Merri-makers/ Sandy Hook Site

Food: The food was out of this world. We went with a duet of beef and tilapia. Coupled with the passed hors'dourves, our guests were impressed and well-fed. We upgraded portions of the bar menu at moderate-to-no-costs, depending on the liquor/beer. Staff: Our coordinator, Rose, was responsive every step of the way from the time we booked (a month after we got engaged, 9 months before the wedding) to the day of the wedding. She also manages the tent rentals, if you choose to use one (which we did and which we were very pleased with). We are a mildly laid-back couple but with specific visions, and she was very open to our ideas. She helped us find our wonderful florist as well.Our maitre'd, Geri, met with us a week before the wedding, at the rehearsal, and was always within sight on our wedding day. Very attentive and knowledgeable, without being overbearing. The rest of the staff that we encountered were helpful and efficient. They went above and beyond cleaning up the grounds of the chapel on the morning of the wedding, which was really the responsibility of Sandy Hook.Merri-Makers took the highest percentage of our budget, but we absolutely feel it was worth it.

Grade: A-They are the exclusive caterers at this site. We actually kind of had some doubts based on some of the reviews that we had read and the food at the tasting, but they really came through. The food was way better than it had been at the tasting. Most importantly, they were TREMENDOUSLY accomodating to our unique, quirky tastes:We wanted a veggie meal that wasn't just pasta - they came up with a great polenta napoleon that was actually the best-rated entree even amongst all the meat-eaters.We totally re-arranged their set menus, and they were like, "sure."We asked for a higher-end beer option, and they gave it to us at no extra charge.We wanted the cocktail hour before the ceremony, they said, "no problem."It is these little unique and personalized elements that people complimented us for (we had no idea starting with the cocktail hour would be so popular, and at least it meant that I did not have to walk down the aisle alone since my father was 30min late). There were a couple of places for improvement (having two buffet stations so that people didn't have to wait so long and the food got a bit cold; also, we purposely got vanilla and chocolate cake so people would have a choice and explained that to them, but they served the vanilla first, then the chocolate) but when you are doing as much work as them, it is hard to be perfect.

The food was phenomenal. The staff was less than good. They were rude to guests and to the bridal party. They made promises that were not kept. Overall wish I would have went somewhere else

the most magical experience ever they were the best!!!

Reception/Ceremony Site: Merri-Makers @ Robert B. Meyner Reception Center on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center: They did a fantastic job! So many people came up to me and asked how I found it and that they never knew it existed: even though they had been to the arts center many times. The grounds were beautiful as you could see from the pictures and didn’t even need much decoration. Everything inside and out looked truly beautiful and elegant. The food was delicious imo and I’m a bride who actually ate! I was most happy with the service- it was impeccable. Our maitre d’, Carol, was great and so helpful. She was always around when we needed her, and unobtrusive. When I dripped dip on my dress, she had the tide to go for me. It was great!