We’ve recently welcomed a new member to our Wedding Team here at Smiths Hotel! Ashley joined us a couple of months ago …. we’ve convinced her to introduce herself!
My name is Ashley Louise Conlan and I am 18 years old. I studied at Annan Academy for 6 years then furthered my education at Dumfries & Galloway College studying another 3 Highers last year. Before starting at Smiths hotel I used to work at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village for over a year. I was first employed when the shop was just being refurbished ready to open so it was a great experience to be a part of opening a new, exciting and fashionable store. It was sad to leave there but I’m pleased to have taken a step towards my future career (hopefully as an Events Manager!).
My role as a wedding coordinator I do everything from answering the phones, taking bookings for weddings, decorating the Bride & Groom’s function room with their chosen favours, sprinkles & table decorations, put buttonholes on wedding guests, look after the Bride & Groom by ensuring their wedding day runs smoothly, putting the bride into her wedding dress, helping brides and bridesmaids get into the cars that take them to the wedding venue & witness weddings for couples that are eloping.
The best part about being a wedding coordinator is being hands on with the bride & groom – literally (as I sometimes have to put the bride in her dress or put a buttonhole on the groom). I am able to create more of a relationship with the couple by making sure their wedding day runs perfectly and they have a lovely time. I also love decorating the function rooms as I feel I am very creative and have a good attention to detail.
I am excited about progressing and being able to book a wedding from the very beginning and seeing it through until the newly married couple check out. I am also excited about looking after a larger wedding with around 75-100 guests as I love a challenge and I would love to say the wedding ran just as smoothly as a smaller wedding.
The biggest challenge so far has to be days when we’re VERY, VERY busy! I was on my feet for most of the day looking after the wedding parties marking sure each party was made to feel special and ensuring they received the best Smiths has to offer. The hotel was buzzing with people with nearly 100 guests being treated to the Smiths experience at about the same time! The time flew by because I was so occupied with making sure every wedding had a great experience at Smiths hotel. It was tiring but rewarding at the same time.
Welcome to the Smiths family Ashley!