Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Jordan.
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into wedding venue ownership began because of my love for gardening. I have been a first grade teacher for over 25 years and still continue to teach today. In 2018, my husband and I started a new raised bed flower garden project. As the project moved along I began to have visions of dinner parties and picnics inside the garden. The garden is located next to our children’s horse barn when they were in 4-H. The children have grown and the barn had long been empty, when we started to reimagine what it could be. The following spring we opened our first wedding venue, Elderberry Farms. In 2022 we saw an opportunity close to home to open a second venue and we went for it. By the end of 2022 we had opened our second venue, Sivua Gardens. We have spent the last 2 years renovating and updating the spaces there and are almost where we want to be. It’s been a lot of work, as my husband and I still continue to teach, but very rewarding in so many ways..
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been easy. Both venues were not originally venues so a lot of work needed to be done. We opened each venue while still working through upgrades and improvements. It’s a real challenge when working with clients while renovating. You’re always trying to show things in their best light, but at the same time things have to get messy to get better. We have been blessed through this process with two important groups of people. First, our clients who took a chance on us, especially early on. They’re trusting that we can deliver on the vision we’re portraying and we really appreciate these people for that. Second, and most importantly, our family! We have a talented and hard working group. Someone was always stepping in to help when they could and we truly could not do this without all of them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I truly love gardening and we were lucky enough to have buildings we were able to repurpose! I was very afraid that we wouldn’t succeed but here we are owning two wedding venues! Sivua Gardens was a massive undertaking. The transformation has been incredible. My family and I have worked tirelessly transforming the spaces. I knew we had something special when we were looking at venues for our own kids. There really weren’t many options and I had a vision of what we could do. There are definitely more venues now but we have stuck to our vision and understanding the needs of our clients. I also understand the market and the locations are special. Elderberry Farms is rustic but has beautiful gardens. It offers a beautiful greenhouse, bridal suite, pavilion with an attached deck, and breathtaking views of the countryside. Sivua Gardens has picturesque views and a plethora of photo worthy spots. The mansion was built in the 1880s, The Coach House has an attached pavilion and The Ivy House has 10 bedrooms, four bathrooms, a beautiful lobby, lounge areas and a kitchen. There is also a bridal suite and groomsman quarters on site.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Sivua Gardens was a huge risk. It’s a big property with lots of buildings to maintain. We knew we couldn’t afford to hire out and did everything on our own. We work tirelessly and continue to work many hours when we get home from teaching. Somehow we find a balance and manage to run our venues, social media, emails and whatever other issues that may arise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elderberryfarmsvenue.com
