Meet Our Talented Events Team
Our service team at Bella Collina is committed to providing you with an experience beyond your expectations. Our on-site catering and culinary team will manage all the details to make your event planning effortless.
Melanie Halusek, Director of Sales
Hi, I’m Melanie Halusek, Director of Sales for Bella Collina.
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such a meaningful and exciting season, and it is an honor to help you begin your wedding journey. At Bella Collina, we believe your celebration should feel as unique and unforgettable as your love story.
I value working closely with couples and their families as they navigate one of the most important decisions in the planning process, selecting the setting where their memories will begin. I enjoy getting to know each couple’s vision, helping them explore possibilities and serving as a trusted resource as they weigh options, balance priorities, and make decisions that feel right for them.
I understand that choosing a venue is more than selecting a beautiful location, it’s about finding the place where your story begins, and I am committed to making that decision feel both exciting and effortless. My goal is to make your experience feel welcoming, informative and exciting while providing the guidance and confidence needed to move forward with ease.
I look forward to creating a wedding experience that feels authentically yours from the very beginning.
Taylor Tufts, Catering Manager
Hi, I’m Taylor Tufts, Catering Manager for Bella Collina.
It is truly a privilege to help create unforgettable experiences for couples as they celebrate one of the most meaningful days of their lives. With a background in hospitality and a passion for extraordinary events, I thrive in bringing thoughtful details, seamless coordination, and personalized touches together to create celebrations that feel both effortless and unforgettable.
I take great pride in serving as a trusted partner throughout the planning process, guiding couples with warmth, care, and attention to every detail along the way. From curating menu selections to refining the overall guest experience, my goal is to ensure each wedding feels beautifully reflective of your vision while allowing you to fully enjoy every moment of the journey.
It is an honor to be part of such a special season, and I look forward to welcoming you to Bella Collina and helping bring your wedding dreams to life.
Ashton Lawrence, Catering Coordinator
Hi, I’m Ashton Lawrence, Catering Coordinator for Bella Collina.
It is a privilege to be part of such a meaningful chapter in our couples’ lives and to help create celebrations that are both seamless and memorable. With a passion for hospitality and a keen eye for detail, I enjoy bringing together the many moving pieces of the planning process to ensure each wedding day unfolds with intention, care, and ease.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building genuine relationships with the couples I serve, providing thoughtful guidance and personalized support every step of the way. Whether coordinating event details, assisting with menu selections, or helping refine the guest experience, my goal is to create a planning journey that feels organized, enjoyable, and uniquely tailored to your vision.
Being entrusted with such an important occasion is something I never take for granted. I look forward to welcoming you to Bella Collina and helping create an experience that allows you to be fully present as you celebrate with the people you love most.
Samantha Merrill, Catering/Sales Coordinator
Hi, I’m Samantha Merrill, Catering/Sales Coordinator for Bella Collina.
It is truly a joy to help couples begin their wedding journey and bring their unique vision to life. From our very first conversation to the final moments of celebration, I am passionate about creating a personalized and enjoyable experience that leaves couples feeling confident, inspired, and excited every step of the way.
With a background in both wedding sales and coordination, I love introducing couples to everything Bella Collina has to offer while providing thoughtful guidance throughout the planning process. Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of what I do, and I take pride in getting to know each couple, understanding their vision, and helping transform their ideas into an unforgettable celebration.
Being part of such a special milestone is both an honor and a privilege that I deeply cherish. I look forward to getting to know you, sharing the possibilities of Bella Collina, and helping create a wedding day that is every bit as beautiful and memorable as you’ve imagined—and more!
Hugo Peña, Director of Culinary & Beverage
Hi, my name is Hugo Peña, the Director of Culinary and Beverage for Bella Collina. Your special day not only deserves an incredible venue provided by our property, it deserves a top of the line menu that will exceed your wedding vision and treat your guests to a luxurious dining experience. With 20 years of culinary expertise, it is my passion to craft timeless menus that will elevate your perfect day. With the freshest ingredients and a culinary team skilled in a variety of cultural cuisines, our menus work to offer you an elegant and unique catered event. Thank you for allowing Bella Collina to be such a significant part of the beginning of your forever!
Jorge Bernedo, Banquet Chef
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role at Bella Collina, where he has been an integral part of the team for 13 years. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in 2007, Chef Jorge has also worked at some of Orlando’s most prestigious private clubs, including Bay Hill Country Club and Isleworth Country Club. Originally from Arequipa, Peru, he blends his culinary training with the rich flavors of his heritage to create memorable dining experiences for members and guests alike.
