Meet Our Team

Linda and Craig Merrill - Owners

In 2017, Linda and Craig purchased Magnolia Manor and began its transformation 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 here 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 Senior Wedding and Events coordinator ever since – managing our bride’s big day and making sure every detail, down to the last flower petal – is perfect.

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 almost 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.