The Journey Home: The Best Wedding Venue
Late November is a stunning time to get married at The Journey Home.
My husband and I were married there on November 18th, 2017. It was, hands down, the best weekend of our lives.
There were several different venues we were interested in, but as soon as we toured The Journey Home, we were hooked.
The best part? (Other than that I married my best friend, of course.) All of our favorite people stayed together for the weekend at the gorgeous home. Our entire wedding party, which included 18 people, plus several plus ones, and our beloved dog, fit comfortably in the home. It felt like a destination wedding, minus the long trip and expensive price tag.
We also had our intimate rehearsal dinner in the dining room of the home. Our large, immediate family and the wedding party could eat and drink all evening long without worrying about last call or getting home safely. After dinner we had a bonfire outside at the fire pit and stayed up half the night talking, celebrating, and enjoying the expansive property. It was so nice to not hear any traffic or see city lights, and instead admire the view of the wide open farmland and the rolling fog that blanketed the fields. Is there anything more beautiful than the countryside in November?
The next morning we had breakfast casseroles, donuts, coffee, and mimosas in the kitchen. Everyone could wake up at their leisure, get ready when and where they liked, and help themselves to snacks and drinks throughout the day. The girls had plenty of space to get ready together downstairs; Lacinda Fritter did all of our makeup, and everyone looked stunning.
No one was stressed or had anywhere to be. (And we all know how stressful weddings can be!) Drew and I had everyone we loved together for pictures, hugs, and memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
There is not a bad place on that entire property to take photographs. Our photographer, Rachel Stierly, was there to capture everything. (We also used Rachell for our engagement photos and for family photos. She’s the best!) We love looking back at all the photographs of the girls getting ready, our first look at the bottom of the grand staircase, and of the wedding party and family at various spots on the property. Each small detail, from the old wooden swing to the twinkling lights in the trees added to the warmth and charm of our weekend wedding.
The sun was out, it was just chilly enough for a sweater, and it was the most perfect day to get married.
The barn was decorated with candles, lanterns, vintage centerpieces, and gorgeous chandeliers, all provided by The Journey Home. The sun was setting during the ceremony, so the dazzling twilight peaked through the old tobacco barn as Drew and I said ‘I do’. I truly can’t imagine a more magical setting to marry the love of my life.
The barn comfortably held our 150 guests, and space heaters, plaid throw blankets, and warm cider kept everyone cozy. Our wonderful bartender, Scott Bradely, served drinks using the rustic bar on the patio, and The Journey Home team enclosed the space to block the wind. Scott was recommended to us through The Journey Home, and he was so great our friends even hired him the following year for their own wedding.
We had dinner catered through Hy-Vee, located nearby in St. Joseph. (We highly recommend the millionaire potatoes!) And the team at The Journey Home was there to help setup and stayed throughout the reception to offer any assistance needed.
The Journey Home also provided us with a stage for our band, Drew Six and The Soul Plains Drifters, to play during the reception. If you get a chance to check out Drew Six and his band, DO IT! They play all my favorite music: rock, classic country, and their own originals. We danced the night away with all our best friends and closest family members.
Our weekend at The Journey Home was right out of the pages of a fairytale.
Drew’s and my attention has since shifted from wedding planning to raising our children, but someday we will take our daughters to The Journey Home and tell them all about the most magical weekend of their parent’s lives.
