Are you interested in learning a little more about the hardworking staff that executes events at the Versailles Ballroom? Today, we are sharing a Q&A with our Catering Sales Team.

Located inside the Ramada Toms River is the beautiful Versailles Ballroom. This venue is a one stop shop for your wedding or special event. The Catering Sales Team works around the clock preparing for your special day, ensuring every detail will be perfect. They want you to trust that your wedding or event is in excellent hands. You may have read their bios; however, I wanted to dive deeper into the conversation by hosting a Q&A with our Catering Sales Team.

Let’s start with Debbie Fernicola, our Catering Sales Coordinator:

• Q: Hey Debbie! Tell us a little about yourself or your family.
• A: I’m a proud mother of a beautiful 12 year old girl.
• Q: Why did this type of work interest you?
• A: I have worked in the wedding industry for over 14 years and love helping brides and grooms plan the happiest day of their lives.
• Q: How did you get started in the catering sales department at Hotels Unlimited Inc? How long have you been working here?
• A: I worked for 9 years as a banquet captain running the weddings and wanted to be more involved in the planning process which brought me to the catering sales side. I have been with Hotels Unlimited for 11 years.
• Q: What is your favorite thing about the Versailles Ballroom?
• A: Of course our beautiful ballroom, gorgeous chandeliers, the professional staff and friendly people you meet every day.
• Q: Who is your role model?
• A: Luke Bryan
• Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
• A: Answering emails, returning phones calls, reaching out to past, present and future clients, meeting new clients for different types of events😊
• Q: What’s your spirit animal?
• A: Dolphin
• Q: What’s your favorite wedding trend for 2020?
• A: Different color dresses, flowers, styles, etc.
• Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
• A: Getting the best reviews after a wedding. About how their experience with me was easy and carefree. I want my brides and grooms to feel that they can trust me 110%. I will do everything to make sure your wedding planning is fun, flawless and stress-free.😊.
• Q: If you could offer advice or words of encouragement to newly engaged couples who book Versailles Ballroom, what would you say?
• A: Make sure you take at least 2 minutes to sit back and look around. Enjoy every second, because the day goes by so quickly.

Next we have Melissa Ginolfi, our Catering Sales Director:

• Q: Tell us a little about yourself, Melissa!
• A: I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in hotel, restaurant management. I have been married for almost 11 years and have an amazing little boy that keeps me very busy but incredibly happy!
• Q: Why did this type of work interest you?
• A: I worked at a bakery in high school and always thought it would be so great to be on the other side of the phone, like the people that we’re ordering the wedding cakes from. When the time was right I contacted one of my bakery clients and did an internship in a sales office. I have always loved the excitement of every event and putting together so many fun ideas.
• Q: How did you get started in the catering sales department at Hotels Unlimited Inc? How long have you been working here?
• A: I sent my resume over to The Ramada in Toms River because I was looking for a new challenge. Within a few hours I received a phone call from the owner who then set up an interview with me. Within 1 week I was the banquet/ sales manager for the Days Hotel in Toms River. After a year in that position I had my son and fully transitioned to sales. I have been with the company 10 years (4 ½ years at Days, 4 years at Doubletree, and 1 ½ years at Ramada so far).
• Q: What is your favorite thing about the Versailles Ballroom?
• A: Our beautiful unique chandeliers.
• Q: Who is your role model and why?
• A: My role model is my dad. No matter what life throws at him he deals with it in the most positive amazing way. He has taught me to be strong, confident, and positive no matter what the situation.
• Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
• A: My day starts with coffee, always! Then I answer all my emails, listen to voice messages and get back to anyone waiting for a response. I check the ballroom to make sure it is open and ready to show new tours. It is always exciting to meet new people every day!
• Q: What’s your spirit animal?
• A: Not sure on this one! A quiz I took said a dog but I think I would go with a Jaguar.
• Q: What’s your favorite wedding trend for 2020?
• A: Fun color accessories, like the bride’s shoes!
• Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
• A: Watching brides walk down the aisle.
• Q: If you could offer advice or words of encouragement to newly engaged couples who book Versailles Ballroom, what would you say?
• A: Make sure your wedding is yours! Friends and family members have a lot of opinions and you should do what makes you happy!

Now it is time to meet with the famous Angel, the Versailles Ballroom Banquet Manager for the past 20 years!

• Q: Hi Angel, Tell us a little about yourself.
• A: My name is Angel Andrade, I am the Banquet Manager here at the Versailles Ballroom for the past 20 years. I have 3 beautiful children.
• Q: Why did this type of work interest you?
• A: I enjoy working with the couples and helping execute their big days. From the beginning of the day to the very end, seeing the smile on their face and hearing the great feedback after is the best accomplishment in the world.
• Q: What is your favorite thing about the Versailles Ballroom?
• A: The best part for me is our beautiful ballroom, our stunning cocktail hour. Each wedding and event is different and memorable here at the Versailles.
• Q: Who is your role model?
• A: My kids.
• Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
• A: Setting up the décor for my brides, making sure the ballroom is set exactly to how they envisioned it,  the staff is ready to go with friendly, smiling faces and most important, make sure the couple has the best time of their life.
• Q: What’s your spirit animal?
• A: Dog
• Q: What’s your favorite wedding trend for 2020?
• A: Different themes and colors
• Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
• A: Making sure every event is 110% happy
• Q: If you could offer advice or words of encouragement to newly engaged couples who book Versailles Ballroom, what would you say?
• A: Be sure to take a few minutes to sit back and look around. Take in everything around you. This is everything you dreamed of. Enjoy every second of this incredible day as Mr. & Mrs.:)
• Q: Such a great reminder! Thank you for your time.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about the Versailles Ballroom Catering Staff through this interview. Each member of the team is crucial in the wedding planning process. They are with you every step of the way from the initial tour until happily ever after.

To read our staff bios, click here.

Still have some questions? Feel free to send over your questions for our catering sales team here!