MERRILL ASHLEY EVENTS

Luxury Wedding Planning & Design Lowcountry & Beyond

a vintage crest submark logo for a wedding planner with a handwritten font that says MA for merrill ashley events

Consider it handled

Luxury wedding planning, centered on what matters most to you.

From the first conversation to the final toast, I bring the planning and design together with a thoughtful eye and a steady hand. Based in Bluffton, SC, I plan weddings throughout Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Charleston — and for the right destination, anywhere in the world you dream of saying 'I do.'

Elegant tables set with white tablecloths, glassware, and floral arrangements, under a large white canopy with hanging floral decorations and potted trees, at an outdoor event space.
Entrance of elegant outdoor event tent with green and white drapes, greenery, and visible interior with people and floral decor.
Wedding ceremony setup outdoors on a grassy area near a waterfront with boats and a seaside building, with guests seated and a bride and groom walking.
A woman arranging a large bouquet of pink, white, and green flowers in a greenhouse.
A bride embraces a woman in a brown dress at a wedding reception with floral decorations and a large white tent.

The heart of it all

MEET MERRILL

I started teaching cotillion classes at Capital City Country Club in Atlanta, where I planned my first wedding at the Piedmont Driving Club. I haven't stopped since — and somewhere along the way, I realized I found my favorite job.

What I love most is getting to know my couples and all the little details that make them them. Where they met, their first date, the places they love to travel, even the meal they still talk about. I love finding ways to turn those stories into a wedding that feels personal, unexpected, and entirely their own. I also take plenty of inspiration from the natural beauty of the place we're celebrating, so no two weddings I design ever look quite the same.

Beyond the aisle...

A family of three outdoors, with the father kissing the child's cheek, the mother holding the smiling child, in a park or garden setting during sunset.

Outside of work, I'm usually planning a dinner party, hunting for an antique piece, or dreaming up our next trip. I love collecting traditions, recipes, and little finds along the way and bringing them home — and sometimes straight into an event.

I'm married to my college sweetheart, Andrew, and we have a son, David, who is so much fun. I lead my team and work with every couple the same way: with confidence, compassion, and grace.

The best celebrations linger

THE WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

We believe a wedding isn't a single event — it's a weekend of moments, each one an opportunity for your story and your guests to feel fully immersed. From the first hello to the last goodbye, every gathering is designed with the same care and intention.

The Welcome Party

The weekend begins with a little something to look forward to. A beautifully considered evening where your favorite people arrive, settle in, and raise the first glass to everything ahead.

The Rehearsal Dinner

A chance to slow down, gather around the table, and soak it all in. From the setting to the last toast, every detail is thoughtfully planned so you can be fully present with the people you love.

The Wedding Day

The main event, exactly as it should be. Every detail is designed with intention, from your first look to the last dance, so the only thing left for you to do is enjoy every second of it.

The Farewell Brunch

One last toast before everyone heads home. A relaxed, beautiful morning to linger a little longer, share stories from the night before, and savor one final moment together.

LET ME BRING IT ALL TOGETHER.


You bring the story — how you met, what you love, the people who matter most. I'll bring the experience, the details, and everything that turns it into a weekend that feels entirely yours.

From the first plan to the final toast, I'm here to make sure it all comes together beautifully — so you're free to simply enjoy it.

A few of our favorite moments

PLANNING PACKAGES & INVESTMENT

From month-of coordination to full-service planning, our services are designed to meet you wherever you are in the planning process. Whether you need someone to take the reins closer to the wedding or a creative partner from the very beginning, we offer flexible planning support tailored to your needs.

01.

YOU INQUIRE

Tell me a little about your wedding through the inquiry form, and I’ll be in touch within 2 days with my packages, availability, and next steps.

02.

WE CHAT

Choose a time to connect, then fill out a quick questionnaire so I can get to know you, your plans, and what you’re looking for before our call.

03.

WE PLAN

We’ll talk through your vision, answer any questions, and finalize the details together before officially getting everything on the calendar.

  • “Because of Merrill, we were able to truly relax and be present on our wedding day, knowing everything was in the best possible hands.”

    — BROOKE & CHESTON | BELFAIR | BLUFFTON, SC

  • "She genuinely cares about her couples and puts so much thought and heart into what she does."

    — BROOKE & CHESTON | BELFAIR | BLUFFTON, SC

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

LET ME TAKE IT FROM HERE.

Just share a little about you and your plans — I'll reach out soon so we can talk through the rest, together.

A CONVERSATION ON THE ART OF HOSTING

Merrill joins Dream Day Radio to share her approach to wedding etiquette, thoughtful hospitality, and creating celebrations that feel personal, comfortable, and entirely your own.

Listen to the Episode →