Meet the Team
Wedding Specialists at Ballygally Castle

Alejandra Herrera Alcocer
Events Manager
What inspired you to get into the hospitality industry?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people and creating positive experiences. What inspired me most about hospitality is how every day is different and how you can make such an important moment in someone’s life feel special.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I would describe myself as friendly, hardworking, organised, and easy to talk to. I enjoy helping people and working as part of a team, especially in a busy hospitality environment. I like making people feel comfortable and welcome, and I always aim to bring positive energy to my role. I am passionate about learning and developing myself professionally so I can continue to grow and improve in my role.
What is your favourite event space in the hotel?
My favourite event space is the Kintyre Ballroom because it completely transforms for every wedding and event. I love seeing how each couple adds their own style and personality to the room, and it always creates such a special atmosphere.
What is your favourite part of event/wedding planning?
My favourite part is getting to know the couple and helping bring their vision to life. I love seeing all the details come together and watching the excitement build from the first enquiry right through to the wedding day itself.
Who do you look up to/who inspires you?
I look up to my mum because she’s always worked hard and treated people with kindness and respect. Watching that growing up really influenced me, especially in hospitality, because I love making customers feel welcome and looked after. Seeing guests happy and knowing you’ve helped create a positive experience is probably what inspires me most about the industry.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
My biggest passions outside work and family are travelling, spending time with my dog Bruno, and staying active. I love yoga, Pilates, and going for runs, it really helps me clear my head and stay positive. I also really enjoy spending time with friends and discovering new places and cultures, especially when I’m travelling.
I’m also really interested in personal development and learning new skills. I like anything that helps me grow both personally and professionally.
What makes you proud about working for Hastings Hotels?
I’m proud to work for Hastings Hotels because of the high standards, the strong team culture, and the genuine focus on guest experience. It’s rewarding to be part of a company with such a great reputation and to contribute to creating memorable experiences for guests every day.

Morgan McGookin
Events Coordinator
What inspired you to get into the hospitality industry?
I’ve worked in hospitality since I started working. I’ve always loved meeting new people and building relationships with new faces every day.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I’d describe myself as a very happy, chatty person who loves learning new things.
What is your favourite event space in the hotel?
My favourite event space is our 1625 Room. It’s our private dining room located in the old tower of the hotel. The décor and set-up of the room are the perfect fit for private events.
What is your favourite part of event/wedding planning?
My favourite part of wedding planning is getting to know each couple one by one, learning about what they like and building a relationship they can trust to have their most special day in my hands.
Who do you look up to/who inspires you?
Our General Manager, Scott Weatherup, inspires me. He has worked for Hastings Hotels for a long time, and seeing how he works and interacts with all our guests inspires me to be like him.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
My greatest passion outside work and family is seeing and doing new things and adventuring whenever I can. I love visiting new places and making memories.
What makes you proud about working for Hastings Hotels?
I’m proud to work for Hastings Hotels because of the team we have here at Ballygally Castle. We work closely together to make sure every event and wedding day goes beyond everyone’s expectations.











