,
Sharyn(Ed too!)

Where do I even start!? Everything on my wedding day was a dream from start to finish. The grounds are gorgeous. The staff is unbelievable. People are still talking about the food. It really does not get any better than this!!

Ashford team – thank you so much for making my wedding day…and all the days leading up to it so amazing and stress-free!!

Julia