Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Pickens.
Hi Kourtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When my husband James and I first discovered the stately Victorian‑inspired building at 104 W Main St, we felt its soul calling. Originally built in 1900 and thoughtfully expanded in 1987, this 6,000‑square‑foot treasure had once been nearly forgotten—yet we saw its potential for warmth, memory, and celebration .
In August 2022, I purchased the property, motivated by my own experiences navigating weddings and events as an only child without family nearby. I thought, “What if I could create a space that offers genuine guidance, community, and compassion?” . James and I then dedicated months to hands‑on restoration—cleaning, painting, installing modern amenities, but always preserving the charm we fell in love with.
We officially opened our doors in February 2023, unveiling a lovingly restored Main Room, bridal and groom suites, parlor, kitchen, and cozy breakout areas—all designed to hold your most precious moments
James brings calm, steady efficiency—whether resetting tables or greeting guests—and I pour in warmth: floral touches, personalized lighting, and heartfelt service. We’re not just venue owners; we’re your hosts, your extended family, and your cheerleaders on your special day.
We’ve been overwhelmed by kind words from those who choose to celebrate with us:
Sara C.:
“Our experience at the main house was nothing short of magical… The staff’s attention to detail was impeccable… If you’re looking for a venue that combines sophistication, hospitality, and natural beauty, the main house is the perfect choice.”
Victoria W. (company holiday party):
“The venue was warm and inviting… staff was extremely kind and responsive… We cannot wait to host our party here next year…”
Lynn B. (retirement event):
“James was more than accommodating, and everyone was very happy with how everything turned out.”
From Eventective.com:
“The place had everything I needed… The layout is perfect for catering… plenty of parking… The place is gorgeous.”
These heartfelt words remind us why we do what we do—not just to host events, but to craft moments people remember forever.
In quiet times, we transform the venue into community gatherings: princess socials, sensory‑friendly events, murder mysteries, Bridgerton inspired Tea Parties—we’re committed to bringing locals together while supporting small businesses .
As lifelong Fairborn residents—me since 1997, James and I both raised our families here—we believe in this town’s spirit and charm. Our goal is to nurture community, honor the past, and help generations create joyful memories.
With every fairy‑tale wedding, corporate milestone, and celebration of life, James and I pour in our whole hearts. We’re not just preserving a historic gem; we’re filling it with love and meaning. From our home to yours, We are thankful for those who let us be part of their story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When we purchased the property in 2022, it wasn’t event-ready. It was a diamond in the rough—and “rough” is an understatement.
There were months of:
Scrubbing out decades of grime
Updating outdated systems without compromising the structure’s historic charm
Dealing with costly surprises (plumbing, electrical, you name it)
Securing permits and meeting accessibility standards
Every update came out of our own pockets and our own hands. We painted, cleaned, landscaped, and even laid down floors,
There are still many more updates we will and need to do, but as we continue to book we can move forward with those plans.
We invested our personal savings into this dream—not a big loan or outside investors. That meant every dollar mattered. We faced:
Delays in bookings early on because no one knew we existed
Paying utilities, maintenance, marketing, and staff while still building name recognition
Creating packages and price points that were competitive but still allowed us to stay afloat
There were months I stayed up late asking, “Are we going to make it?” But we believed in our vision—and in the people who would one day trust us with their memories.
Fairborn is a close-knit place—and we love that about it. But it also meant we had to earn the trust of our neighbors.
We weren’t a chain. We weren’t flashy. We were new, small, and local. So we worked extra hard to:
Show up at community events
Support other small businesses
Offer free or low-cost community gatherings like princess parties, vendor pop-ups, and open houses
Bit by bit, people saw our hearts—and now they’re walking through our doors, not just as clients, but as friends.
Being a wife, a mother, a nurse, and a small business owner takes a toll. There were moments when James and I were running on fumes.
We missed family moments.
We ate dinner on folding chairs.
We handled cancellations, reschedules, last-minute emergencies, and even grief events—all with grace, even when it hurt inside.
But through it all, we found deeper purpose. We weren’t just hosting events. We were creating space for joy, healing, love, and legacy.
The Main House Events isn’t just a venue—it’s our heartbeat. And while the struggles were real and raw, we wouldn’t trade them for anything. They shaped us, they sharpened us, and they connected us even more deeply to the people we serve.
Because when a bride hugs you after her first dance…
When a grandmother whispers, “This reminds me of my wedding day…”
When a military family thanks you for making their child’s party feel like home…
—every hardship becomes worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Q: What do you do?
I’m the owner of The Main House Events, a vintage-inspired event venue nestled right in the heart of downtown Fairborn, Ohio. My husband James and I run the venue together, and we’ve transformed it into a welcoming, elegant space for weddings, baby showers, retirement parties, corporate events, community gatherings—you name it. Our goal is to create meaningful experiences for people right here in our hometown.
Q: What do you specialize in?
We specialize in intimate, personal, and beautifully curated events. Our venue has a unique historic charm, antique details, and soft romantic lighting—that’s perfect for gatherings of up to 80 guests. We also specialize in creating experiences that are thoughtful and stress-free. With my background as a nurse practitioner and over two decades in healthcare, I naturally bring a nurturing, detail-oriented approach to everything we do. I know how to manage high-stress situations calmly and compassionately, and I use that same mindset to help our clients feel supported from their first tour to their final dance.
Q: What are you known for?
We’re known for being more than just a venue—we’re known for being a part of our community. People walk in and feel like they’re being welcomed home. We’ve hosted everything from Bridgerton-themed tea parties and murder mysteries to community pop-ups and sensory-friendly events. The Main House has become a place where everyone belongs, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
Our clients often tell us we go above and beyond. We’re known for being hands-on, for remembering the little things, and for treating every event like it’s our own family’s celebration.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the transformation of the venue and the impact we’ve made on our town. What started as an old building in need of love has become a vibrant gathering space where people celebrate life’s most special moments. We’ve had couples cry tears of joy during their first look, military families reunite here, and small businesses find their audience at our events.
But honestly? I’m proud that we’ve been able to do it while staying grounded in who we are. I still live in Fairborn. I raise my children here. We built this with our own hands and hearts—and we stayed true to our values every step of the way.
Q: What sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is our deep love for Fairborn. We’re not outsiders or investors—we’re from Fairborn, we live in Fairborn, and we love Fairborn. That love shows up in every corner of our venue and in every interaction with our guests.
We’re intentional about creating events that reflect the spirit of our town—welcoming, down-to-earth, and full of heart. This venue isn’t just a business for us; it’s our way of giving back. We want every guest who walks through our doors to see just how special this town is, and hopefully walk away with a newfound appreciation for the charm, warmth, and pride that lives here.
At The Main House Events, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re joining a story, one rooted in community, care, and culture
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I would have to say—church is what helps me do my best in life.
While I absolutely love a good planner, a well-designed app, or a helpful business book, my foundation—what keeps me steady, inspired, and full of purpose—is my faith. On the hardest days, when the to-do lists feel endless or when doubt starts to creep in, it’s prayer, scripture, and worship that bring me back to center.
Church grounds me. It reminds me of my “why”—to serve people with love, to create joyful spaces where others feel seen and celebrated, and to do everything with integrity and grace. Owning a venue like The Main House Events isn’t just about hosting beautiful celebrations—it’s about showing up with a servant’s heart, being present for others in their most important moments, and pouring love into every detail.
So yes—while there are plenty of great resources out there, for me, it’s Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, quiet prayers, and God’s word that keep me going strong in life and in business. Everything else flows from that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themainhouseevents.com
- Instagram: @themainhouse_events
- Facebook: themainhouseevents
