About Magnolia Manor
Magnolia Manor is a 10-acre wedding venue with a unique Old Florida style that mixes well with a natural backdrop of Oaks, Magnolias and Palm Trees. The natural beauty of the venue lends to any vision our couples may have for their big day, including yours! Magnolia Manor’s top priority is to ensure that our couples have the best day possible. We want you to enjoy the day that you have spent so many hours planning.
Magnolia Manor is a family owned and run venue. Our owners have been in the management arena for over 20 years while our in-house wedding coordinator graduated from one of the top five hospitality schools in the world and has over 300 weddings under her belt. Every detail of your special day is brought to life when you trust Magnolia Manor to host your wedding. Having our couples, and their guests, leave with a smile is the biggest compliment we could ever receive.
Meet Our Team
Linda and Craig Merrill - Owners
In 2017, Linda and Craig created Magnolia Manor and began its building it into what it is today. Prior to opening the venue, Linda owned and ran a successful Advertising and Sports Marketing Agency in Fort Lauderdale for 20 years. After being a part of the retirement world for a few weeks, she decided it wasn’t for her and began the search for something special. Craig has been a member of the Vero Beach community for over 35 years and runs a successful company in town. Linda has taken her knowledge of what a client wants and needs and combined it with Craig’s eye for detail to create the perfect wedding venue.
Lauren Russell - Senior Event Coordinator and Venue Manager
Graduating from Rosen School of Hospitality in 2011, Lauren received a degree in Event Management. Upon graduation she took a job as event coordinator in Orlando, Florida and held that position for 6 years. When Linda reached out to tell her about this new venue opportunity Lauren immediately jumped at the opportunity to help build something from the ground up. Joining the Magnolia Manor team in late 2017 she has been our Lead Wedding and Events Coordinator ever since – managing our couple’s big day and making sure every detail, down to the last flower petal – is a dream.
Jonathan Russell - Technical Director and In-House DJ
Jon has been a part of the music world since he was a small child. Originally starting out on the drums, he followed that passion throughout high school and on. Over time he added DJ to his repertoire and has been making people dance for over 10 years. Having worked at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, various corporate events, weddings and social gathering – Jon has done it all. While DJing, he also pursued a career in event set/design giving him the talents to build various set/prop pieces, run lighting/sound and event tech. He really is a jack of all trades, with whom you are in good hands.
PS – For the past 10 years Lauren and Jon have had the joy of being married to each other. This work/life relationship allows for a unique experience allowing all the details to be covered thoroughly leaving no stone unturned for every Magnolia Manor couple.
Additional Team Members
Included in the Magnolia Manor package is our on-site team which includes not only the above-mentioned members but the teams listed below:
- On-Site Assistant Wedding Coordinator
- Set Up Team
- Breakdown Team
- Event Team
