Merri-Makers Catering

We were married at Mallard Island Yacht Club on 8/28/21. Let me just say working with Merri Makers at Mallard Island is worth every second! I am so happy we used this venue/caterer. We met with Gianna Verdoni, who from the start, was a big reason we chose Mallard. You can just tell she loves her job and cares about giving her clients the most perfect day—which we truly did have thanks to her and this team!! As a bride, it is a stressful day but they made it so laid back and worry-free for me. From the moment, I walked in, the staff treated me like a princess and constantly asked me if I needed anything, and they truly had whatever I did need (especially Lauren, my maitre’d)! They also not only asked me and my husband, but everyone in our family and the wedding party! They go above and beyond. The food was phenomenal – and my husband and his family are quite the food critics and they loved it! Gianna gave me so many great vendor recommendations and guided me through planning the day, she always answered me quickly. I truly was never left stressed having my wedding here and that means a lot. We also had our rehearsal dinner (8/27/21) with Mallard and Gianna planned that as well. Spending two nights there was amazing and our overnight manager, Lou-Ann, really made sure we had everything we needed and ensured we enjoyed ourselves, especially by the fire pit. I wish I could relive this weekend over and over. I’ve been told by a quite a few guests it was the best wedding they’ve been to. This place has it all-the location/scenery, the convenience, the food your guests will rave about, the wedding planner & the team that will ensure you get the day of your dreams, you will not regret it!

Merri-Makers are the ultimate professionals. Our guests are still raving about the food. Their professional staff provided excellent service.

Merri-Makers is incredible. Gianna did not miss a single detail and made my day worry free. I had changed my wedding from a large shore venue to a small backyard wedding and every detail was adjusted perfectly. Guests are still giving me complements on how amazing the food and service was !!! I will be booking for all future events !!!

Merri-Makers was an absolute dream to work with. Gianna is the best coordinator I could’ve imagined. She made me feel special, sane, and helped with any question I had. The food was absolutely delicious. We were able to customize however we wanted. And a cookie dough bar for dessert???? You cannot go wrong. We were truly so lucky to work with Merri-Makers and their staff.

We hired Merri-Makers when we decided to change our wedding from an indoor venue to my parents street in a tent. We had worked with them before (not for a wedding) and knew that they were awesome. Let me tell you, everything happens for a reason. They made our wedding more amazing than we ever could have hoped or dreamed possible. The food was off the charts. I am still getting calls with compliments about the food. They made sure that I had everything that I needed. I never felt stressed out when I was working with them. They really created an unforgettable experience for us and our guests. Patty is the most amazing. She made sure everything was taken care of at all times, that I had no freak outs, and throughout the night any time I needed anything I would turn around and she was there. We were sad to have to change our initial plan, but after all was said and done I am so so happy that everything worked out the way it did. It was the best day of our lives, and a huge part of that was Merri-Makers.

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. My family was also completely blown away by the chefs table event they held for us, which made us all even more excited for the wedding. We have since received so many complements about the service, food, and overall staff experience in general. Ellie Trakosis was our Maître D’ and she was also fabulous. We really couldn't have asked for a better team to work with. The execution of our special day couldn't have been more perfect and we are so thankful to Merri-Makers for it!

I cannot say enough great things about the Merri Makers team at Bonnet Island.  I've worked for event venues and have planned many, many weddings throughout my career, so when it came to my own wedding, I was a little nervous to let another team take the reins.  I should not have been worried at ALL!  From the first moment speaking with Andrea (who is absolutely wonderful), all the way through to the end of our wedding evening, I could not have asked for a better team.  If you are thinking of working with Merri Makers at Bonnet Island or anywhere else in NJ, do not hesitate - they are simply the best.

Patty was the MVP for our wedding planning process. She answered all of our questions thoroughly, and helped to keep us sane. Every little detail was handled with care, and her hard work was a crucial part in making this the best day of our lives. The chefs at Merri-Makers make delicious food! They even let us customize our menu in very specific and unconventional ways-- and the flavor did not disappoint! The wait staff was exceptional as well!

We used Merri-Makers for our wedding last weekend at Taylor Pavilion in Belmar, NJ, and we are so glad we did. Our maitre'd Patty was incredibly helpful, responsive, and executed our event flawlessly. The food was great -- especially the appetizers/burrata bar (they offer a tasting after booking) -- and the waitstaff was incredibly friendly (including the head chef, who came down to the beach to personally deliver my now husband and I appetizers while we were taking some post ceremony pics). Taylor Pavilion was the perfect venue -- from the floor to ceiling ocean views, to the beach ceremony, to the late night bonfire -- and Merri-Makers was super accommodating when we wanted to bring in a few special items of our own (including a larger than life antipasti station and dessert platters for the tables). Thank you Patty and team, for helping to make this day the best one ever!

We hired Merri-Makers to cater our wedding reception held at my Parents' home. It was an easy choice to book Merri-makers. We originally planned to be married at the Ashford, but then opted to do the event at home for sentimental reasons. We have attended a couple of events at the Ashford and the food was awesome each time. Our wedding was 175 guests and Merri-makers helped us transform the grounds and our barn into the perfect venue - no small feat for a space that you can't rely on previous logistic plans! The food and display was perfect. Our guests are still telling me how delicious their meals were, and that it was the best food they have ever had at a wedding. The staff was also incredible. Guests have remarked on the level/quality of service, but also about how the staff blended into the event and made sure everything was seamlessly in place. The next day the team broke the event down and cleaned up. We didn't have to lift a finger. Can't thank Patty and the team at Merri-Makers enough for making our special day so perfect.

We got married at the Ashford Estate & the food was INCREDIBLE! Our guest can not stop raving about the lamb chop station we had at our cocktail hour. Best they have ever had they rave! The cocktail hour food, salad, dinner, and donuts were out of this world. Because as we all know wedding food can be hit or miss. Merri Makers is a massive hit! They know what they are doing. Also their service is outstanding! I can’t even put into words how attentive, professional, and great the staff of Merri Makers are. I could not have asked for better. Thank you so much Merri Makers for making our wedding day amazing & unforgettable <3

Merri-Makers was outstanding!! They not only catered our wedding at the Taylor Pavilion but their catering package includes a wedding coordinator. We had Patty as our coordinator and she was absolutely fantastic; from when we first met with her when we were just thinking about booking them and then all through our year long planning process Patty answered our millions of questions as well as thinking of details and solutions before we even had questions. The whole company was easy to work with and quick to respond for every interaction, and everyone we met at Merri-Makers was friendly and super helpful. The actual day-of the wedding went without a hitch because Patty and her team saw to everything and we didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was DELICIOUS and was served so nicely, we even got special bride and groom plates delivered right to our table! We would 100% recommend Merri-Makers to anyone looking for the best catering service and wedding coordinators.

We had the pleasure of working with Merri Makers Catering for my daughters Bridal Shower that took place in our home. Patty K was our planner and she could not be more professional, detail oriented and observant of our needs. Chef Chris planned and prepared delicious food that was beautifully served with excellent service. Rick Bott has an incredible professional team and he too was involved with the planning and execution of the event as well. The team even went so far as to prepare an alternate set up in the event of poor weather. Together, the team thought of everything and they executed the plan with professionalism throughout the event. We are very pleased with our experience and would recommend the Merri Makers Catering team.

Merri-Makers catered my 60th Birthday party at the Taylor Pavilion in Belmar, From start to finish Patty Kliegerman did an excellentjob in guiding and advising me on planning this special party. The Room looked beautiful when I walked in and saw my vision come together. The Food was excellent, although being the host I did not eat much, but got so many compliments from my guests about how good everything was and a few requests on who the food caterers were.

Staff was professional and helpful. Made sure everything was perfect throughout the night in part because of frequent communication prior. Food was wonderful and service outstanding!

We have used Merri-Makers Catering three times in the last year and we would not keep coming back if they were not outstanding. From set-up, hors d'ouevres and dinner to service, dessert and clean-up the Merri-Makers team was incredible. Cindy and Rick Bott have a terrific organization top to bottom including most especially Patty K. who was our event manager for all three events. We were able to relax because we knew Patty would manage everything, solve every problem and make sure we were able to enjoy our event. The best recommendation we can give is to say we will use Merri-Makers again and again at all of our future events.

Our wedding was six weeks ago, and in conversations where our party comes up, our friends and family still talk about how great the food was. We didn't want a sit down dinner, and instead threw a party where a wedding broke out. Merri-Makers readily embraced our non-traditional concept, providing traditional cocktail hour passed food/stations and then during the brief ceremony transitioned to serving "strolling plates" for dinner, followed by desserts. The food and service was exceptional. There were plenty of servers, and abundant, delicious food. They happily accommodated our vegan guests in an unobtrusive way. We really felt like everyone at Merri-Makers sincerely wanted our celebration to be amazing, and they certainly did their part to make it so.

Food is delicious, displays are beautiful and the service is professional and focused on details. We have used Merri Makers for many events over many years and they never disappoint. Rick and his crew are awesome!

Patty K and staff were amazing! They paid attention to every detail to make sure all was perfect from the beach wedding, to the reception, to the bonfire! Patty made sure my husband and I had plenty to eat and drink. Truly an amazing experience with Merrimakers!

Merri-Makers was a wonderful company to work with! We got married at Taylor Pavilion in Belmar, NJ. The venue is an empty room so you have to bring everything in. Even though we didn’t rent the venue through Merri-Makers, once we did book them as our caterer they were extremely helpful in coordinating with the rental company. The owner, Rick, sat down with us and tailored the menu to suit our tastes, even offering things not in the original package. Our event planner, Patty, was fantastic to work with and met with us in person a number of times to go over every little detail and to answer any questions. On the day of the wedding, she was there from beginning to end making sure everything went smoothly. The entire staff was very friendly. Our guests complemented the service, and of course, the food was delicious! They really enjoyed the custom menu. Merri-Makers truly helped give us the wedding and reception we dreamed of. We would definitely recommend Merri-Makers!

My husband and I couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere more beautiful and more perfect. The area, the grounds, the staff, the food, everything was just simply divine! Working with Laura and Kelsey couldn’t have been any easier. Their professionalism and their attentiveness did not go unnoticed! They answered every email/call extremely fast. Even details of the wedding they helped to make our day extra special! Our bridal attendants were just amazing. They didn’t let my train hit the floor once while we were taking pictures on the grounds. I had a migraine, and within minutes she had come with a cup of coffee for me. I couldn’t even begin to tell you the compliments we’ve received saying it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to and the best wedding venue they’ve ever seen. If you’re thinking of getting married at Ashford Estate, you won’t regret it!

GET MARRIED HERE! Laura/Kelsey & the whole Ashford/Merrimakers Team are so amazing. They made our wedding day so special! Our every need was met, and everything went so smoothly! We absolutely had a dream wedding, and got so much overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were perfect!

I really don’t even know how to start this review because I feel I’m going to get super emotional…The Ashford Estate is one of the most sought after venues to have your wedding for a reason, they are literally THE BEST IN THE BIZ! Laura, Kelsey, & Debbie are an absolute dream team to work with. Those 3 ladies are so incredibly genuine, amazing, and talented, there are just not enough thank yous I can give to them and everyone there. Every person who went to our wedding said it was the best and most fun wedding they had ever been to and I owe it all to them! The flow of the day was an absolute fairy tale, the food was delectable and sensational, and it really felt like our home for the whole day and night. If I could relive that day and night over a million times I would! Thank you Ashford Estate for everything, you are all simply wonderful! Also, I cannot forget to thank my girls Taylor(Weather Vibes) and Alex(Bustle Queen) for helping me that day, you two were the best :)

I got married at the Ashford Estate. Merri-Makers was fantastic! My wedding guests raved about how excellent the service was and how the food was so delicious. All the waitstaff were friendly, attentive, and polite. They were even thoughtful and kind enough to bring me and my husband four of every hors d'oeuvre from the cocktail station on beautifully arranged platters with floral accents. I was shocked because I didn't expect to have a chance to eat any of the cocktail hour food. In addition, the dinner service was impeccable and the food was superb. Most wedding food turns out to be mediocre or worse due to the challenges of cooking for a large amount of people, but our food turned out great. The tasting was also a very fun experience. Understandably they didn't have samples of everything they could make, but there was plenty of food to taste and it was all fantastic. We couldn't be happier with our experience.

Merri-Makers Catering was amazing. Patty you were a constant presence for Kim and I, making sure we always had a drink in our hands and food available to eat. All of our guests loved the food and raved about if for days after. Some commented on how professional you were always making certain water glasses were full and empty plates were cleared. It was a great event that wouldn't have been possible without you. -Justin M.

My husband and I got married here on 9/8/18 and our day was too perfection! The Ashford Estate is the best!! We were at first nervous since we wanted to do a first look but could only get into the venue at a certain time since there was a Friday overnight wedding but Laura and Kelsey eased my family’s worries. We arrived on Saturday and the rest was history. The moment we arrived.. Kelsey, Laura, Lisa and Alex were ready to help. I did not have to worry Or THINK about a single thing the day of which made me so calm. I’m talking about food, drinks, holding my flowers, fixing my dress, my vail, and asking of any ridiculous request...!! It’s hard to put into words what these ladies have done for me but the day went by so smoothly without one bump in the road. My guests were not only amazed by the venues beauty but also by the pleasant and amazing staff. Thank you to the ashford for making my wedding the best day ever!

So delicious!! From the cocktail hour to the strolling desserts and especially the salmon dinner. Yum!!

Where do I even begin? The moment I stepped foot at the Ashford Estate, I knew it was where I was going to get married. From day one, Laura was such a pleasure to work with and I felt completely at ease in all of my wedding planning. She was available for any questions I had and helped us plan our incredible event, down to every last detail. On the wedding day, there was not a single thing I would have changed. Kelsey did such an amazing job making sure everything went smoothly. Lisa was the BEST bridal attendant that exists (I truly believe that) - I don't think I could have gotten through the day without her. There is not enough to say about how perfect this venue is and I would recommend it to any couple who truly wants the dream wedding that everyone will talk about for years and years to come.

Our event was perfect. It was exactly what we wanted. All of our guest raved about the food and service they received. We were allow to express our vision and it was brought to life with the professional at Merri Makers

The food was to die for. My husband and I wanted some different choices, and they delivered! Every one of our guests asked for their number. The entire Merri Makers Team treated us both so well, especially Jamey who is a super picky eater. We are planning on having them again for our first anniversary!

Merri-Makers is more than a catering team. They are the most amazing group of people a couple could ask for on their wedding day. From the moment you drive up on your wedding day until the moment you exit, you are treated like royalty. They are kind and compassionate doing whatever they can to make your day the best day ever. And if there’s any hiccup in your wedding day plans, fear not because they WILL find a solution. And to top it off, the food is DELICIOUS! Everyone always says as a bride, you won’t eat on your wedding day. Well, they made sure I was fed and fed extremely well. It was amazing. I had guests posting pictures of their food on social media raving about how good it was! I feel so fortunate to have worked with this group of people. My wedding day was truly a dream and they helped make that dream come true. Thank you to Laura, Kelsey, and the whole team!

One month later, my husband and I are still on cloud nine from our dream wedding that MerriMakers brought to life. Moreover, my family and friends endlessly rave about the food, service, and amazing atmosphere that Chef Rick and his team delivered. After a relative recommended MerriMakers for catering, I met with Gianna and Chefs Rick and Jack and I knew instantly that I was in good hands. I was immediately sold with this group of passionate, creative, dedicated and incredibly talented professionals as they explained their mission & operations and encouraged me to share my own. Chef Rick and Gianna genuinely listened to our ideas & hopes for the wedding, which was off-premise at the Seaside Park Yacht Club, and immediately understood the flow and feel we were looking for. Moreover, they helped us fully formulate our vision for the wedding and opened our eyes to all that our big day could be. As a coordinator and all around all-star, Gianna answered our questions, asked us important questions we hadn't previously considered, and routinely checked in & communicated with me and my other vendors to ensure all was going as planned and we would be prepared for the big day. Any logistical issues or concerns that came about throughout the process were quickly solved by Gianna, the chefs, and their fabulous team. When Chef Rick returned to the club both in the weeks ahead and the day before our wedding, my fiancé, family and I were in awe of his layout and plans for the big day, as well as his ability to truly connect with us & fulfill our dreams. On the eve of our wedding, we became even more energized and excited for the big event thanks to the work and words of wisdom from Chef Rick. When our wedding day rolled around on 9/23/17, I cried only twice: the moment my father hugged me & handed me over to my husband, and the moment I walked into the venue and saw the unbelievably beautiful wedding that MerriMakers had brought to life. Chef Rick, Gianna, and their incredible team put the many wedding planning puzzle pieces together and gave my husband and I the greatest day of our lives. You will not find a company that values their clients, quality of service, or food- more than MerriMakers does. I only wish we could do it all again. Thank you to my extraordinary friends at Merri Makers, you are unbelievable.

I highly recommend this venue!!! My wedding was a dream come true thanks to the amazing staff!!! I had Laura and Giana help me with my big day. The day went without a flaw! Picture barely capture how beautiful this venue the perfect is, the staff is courteous/friendly staff. My wedding day was great thanks to the wonderful people at Ashford. If I could I would marry again! Wouldn't change anything. Thanks guys 😘

Merrimakers catering with Weddings of Distinction is unreal. The food is just incredible and the service is unmatched. They do not make mistakes and it truly is fine dining. I was married in July at the Bonnet Island Estate and my guest are still raving about the food - it was the best they ever ate! Can I do it all over again!?

We had a fantastic experience with Neshanic Valley Golf Course from start to finish. Gianna was truly amazing! They did an excellent job helping us set everything up, and were so organized. Gianna was super responsive any time we had questions. The wedding turned out exactly how we wanted! Our guests all had an amazing time, and everyone raved about the food. We really could not have been happier with the service!!! Thank you so much!

From the moment my husband and I walked into the Ashford Estate, we were in love!! My husband, Mike, and I were married at the Ashford Estate in May and even named our puppy after the venue ;) Every single moment of our wedding day was beyond exceptional. There is not a guest from our wedding that has not raved about how amazing the day was. We were taken care of from beginning to end, without hesitation. Our happiness and enjoyment was their number one priority. (Not to mention, my bridal attendants were so amazing that my bridesmaids were chanting their names out all day!!) Next - the food! Most people warn brides to make sure they eat throughout the day on their wedding day. No way was I missing out on Merri Maker's delicious creations!! From the burrata (omg!) to the pear salad and the entree steak, I was a full and happy bride!! Guests were extremely happy with the selection and the taste brought by Merri Makers as well. We could not be happier with all the work and help from everyone at Weddings of Distinction, Merri Makers, and the Ashford Estate!! You made our dreams come true - thank you so much!

THANK YOU, thank you, thank you to everyone at Merri-Makers, especially Laura & Gina, for making our wedding day so perfect. We knew we were in good hands from the start, and Merri-Makers exceeded our (high) expectations. The food was delicious and every detail was hit. Rain or shine - Merri-Makers is certainly prepared. The Ashford Estate is such a special place, and Merri-Makers helped to make all our dreams a reality at this picture-perfect venue.

The staff and service we received from Merri-Makers Catering at The Ashford Estate was nothing but the best. From the moment we showed up for our drop off and rehearsal any of our stresses or worries were left at the door. Throughout the night and the next morning, our guests were even complimenting the quality of service that was given. Lisa was our bridal attendant and she was phenomenal, a very special woman we will remember for years to come. Gianna was our Maitre' D and she was great. She made sure everything was going smoothly and assured us many times, this is our day and she would take care of anything. Lastly, Laura was the woman we spoke with from the very beginning and was with us throughout our entire year of planning. She answered every question, e-mail, and phone call quickly and thoroughly and also assured us that choosing Merri-Makers Catering would be the best decision to ensure our wedding would be the absolute best, and it was!

Before booking our dream wedding at Bonnet Island Estate, Alex and I read dozens of online reviews from other couples raving about everything from the delicious food, to the impeccable service, to the romantic atmosphere. Boy were they right! Our wedding day was an absolute dream! Merri-Makers staff was beyond attentive and lived up to all their 5-star reviews. From the morning when I arrived at Bonnet Island to the last song of the night, Alex and I did not lift a finger. The staff was always one step ahead with tea when I was cold, my favorite cocktail when I was too busy dancing, and ready with a giant plate of food during cocktail hour so Alex and I could try everything! Our bridal party and family felt the same way. The staff made everyone feel so special! We never once felt like we were "just another wedding". Merri-makers staff deserve all the credit in the world! We were fortunate enough to work with Andrea, who is practically a living saint! She is always smiling and is amazing at her job. We did not have a wedding planner but we certainly did not need one with her on our side. She would promptly answer any question we had and helped with so many of the little details. She guided us in the right direction to choose many of our vendors, who were also all fabulous. She even ran our rehearsal when our reverend was unable to attend last minute. We are so grateful that we were able to work with her, as she made our experience that much more incredible. My bridal consultant and our maitre'D also deserve so much credit! They both are responsible for making the entire day and night run so smoothly. We changed a few details about guest arrival and the ceremony last minute and thanks to them, we never had to worry. They made sure every detail of the day was perfect! Four months after our wedding, we are still receiving reviews about the food! Alex and I changed many of the cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres to personalize the menu and Merri-Makers did not disappoint! Every display was beautiful and the food was just as delicious! We were so thrilled with everything! The dessert was also a huge hit! Everyone especially loved the cookies and milk shooters! We cannot thank the staff of Bonnet Island and Merri-Makers enough! Because of all of them, we had the most magical day that we will forever remember! We feel so blessed to have been able to work with such professionals and would HIGHLY recommend Merri-Makers to any couple looking to make their already awesome day that much more special! We are still reminiscing and flying high! THANK YOU!!!!

My husband and I had our wedding at the Ashford Estate in November of 2016 and it was just more amazing then I ever thought possible. Laura from Merri-makers is so great, and made wedding planning and coordinating seamless. I met with her a couple times throughout the year leading up to our wedding and she is just an amazing person. She made myself, my husband and my parents so at ease with wedding planning. When we designed the menu it was up to our imaginations. She never said no to anything, and was able to accommodate a different entree for my husband and father no problem. I know the guests loved the food, because I am still hearing about it. I want to give huge shout outs to Kelsey, Taylor, and Lisa. These girls are AWESOME I had so much fun with them the day of my wedding. It was almost as if I was just hanging out with my girlfriends, except they were on top of everything. I could not have asked for a better maitre'd and bridal attendants. When I look back at my wedding I still think about them, and how much more special they made my day. The staff at merrimakers is one of a kind. I wish everyone was able to experience the professionalism, friendliness, and just overall amazing service I received from them. I hope I get to run into them in the future because the whole staff will always hold a special place with me for how flawless they made wedding planning and my wedding day. Thank you Merri-makers!

Katydid is a creative genius! What a talented, passionate, and caring woman. She met with my husband, mother, and mother-in-law several times ensuring that our vision would be met. She exceeded all expectations with a smile on her face. Her calming nature made me at ease. I had complete confidence in her and her work. She was the last person I saw before my first look and I will never forget the look in her eyes, she was more than a vendor, but a friend.

My husband and I held our November wedding at the gorgeous Neshanic Valley Golf Course, using Merri-Makers Catering. It was wonderful - we couldn’t be happier! We received compliment after compliment from our guests regarding everything from the delicious food to the stellar service. The food was fresh, tasty, and of the highest caliber. Gianna Verdoni was our event specialist, and she was EXCELLENT! Gianna and her team were friendly, patient, professional, and flexible. Gianna kept in touch with us throughout the planning process, making herself available whenever we had a question, concern, or simply needed advice. She made us feel so comfortable, it felt as if we were working with an old friend. As soon as we stepped into our reception, Gianna and her team put us at complete ease. Merri-Makers truly made the vision for our wedding a reality, and we couldn’t be more grateful or pleased. We highly recommend their services!

Last Friday, December 9th, we had our wedding at the Ashford. All I can say is, WOW! It was everything I imagined and more! From the beginning, Laura D kept in touch with me about every single thing for our wedding. God bless her because I must have sent her 100 emails and she always emailed or called me back fast with a kind hearted response! The day of, Geri, Taylor, Lisa, and Laura were amazing! They made sure everything was perfect for us! They we're so gracious and helpful that we felt like superstars! I adore them and they are such a huge part of the reason why our day was so very special! The food was outstanding, and they even set up cocktail hour food for my husband and I in the salon right after the ceremony. We munched and then we're ready to greet our guests. The staff was fantastic. They were the nicest people and so much fun! As all the guests were dancing, it was great to see the staff getting down as well (big shout out to Seth for showing us his dance moves!) If you are torn between having your wedding between The Ashford and another location, GO WITH THE ASHFORD! You will not regret it, and it will be the best moment of your life.

Our September wedding at The Ashford Estate has been described over and over by our guests (and even people who just saw the pictures) as "a fairy tale." But, to us, it was the culmination of more than a year's worth of coordination with one of the most amazing groups of professionals ever! From our first meeting with Laura to our incredible tasting experience (which made it really hard to narrow down our menu) to our maître d' meeting and rehearsal with Kelsey to our wedding day with Kelsey and Lisa, Merri-Makers greatly exceeded our expectations and even our wildest dreams! Laura was incredibly responsive to my many, many questions, especially in the weeks leading up to the wedding. At our rehearsal and on the day of the wedding, Kelsey and Lisa made sure everything went smoothly and tended to our every need (and even things we didn't know we needed). And, despite hosting several beautiful weddings that weekend, the entire Merri-Makers team, including the first-class wait staff, made us feel like our wedding was uniquely special and important. We were able to enjoy our wedding day without any concerns that our guests would be treated with respect and receive impeccable service, and we had the wedding of our dreams! The only downside is that, despite having the best day of our lives, we can only get married once...but, true to form, Merri-Makers has invited us to come back for our anniversaries or when we're in the area. And, of course, we'll be taking them up on that offer :-)

Where do I begin? My husband and I were lucky enough to be married at The Ashford Estate last month and I can say that they surpassed our wildest dreams of what our wedding would be like. From that very first visit with Laura 15 months before the wedding, down to the very day of our wedding I couldn't believe how easy they made the process. With a background in event planning I was concerned that I would be managing my wedding throughout the day. Everyone at Merri-Makers and Ashford made sure that the only thing that we were focused on was taking in the day and having an amazing time. They thought of everything and if they noticed that something wasn't right they took the initiative to make it right without stressing anyone out. The grounds at The Ashford are stunning-- everything from the surrounding area, to the charming barn that we were married in, to the jaw-dropping beauty of the ballroom. The food was exceptional and our guests said it was the best food they've ever had at a wedding. As the cherry on top, we were lucky enough to have rented The Estate for the entire night so both my grooms family and my own family were able to stay in the 12 guest rooms upstairs, that are truly nicer than any five star hotel's accommodations. I can't thank Merri-Makers and Ashford enough for helping provide my husband and I the wedding of our dreams! We are so excited to be coming back next summer when my sister gets married there and I know her wedding with be just as perfect! You are the best!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! Xo, Kait and Dan

We were happy with the food and the atmosphere. The golf course is beautiful. The value is good for everything you get. The billing/contract process and general communication were unorganized.

My husband and I got married at The Ashford Estate a little over a month ago and it truly was a fairytale wedding! From the amazing grounds, to the wonderful staff, to the amazing food, everything was just absolutely perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding! The staff was so professional and attentive and made my day completely stress-free. From the start of the planning process, Laura was absolutely amazing! She always made herself available to answer all of our questions that we had and truly made the wedding planning easy! She was there on our wedding day to make sure everything went as planned. Gianna, as well as all of the wedding attendants (I have to mention Taylor as well!), were by my side the entire day and were so pleasant and helpful! Our wedding was truly a dream come true! Our family members and guests are still raving about how wonderful our wedding was! Thank you to all of the staff at Merri-Makers for all of your hard work in making our day so magical! It was by far the best day of our lives!! The Ashford Estate is hands down the best venue in the Tri-State area! Thank you!! 09.16.2016

As the Mother of the Bride, I thought I would tell everyone what an amazing experience this was for our entire family! From the very first visit, the professionalism of the staff rivals the beauty of the location. Worth every penny.. can't tell you the number of guests who raved about the venue, food and overall ambience. If I had another daughter, we would be back!!

From the very beginning of our visits to different venues, Neshanic Valley Golf Course and the staff of Merri-Makers Catering impressed us. Simply put, they stood out against the rest. Their pricing is also very reasonable, in my opinion, which I know is a very important aspect of choosing a venue. What I'm sure to often be an overwhelming process of planning a wedding, became incredibly easy. The entire staff of the venue and catering company were extremely efficient and helpful. They offered insights and guidance for a planning process that we had obviously never been through prior. Our event manager, Gianna Verdoni, her assistant, Rachel, and property manger, Justin all make a phenomenal team. We simply cannot express our gratitude enough for how hard they worked to make our wedding day as special as it was. They made it look easy and the day ran flawlessly. Our only regret is that we were unable to work with Gianna earlier in the process. She was efficient, helpful, and knowledgeable from the moment that we began to work with her. It is easy to tell that she is passionate about what she does. We feel extremely lucky to have met and worked with her. It has been 2 weeks since our wedding and we are still receiving compliments from our families, friends and guests. Many of whom say that it was the best wedding they had been to in a long time! We give all the credit to our wonderful vendors, especially Neshanic Valley Golf Course and Merri-Makers Catering. Without them the day could not have been as perfect as it was. We highly recommend!!

Mary from Merri-Makers made our wedding day perfect in every way. They were super accommodating, answering questions, taking requests, and being an overall sounding board throughout the planning process. And to be honest, I have to say that everything from Nicole's review on 8/29 was the same for us. Ellie and Colleen ensured the staff was professional. We truly had nothing to worry about and that allowed us to focus our energies on our family and friends. It was a truly exceptional experience and I hope to visit Bonnet with my groom for many years to come as we've been invited to do. Truly, it was magical and Merri-Makers was an integral part of that.

Our wedding was on September 3rd, 2016! We had the most fantastic and memorable day at The Ashford Estate. From the beautiful landscapes, to the gorgeous barn where we had our ceremony, are to die for! The main estate and ballroom are out of a fairytale, for sure! Our day was just magical! This venue is truly a spectacular place. Everywhere you look there is a gorgeous 'backdrop'. That helps when you have an amazing photographer like Kay English. Our photos are absolutely gorgeous with the help of these gorgeous grounds The Ashford Estate has! The entire process was amazing as well. We worked with Laura, who was fantastic the entire time. From phone calls and emails, to our meetings leading up to the day, it was all such an enjoyable process. The entire Ashford Estate and Merri-Makers team make the planning extremely easy and incredible. Taylor and Lisa were our bridal assistants. Helping me out all morning, then attending to my husband and I the entire evening. So eager to help and make our nights as enjoyable as possible. They were absolute dolls, too! The 12 beautiful suites they accommodate in the main estate are pristine in every way possible. Each room has its own decor style and feel. The bridal suite is such a dreamy room. We loved staying here and so did our guests. Merri-Makers did an awesome job as well! The food was out of this world amazing! From cocktail hour, up until our dessert displays, everything was on point! Our guests were in awe with every detail during cocktail hour. Our dinner courses were spectacular!!! You will not regret having your gorgeous wedding day at The Ashford Estate! We highly recommend it!

We had such a great experience and a beautiful wedding at Neshanic! Venue is so nice and the entire staff was amazing! Highly recommend!

Very accommodating! They made an entirely vegetarian menu for me and it was fabulous!! Staff is very nice. Scenery is beautiful, peaceful, classy.

I was married at The Ashford Estate this past April (2016). From my first visit, Laura and her team were extremely accomadating and helpful from touring us around the Estate to customizing a menu for our wedding. Each bridal attendant was amazing - from driving me around on a impromptu golf cart ride, to carrying emergency kits ranging from sewing kits to snacks. Every detail of the day was thoroughly planned out allowing me to feel worry free. The grounds were breathtaking and the food was exquisite; I could not have envisioned a more perfect day. My experience with Merri-Makers was pure excellence.

Dream wedding is an understatement. For years I joked with my family and friends that I would get married at Bonnet Island Estate. We knew the minute we walked in for the tour with Mary, from Merri-Makers, that this was our wedding venue. It was so beautiful by itself there wasn’t much left to do besides show up! Mary was definitely an added bonus. She was so helpful throughout the entire planning process. The day of the wedding went so smoothly. I was weary about a Friday wedding but being able to get into the estate by 10am made the day feel less rushed and allowed us to relax before the big event. Ellie and Colleen were AMAZING and were there for us every step of the way that day. Most importantly our wedding was a lot of fun. We felt like everything came together perfectly with the help of the staff, they were extremely accommodating and professional. We have gotten so many compliments about the entire day. Everything from the beautiful venue, the delicious food, to the amazingly attentive staff. We cannot thank you enough for making our day one that not only we will remember but one that our guests will be talking about for years to come! We stopped by a few days after the wedding to pick up a few things. As we left we were told to come back to visit, take anniversary or family pictures anytime since we are now part of the Bonnet Island Family.

My daughter had to cancel her wedding at The Ashford 14 months prior to her date and they have insisted that we pay for the entire amount (venue and catering). Please beware before signing their contract!

The Ashford Estate provided an all around amazing experience. As for Merri-Makers, we got more compliments throughout the night about how fantastic the food was than anything else at the wedding. The food was above and beyond. I have a couple chefs in my family and they even raved about the food. People said it was the best food that they had ever had at a wedding before. Thank you Merri-Makers for making the wedding wonderful!

My husband and I had our reception at the Asford Estate in April of this year and worked very closely with the Merri-Makers team up until the big day. They have the most amazing team who go above and beyond to make sure everything is taken care of on the big day and that YOU as the couple are happy and relaxed the entire time. Their team is super organized, experienced, friendly, and honest (which weighs very heavily when you are planning such a special event). They recommended almost all the of the vendors we decided to work with and also reminded us of things we may not have considered/thought about during the planning process. The Bridal/Groom attendants the day of were extremely professional - they were constantly 3 steps ahead of us in terms of the layout of the day and always made sure we were comfortable. We absolutely loved their entire team - they are a special bunch! We received a compliment from every guest at our wedding on how amazing the venue, Merri-Makers team, and food was! It was the most spectacular day and their team definitely made it all the more special.

I literally cannot say enough about how wonderful everything at the Ashford Estate was. I had my dream wedding at this magical venue on 7/2/16. From the minute I stepped on the ground for my initial venue visit, I was in love. Ashford Estate is literally the most beautiful wedding venue I have ever been at. The grounds are immaculate and picturesque - tons of great spots for photos. I love that everything is on site- and the different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception keep the day unfolding for guests like little surprises. The food was excellent! We had salmon and Chateaubriand for our dinner choices and I've never seen so many plates licked clean at a wedding. My guests also told me that they were offered second helpings as there was extra in the kitchen - what a nice touch! The cocktail hour food was amazing as well, as were our strolling desserts - guests thought this idea was different and fun and couldn't stop raving about the options. More than anything, what puts Ashford Estate over the top were the absolutely amazing on site staff. Laura of Merrimakers was by far the most attentive, responsive and wonderful person that I could have asked for in planning my wedding. I am in PR and have planned many events and she and her staff were like I had 100 versions of myself day-of. I like to have my hands in everything to make sure it's all perfect and I have never met anyone who could replicate things exactly as I would have done it. Laura totally got me and my vision and I felt like I could relax and TOTALLY trusted her and her team the day of. Kelsey of Merrimakers was our maitre'd and was equally as amazing as Laura -helping my day run smoothly. I will honestly miss Laura - she was such a pleasure and so much fun to work with - I felt like she became a friend! Lastly, my bridal attendants, Taylor and Lisa, were so BEYOND amazing and attentive. They made sure me and my groom always had drinks and were able to eat, literally had everything ready and prepared for me before I even thought of it myself. For example, they brought my lipstick from the bridal salon to the sweetheart table in case I needed touch ups. I cannot say enough about everyone at Ashford Estate. There was not one thing that went wrong, the venue is perfect, the gardens are perfect, the food is perfect, the staff is perfect. I cannot recommend them enough! They gave this bride her dream wedding and allowed her to relax throughout the day!

I cannot begin to describe how much fun we had at our wedding at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course. The space is absolutely stunning and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure your special day runs as smoothly as possible. This includes Andrea, the on-site coordinator, getting on the phone with the hotel and reaming them out over them screwing us over on the shuttles that were part of our contract. She literally took all of the stress off or my shoulders. She is the nicest person ever, but will be that little pit bull you need when you need it. The guests have not stopped raving about how delicious the food was, especially the filet mignon. Seriously, get the filet mignon. And I have to disagree with the "$$$" that the Knot has listed for this venue. I would say its more of a 2 dollar sign expense. Not only is the catering itself less expensive than many Jersey hot spots, but since the ceremony space overlooks the golf course and rolling hills, you can save tons of money by not having to really decorate the ceremony space. We literally didn't have any decorations at the space aside from a large scoreboard my dad made (we had a baseball themed wedding) that was placed at the entrance to the space. Additionally, the tables inside the reception space are long, skinny oval tables. This helps lessen the cost of centerpieces. Rather than needing to fill the bulk of unused space on a circular table, you can get away with something simple like a few mixed size candles. Personally, we did a mini locker in the middle of the table with a cylindrical vase on each size filled with peanuts, a baseball, and a pennant flag for the "table number" aka the different baseball team we named each table. Each table cost us approximately $20 to decorate rather than $75 plus you would spend with a florist. Overall, this venue gives you the most bang for your buck. Beautiful scenery, amazing staff, delicious food, great pricing, and best of all, a night you won't forget.

I have to admit I was Skeptical on using a caterer. I was expecting subpar banquet food, but Merri Makers out did themselves with Their amazing food! Large entree portions, equisitely paired sides, beautiful final touches on every plate. My guests raved about the food and service! Thanks so much and where can I go to order the pecan and maple salmon to have it again? Yum!

My now husband (!!!) and I got married at the Ashford Estate last weekend. From the very beginning planning stages through the day after the wedding the staff at Ashford were absolutely amazing!!! I cannot speak highly enough about the entire experience. Laura D. helped us plan the entire day and she was incredibly helpful, insightful, and accommodating. She helped to ensure that we had the best vendors, helped us to pick out the menu during the tasting event, and made sure that every single thing ran smoothly on the day of the wedding. The Ashford Estate in itself is absolutely magical. We held the ceremony on site in the barn, then did cocktail hour in the conservatory and library, and also had an after party in the library after the reception ended. The entire staff was so nice and helpful and my bridal attendants throughout the day were incredible. They had a tide stick in hand during a food stain emergency, they made sure that my husband and I ate dinner, and even stood outside in the cold with me during pictures to hold onto my jacket. The food from Merri-Makers catering was delicious and so many of our guests have told us that it didn't taste like your typical wedding food. We served our meal family-style and all of our guests were so pleased with it. The entire catering company and staff were very careful and accommodating with many food allergies and they even brought tables seconds without being asked. Being able to stay on-site the night of was also key. The bridal suite is one of a kind and all of the guest rooms are incredibly nice and clean. It was so nice being able to get ready in one place and then stay that night. Overall I cannot say enough about our entire experience at Ashford. My wedding day was hands down the best day of my life and so much of that has to do with being at the perfect venue. If I could do it all over again I would in a heart beat. If you can afford it I absolutely recommend getting married at Ashford!!!

If you are searching for a truly spectacular wedding venue, look no further! The Ashford Estate is the MOST stunningly beautiful venue around. We just had our wedding there last weekend and the day played out like a real fairytale. Everything went flawlessly. Laura is an absolutely pleasure to work with. She helped to make the planning process so easy and fun. Her and the rest of the staff were incredible the day of. They are extremely helpful and you get treated like king and queen. We are still hearing reviews from our guests about the "best wedding" they've ever been to. I would highly recommend using their preferred vendors. They are all true professionals who throw weddings at the Ashford all the time and they know what works and what doesn't. We are so lucky to have been able have our wedding here. Once you see this venue, nothing else will compare to it!

The minute we walked onto the Ashford property, we knew we wanted to get married there and start our life in the most glamourous way possible. As an Ashford bride and groom, you work directly with Merri Makers throughout the entire wedding planning process as they are the ones on-site the day of your wedding. Our first meeting with Merri Makers was with a former employee who wasn't exceptional or knowledgable about anything. Unfortunately, we had a less than average experience with him but fortunately enough, he was dismissed about 10 months before our big day and Laura came to the rescue!! If you decide to get married at The Ashford Estate or if you ever use Merri Makers you must work with Laura -- she is AMAZING!!! Once Laura was brought up to speed, our planning went super smooth, organized and precise, which is what I expected as a PR and Marketing professional. The day of our wedding, we were blown away by the service from the entire Merri Makers staff. They were super friendly to our guests, you can tell they enjoy working weddings, and we never needed to ask for anything as they were thinking two steps ahead of us the entire day. Anytime my husband thought, "I need another cocktail," Laura and her team where there with a fresh drink. They also took cares of our parents and made sure they felt extra special that day. We truly felt like a King and Queen the day we said, "I do!" From the amazing food, to the service and beyond Merri Makers at The Ashford Estate truly made all of our wedding day dreams come true!!! We wish we could live our wedding day over and over again!

Great day! Very on top of things day of. Food was great!

Everything about the Ashford Estate is perfect! The moment you drive into the estates grounds you are welcomed with a tree lined driveway that leads you to the beautiful estate and chapel/barn. This place is perfection and the only way to value you that is to pay a visit! The staff at the venue executed our wedding perfectly and there was not one detail that was missed. There are 12 sleeping rooms in the estate so you and your family can stay overnight and have a farewell breakfast the next day. The flow of the venue works so well.. Guests arrive to the barn for the ceremony, they are then escorted to cocktail hour which is an exquisite room with picturesque views of the grounds. After cocktails you are brought into the reception hall which exemplifies elegance. The venue is an absolute fairytale - no other venue even comes close to comparison!

We had Merri Makers Catering for our wedding at Bonnet Island Estate. THE FOOD WAS PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cocktail hour was the absolute best that we have ever been too! Dinner was delicious too!!!!!! They were so flexible in allowing us to customize our cocktail hour and everything came out perfectly! Not only was the food delicious, but the presentation was GORGEOUS too! Thank you so much!! :) Lindsay & Brian

Our wedding day at this venue was perfect. It is absolutely gorgeous, of course. Everything is so clean and neat and new feeling, but it is definitely not a cookie-cutter venue. A lot of the places I looked at looked kind of the same, but the Ashford really stands apart. Not only is it gorgeous, but the staff are so professional and helpful. Laura (our coordinator) was amazingly responsive and helpful. The entire staff not only helped me with whatever I asked, they often provided help with things I didn't even know I wanted or needed. If you can swing the price tag, you won't regret it.

The team at Neshanic Valley was great! Mackenzie was my bridal assistant and she was amazing :) Unfortunately, it was a little hectic (as I'm sure most weddings are) but I felt a little lost at times.

Merri Makers were amazing. People from the wedding are still talking about the food. But as the bride, I was more impressed by their attentiveness to our guests. Especially my parents since my mom is in a wheelchair. They brought her small plates of food during the cocktail hour and made sure that my parents got a sundae from the sundae bar. Thank you for helping give my parents an exceptional night!

We hired Merri-Makers Catering at The Ashford Estate recently to cater our daughter's wedding. They did a magnificent job! Our guests were so impressed with the quality, abundance, and presentation of the food as well as the impeccable service. The comments were glowing. They were professional, accommodating, and the staff was spot on! We highly recommend them for any occasion and could not have been more pleased at our event.

Merrimakers catering at Neshanic Valley Golf course was a perfect location for a wedding. Wendy the catering and wedding coordinator was great. She made sure we had a perfect wedding day and helped us plan out the logistics and details, so that everything would be smooth sailing. Our wedding day was absolutely flawless. While they have some preset menus, they are flexible with mixing and matching menu item. And let me tell you...the food is amazing (I highly recommend the Filet Mignon)! Compared to other venues in the area, Neshanic is definitely priced right. We had about 150 people and there was plenty of room. It was so nice to have access to the deck all night (where the bar is located) so people could spread out and enjoy the outside space as well. One tip: make sure you ask ahead of time where you can take pictures on the property during golfing hours

Merrimakers was the only option at Bonnet Island Estate, their food and service was great!

MerriMakers was my caterer at Bonnet Island Estate and they were amazing. They are very accommodating (you can create a menu from scratch if you wish), the process of creating a menu was super easy and fun, and the food / display was outstanding! Everyone raved about the food afterwards.

The food was absolutely delicious and a lot of my guests came up to me just to tell me it was one of the best meals they had ever eaten! The staff worked hard to make sure we had everything we needed.