Who We Are

The mission of Merryl Brown Events is to produce beautiful, elegant experiences and events that are unparalleled in their creativity and attention to detail.


 

Merryl Brown

Merryl Brown is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) as well as a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) with a Wedding Consultant designation. She has a Master's Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and was formerly an international banker with American Express Bank and Bankers Trust Company in New York. She is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish. She is the former Director of PR and Events at Saks Fifth Avenue, Santa Barbara. She is a former trustee of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where she produced many of their high-profile charitable events during her tenure on the board. She is a Lifetime Honorary Trustee of the beautiful botanical garden, Ganna Walska Lotusland, which is renowned for its sustainable horticultural practices. While serving on that board, she both created and produced their signature event, Lotusland Celebrates, for several years. Merryl is a former International Special Event Society, Ventura-Santa Barbara Chapter board member and served in the capacity of Vice President of Education/Programs and Vice President of Membership.

Merryl Brown Events was the Winner of the 2012 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SB) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award in the Category of Tourism and Hospitality and the winner of the 2011 BizBash West Award for Social Planner of the Year; the winner of the 2011 and 2012 ISES Esprit Award for Best Green Solution, winner of the 2011 and 2012 Association of Women in Communications Clarion Award for Best Fundraising Event. She was a 2012 ISES Esprit Award Finalist for Best Wedding in the $75k to $200k category.

Merryl Brown

Hanna Ashcraft

Event Associate

UC Berkeley alumni, Hanna received a Bachelor of Art with a major in Sociology and a minor in Art History. Hanna’s first exposure to the world of weddings was when she was a flower girl at age five and she’s been dreaming of weddings ever since! After college, Hanna went to Hawaii where she worked for an event planning company helping to produce weddings, social, and corporate events. Then she moved to Santa Barbara and lucky for us, she made it her home. As the newest member of the Merryl Brown Events team, she is overjoyed to work with venues, vendors, and our brides and grooms. Hanna is a strong team member with a delightful and charming presence, a bright mind and a gentle manner. She has a steadfast determination to see each event to reach its full and perfect potential. These qualities have made Hanna an invaluable addition to the team.

Hanna Ashcraft