Every great story begins with a twist of fate, and mine is no different. I was captivated by the world of weddings long before I opened my venue. Little did I know that my passion would lead to the creation of a cherished space for couples celebrating their love. Here’s how a spontaneous decision transformed my life and ignited a lasting passion in the wedding industry.
The Inspiration Behind Starting My Venue
My journey began when we looked at this property to purchase in 2012. I was 8 months pregnant with our son, and hoping to build a nice open concept home next. What I didn't envision was falling in love with a 100 year old barn from the moment I stepped through the doors. But love it was, from the minute I walked in the what is now our Wedding Barn. Even though it was FULL of hay chaff, junk, and who knows what else. The beauty of the old wood and the vast space couldn't be disguised by those things. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
From that moment on, I began dreaming of what I could do with the space. Barn Weddings had just started gaining popularity in our area and when my cousin called looking for a space to host her daughters wedding, it was just the push I needed to take a leap of faith.
A Whim That Changed My Life
This dream job started becoming a reality when we decided to say yes to that request. But how could I just share this barn with one family? Surely it had to be shared with others. After all, if we were going to go through the trouble of cleaning it out, why wouldn't we. This spontaneous decision soon led to an even bigger leap — I created a website for the general public to discover.
My husband thought I had lost my mind, but I felt an exhilarating rush thinking about its potential. I envisioned a lively venue filled with couples declaring their love and families coming together. I was determined to turn my dream into a reality. I'll never forget Jered coming home from the Dairy one day after I had shared something on Facebook "YOU MADE A WEBSITE?" If you build it. They will come. I hoped.
Building My Digital Identity
With the barn remodel in full effect, I turned my focus to marketing and finishing that website. This task felt daunting, but I approached it with excitement. I wanted my website to symbolize not just a physical space, but the emotions tied to every wedding.
I spent countless nights selecting colors, writing heartfelt content, and taking stunning photographs. My website became my first marketing tool, allowing me to showcase the unique charm of my venue. It provided couples with an emotional glimpse into what their special day could look like.
I then moved on to social media, creating an email and online presence in an effort to get in front of those couples looking for a space JUST like ours.
Would they come? How in the world would I sell a wedding when there wasn't even a floor or lights in this building? And yes. They came. 14 couples to be exact our first year. They came and toured in the VERY middle of our renovations. When there was no floor and you could see straight to the basement as we replaced all 96 main floor beams. When they had to walk across planks to see the whole space.
When I asked those couples how on earth they could take such a chance seeing it in the state it was in. The resounding answer was "We could feel your passion and we just knew you'd do what you said you were going to do." Ok. That's fair, but I'm not sure I'd have been so trusting. It probably helped that at that time I made sure our contract reflected us getting the work done.
Finding My Passion
As I reflected on my past jobs, I often felt unfulfilled. But this venture invigorated me in a way I had never experienced. I was finally doing something that resonated with my heart.
Each wedding was a unique story, and I was honored to play a part in telling it. The joy radiating from the couples filled my spirit with enthusiasm—this was more than just a job; it was my true calling.
Nine Years In and Still Loving It
Fast forward to today, and I have spent nine fulfilling years as a venue owner. Each year, I watch new love stories unfold right before my eyes. Witnessing couples commit to each other gives me goosebumps, and the joy this work brings is immeasurable.
What fuels my passion? The creativity! I thrive on the journey of evolving the venue, refining the aesthetics, and collaborating with talented vendors. Each wedding I host deepens my love for this industry and reminds me why I embarked on this journey.
Tips for Future Venue Owners
If you dream of opening a wedding venue, here are some crucial insights to guide you:
Trust Your Instincts: If a property resonates with you, take the risk. The thrill of following your passion can lead to rich rewards.
Establish an Online Presence: A well-crafted website is vital for connecting with potential clients. Make sure it showcases your venue's beauty with stunning visuals and captivating narratives.
Network with Professionals: Attend industry events and foster relationships with wedding planners and vendors. These connections can offer essential support as you grow your business.
Stay True to Your Vision: Remember your passion and goals. Infuse your personality into all aspects of your venue, and couples will appreciate your authenticity.
Keep Learning: The wedding industry is always changing. Stay informed about trends and seek feedback for continuous improvement.
Ultimately, every couple that steps through my doors is unique, and being part of their journey feels like a privilege. Opening a wedding venue is truly a labor of love. When done right, it can bring immense satisfaction.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
Launching my wedding venue was an unexpected adventure shaped by passion. What started as a whim evolved into a thriving business, allowing me to support couples in celebrating their love. My story is just one of many in this vibrant industry, but the themes of passion, authenticity, and dedication are universal.
If you're considering this journey, keep in mind that the love of love is a journey worth pursuing. Embrace the magic of the wedding world, and you may one day find immense joy in witnessing beautiful stories unfold in your own venue.
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