Our Staff

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Abbey Casteel, Director of Events

  1. Do you have any talents or passions that most people don’t know about you? I love to cook! I find great joy and pride in taking scratch ingredients and ending up with something delicious. Two of my favorite things to make are chicken pot pie (homemade pie dough being the most important part) and sourdough bread.
  2. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? My sense of calm and patience. Working with so many different personalities and dealing with scenarios often beyond my control, I’ve learned to roll with the punches and laugh it off all the while.
  3. Favorite drink? I believe in the 3 drink theory haha - caffeinate, alleviate, hydrate. You can usually find a water, coffee (salted toffee nut cold brew) and black unsweetened iced tea on my desk at any given time.
  4. Favorite snack? I love candy - sour punch straws, sour patch kids, gummy bears.
  5. When you aren’t making dreams come true at Monte Bello what do you do in your free time? Hang with friends and family! I love hosting a game night, or can make a full afternoon of walking around Target and Home Goods, and have weekly Sunday family dinners.
  6. Favorite flower? I wish peony season lasted all year!! And appreciate when dahlias finally bloom to fill that void.
  7. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello? Sending the bride down the aisle. I still get the chills after all this time!
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Sara Nili

  1. Do you have any talents or passions that most people don’t know about you? I know way too many shark facts because I am passionately terrified of them but also respect them.
  2. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I love collaborating with our couples on how we can assist in elevating their wedding day; and with our staff on how we can continue to strive for our Monte Bello standards of excellence. It may have been my time spent in the fast-paced world of Fashion PR in New York that honed my skills of problem solving under pressure…or maybe it’s just from raising three wild, little boys.
  3. Favorite drink? Far Niente Chardonnay
  4. Favorite snack? Chocolate chip cookies. All kinds. Especially our Late Night Snack- Cookies & Milk bar!
  5. When you aren’t making dreams come true at Monte Bello what do you do in your free time? I have three very little, very wild boys that keep me busy! We love camping, painting, trampolining 24/7, and Jui Jitsu. Besides my three boys, husband, and extended family, Monte Bello is truly the other love of my life and my girly outlet. I love being here and you might even see me planting flowers around the estate or driving my wild boys on the golf cart!
  6. Favorite flower? I LOVE gardening with my mom and have so many favorites, but Dahlias and Lily of the Valley are my most favorites...also coneflowers, white roses, lilac, lupine, cosmos
  7. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello- When our MB couple sneaks away to take the most romantic sunset photos together. Those are the photos that always make me cry so feel free to send your online wedding photos to me so we can keep your wedding going even after your wedding day!!

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Taylor Leonard, Venue Coordinator

Email Taylor

  1. Do you have any talents or passions that most people don’t know about you? I make the best grilled cheese!
  2. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? My relaxed and patient personality. When couples need to make last minute changes, I am ready to go with the flow.
  3. Favorite drink? Any refresher from Starbucks will put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.
  4. Favorite snack? I'm a big savory and sweet girl. I love goldfish or cheez-its but would have to pair it with some ice cream or cookies right after.
  5. When you aren’t making dreams come true at Monte Bello what do you do in your free time? I love to go on new adventures and road trips with my friends and families. I'm always making trips to my aunts lake house in Michigan during the summer and long road trips to my best friends property in Iowa during the fall and spring. I am always on the go and ready to try new things!
  6. Favorite flower? I love a simple rose. They are so elegant, timeless, and hold a special place in my childhood memories.
  7. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello - I love seeing the party get started. Once it’s time to dim the lights and the music starts pumping the space starts to feel so lively!
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Lauren Krzos, Venue Coordinator

Email Lauren

  1. Do you have any talents or passions that most people don’t know about you? I have a passion for gardening and decorating my home! Since becoming a homeowner in 2022, you can find me at Home Depot looking for new flowers to plant or Home Goods on the hunt for new home decor!
  2. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I pride myself on my time management skills and being able to find solutions to any obstacle while being calm and optimistic under pressure. I look at each event as a fresh opportunity for me to help fulfill someone’s dream.
  3. Favorite drink? Blackberry White Claw and water…it’s all about balance!!
  4. Favorite snack? I have a major sweet tooth...ice cream and sour patch kids are my go-to snacks! I believe there’s always room for dessert.
  5. When you aren’t making dreams come true at Monte Bello what do you do in your free time?You may find me on a roof top patio enjoying drinks with my friends or snuggled up on the couch planning my own wedding. I love spending time with my fiancé + family and exploring with my two dogs Cali & Dakota!
  6. Favorite flower-There are too many to choose from but my top two are Peonies and Hydrangeas
  7. Favorite part of a wedding at Monte Bello- I have many!! The room reveals, seeing the reactions of our couples when they finally get to see all their planning come together on their wedding day is very fulfilling. Another favorite of mine is sending the bride down the aisle for the ceremony!! I get teary eyed every time I send her to marry the love of her life.
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