02/28/2024
As we approach the time we are closing our venue, I have been reflecting on the past two years. I have been thinking about what has worked, and what has not, what I think is important, and what is not, and how my life has changed in the process.
I started out feeling a little lost in this industry, only because it was fairly new to me. I had experience in all the different areas, but not doing them simultaneously- being the wedding venue owner, decor specialist, and day of coordinator.
My most valuable lesson is realizing how important a venue Director is. Dana Brandt made this happen. It is just that simple. Without her setting up tours, doing all the paperwork, arranging the vendors and their schedules, and even executing the rehearsals for me when she knew that was my job. ha ha Having someone on your team like Dana, who goes above and beyond is imperative to the success. I quickly learned that we would balance each other out with our skills and abilities. I hope she has been blessed as much as I have by our friendship.
I also learned that there are some incredible, amazing, wonderful brides out there that I got the privilege to work with. This evokes a lot of emotion in me, because we spent so much time together, preparing for the big day and watching it come together was nothing more than miraculous. From the ceremony to the reception and everything in between I just took it all in-the brides and grooms elated to be together with their special people and not having to worry about the details. Their only responsibility that day was to cherish each other and the fleeting moments. When it comes down to it, flowers and tablecloths, etc are a part of a wedding, but not the reason I do what I do. Memories and marriage are what is most important.
I donāt know how so many amazing people found us. I donāt believe itās because we had the best website or the coolest venue. I feel like itās because the people who were supposed to come into our lives landed here. There was a reason we were invited into their sacred moments and we never took that lightly. At every single wedding, there were connections that have been way beyond professional. As clichĆ© as it sounds many of the brides and grooms felt like family when they left.
Brides who are looking for venues and are reading this, I have a suggestion. Find YOUR venue. Not the one that your mom likes or that has the best rating or the one that is the most expensive so you think it is going to have the greatest value. Choose the venue that makes you feel something. When you walk on the property, if you donāt feel a connection, try another one. I feel that weddings are not just an accumulation of stuff that comes together but rather a lot of beautiful moments where you are made to shine and the love you have for your new husband is celebrated.
Now, donāt get me wrongā¦ We had and we still have for the next few months beautiful weddings. Saying thatā¦ The most stunning wedding is not always the most expensive. I love weddings, and I believe that they are super significant in our lives. I also believe there are a lot of other things money can be spent on. Prioritize your finances, and choose the things that really matter to you and invest in those and let the rest take care of itself. At the end of the day you walk away married and that is everything.
It has been such a privilege to serve at Bethany Oaks Farm, and I know memories have been made here, lives have been impacted, and I have been surrounded by the best people who I will cherish always.
Jennie Ellis
