Deerfield, located in Newark, DE, is a premier destination for weddings and special events. We sat down to talk with the club’s catering sales manager, Angela Kaiser to find out what makes Deerfield special.
Angela, before we get started, could you share with us a little about how you came to find yourself at Deerfield?
I have been in the Hospitality Business for 26 years, beginning in the Banqueting Office at The Dorchester in London and then first coming to America on an 18 month Management Training program at the Hotel DuPont, in Wilmington Delaware while The Dorchester was closed to for extensive renovations. I returned to The Dorchester for a year and then made another move back “across the pond” to the Hotel DuPont early in 1992, as they were completing extensive renovations with new meeting space and completely renovated guest rooms. I was very fortunate to have held a variety of wonderful positions at the Hotel DuPont since I returned: Concierge, Front Desk Manager, Conference Service Manager and Room Reservation Manager. In 2004, I took a position at the Inn at Montchanin Village as Director of Sales and Catering, a restored 19th Century Hamlet with 28 uniquely designed guest rooms, wonderful meeting space and a private dining room. As Deerfield was getting ready to reopen as a public golf course and banquet facility, I was approached in early 2006 regarding a position in the Sales Office and here I am! I have been at Deerfield since day one, April 13, 2006, when it reopened. My responsibility is to book the beautiful banquet rooms and take care of all of the details for clients to ensure a successful event.
That’s a very impressive resume! Deerfield must be a pretty special place to be able to hold on to someone with your expertise. What makes Deerfield so unique?
The banquet facility at Deerfield is unlike anything in the area. From the ballroom with windows all around, to the views of the golf course and access to the outside terrace area, it is just a spectacular room to host an event. Deerfield is the perfect location for a wedding, whether just the reception or the ceremony and reception are planned. The grounds give wonderful opportunities for photographers to capture the bride and groom in a natural setting. The smaller Atriums and adjoining New Castle Room will work for a party or meeting from 20 guests, so whether it’s a small intimate affair like a meeting, birthday, anniversary or shower celebration or a large wedding, charity gala, or corporate meeting, Deerfield can accommodate it.
Do you have any upcoming events about which you’re particularly excited?
The Union Hospital Foundation has held it’s Charity Ball at Deerfield for the past four years. The event this year will be held on Saturday, November 16 and the theme is Destination Vegas! This is a big fundraising event for the hospital and they always have a great turnout with over 300 guests attending. There will be silent and live auction items and dancing well into the night. The guests really dress for the occasion. It has been a great event to work with over the years, working with both the staff from the hospital and their volunteers.