Owning a wedding venue wasn’t always part of my plan, but looking back, it feels like destiny was always gently pushing me along. My journey to becoming a wedding venue owner was less of a straight path and more of a winding country road, full of twists and turns.
The Spark of Inspiration
It all began with a love for parties and celebrations. I’d always been the one in my family to volunteer to host in our farm’s barn, to fuss over the perfect table decor, and finding joy in creating an inviting space. But it wasn’t until I started to realize that the barn that we had was not the ideal space to hold events. Our barn is for mechanical work, and it gets very dirty and dusty. It takes a lot of man hours to clean and prepare it for a party, and it just was not practical for what I wanted to do.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Once the idea bloomed of wanting to own a venue, I couldn’t shake it. Owning a wedding venue seemed like the perfect way to combine my love for hospitality, design, and romance. Before I made the decision to own a venue, I wanted to do some research on wedding venue ownership. That’s when I reached out to Didi Russell, the creator of https://weddingvenueowners.com/ and began my journey of wedding venue ownership and never looked back.
The first step I took was to book a trip to San Antonio, Texas to attend a wedding venue owner working vacation. These trips help guide owners with education, connections, and inspiration. One of my favorite parts of the trip was touring many local venues and learning about their practices and how they operate. I was fortunate enough to connect with many venue owners during this time including the owners of:
The next step was finding the right property, and oh, what a journey that was! Our original plan was to build a brand-new venue not far from where we live on a beautiful piece of farmland. After that idea fell apart, I began searching for commercial acreage within our area to see what was available. That was when I found what I was looking for.
Nestled in the heart of West Michigan, the property had everything I dreamed of—rolling hills, picturesque views, and an elegance that begged to be shared. With a bit of imagination, and a lot of hard work, it became the space couples now fall in love with for their special day.
The Joy of Witnessing Love Stories
What I didn’t fully realize when I started was how much joy this work would bring me. Every wedding is a new story, and I feel honored to play a small part in those memories. From the first time a couple tours the venue to the moment they say, “I do,” and it’s special to see their vision come to life in a space that I envisioned and it’s a feeling that is indescribable.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Running a wedding venue is not without its challenges. From managing logistics to maintaining the property’s beauty, every day brings a new lesson. But it’s the smiles, the tears of joy, the look on guests’ faces the first time they see the venue and the mansion, and the heartfelt thank-yous from couples and their families that make it all worth it.
Why I Love What I Do
Owning a wedding venue has taught me that it’s not just about space, it’s about the people who fill it with love, laughter, and dreams. Every couple brings their unique vision, and my role is to provide the canvas for their masterpiece.
Looking back, I see how every step of my journey has led me here, to this place where I get to celebrate love in all its forms. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
So, how did I become a wedding venue owner? By following my heart, embracing the journey, and trusting in the process of love, hard work, and most importantly believing in myself. If you’re dreaming of a similar path, I can tell you this: it’s a tough road, but it’s worth every moment.
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