I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself and Jason. Together- with our family- we are Lavender on the Lake. You can read HERE to learn more about us and how we started along this journey of building a wedding venue that once was just a dream. I can’t fully explain the feelings that I have as I’m sitting here on my flight up North to visit my family.
First, we just ended our 2nd triple wedding weekend. The exhaustion is real. Yes, this is a good problem to have. We built this space to share it and to be busy with events and so I’m trying not to complain about how much my body hurts, how I’m craving sleep and more time with my family and friends at the same time.
Wedding Energy
I’m also filled with a sense of feeling completely at peace. Each wedding brings its own energy- the families themselves, the vendors…it ALL is its own living thing. They all literally FEEL different. Anyone in this industry can relate to this; as a teacher I remember this feeling with classes. Some groups just did not work well together whereas others felt like a cohesive unit. Overall, this is the same for a wedding.
(At the end of a recent wedding the bride said to me- “Tonight was really special and I’m sure you hear that a lot. But it truly was for us.” I hugged her and said that I would never get sick of hearing that. I hope that she knew that I meant that.
We are not a wedding factory. LOTL is a family business- our kids help behind the scenes with riding the tractor to help mow, planting the flowers, cleaning the toilets…we are a hands on PRESENT family behind this business. We recently have begun building a little team who is not family by blood, but as venue assistants and people here, they ARE LOTL family.)
Today, on this flight, I feel so grateful to have ended the weekend with a wedding that had an incredible overall feeling of love and gratitude.
So I’m sitting here thinking about just WHY it felt so good-apart from us-finally!-hiring some help- what was different about this wedding? Well. Obviously the couple and their family and friends were an immense foundation for this, but it was also the VENDORS. Here at Lavender on the Lake, we do allow for couples to take control of wedding planning in that they get to select their vendors with the caveat that they must select from our list of coordinators and caterers. Our list for both categories offers a broad range in pricing, food choices serving all ethnic and religious needs, as well as a variety of cuisines.
Wedding vendors
We are not tied to any of the 20+ on both lists; we do not get financial kickbacks for sending them business. However, we know that things are handled safely and professionally with ease. It is important for you to find the vendors that are a fit for you. BUT they must also be a fit for us which is why you must choose from our coordinating and catering list. Our vendor agreement must be signed, but all other vendors must just be licensed and insured.
Last night’s wedding went so well because our couple used our vendors. Mom of the bride was not running around doing this only to get ready last minute. (This LITERALLY pains me when this happens.) The professionals were handling the details. No one was out in the room asking us why things weren’t done or telling us what to do. They knew that they were in good hands.
Vendors are KEY. No matter what venue you select, listen to that venue and choose their vendors. It makes a difference by removing the extra work and stress for everyone in your bridal party family, for the venue, and for the vendors. Here is a recent blog going into further depth on this.
Just FYI last nights vendors:
Coordinator| Jennifer with Southern Touch Catering
Catering | Premier Catering
Photo | Gabby Girdner
Video | Albey (IG handle is albeyyyyy-with a touch of help from Jason- JUST YOU WAIT!!!!)
DJ | DJ Shane
So back to what I decided I would focus in this blog which is obviously inspired by last night, but I want to explain what we offer and why. At its most basic level, we are the venue, tables and chairs for 200 guests, ceremonial arch options, glass vases with flameless floating candles, 3 choices of table runners, with getting ready suites for both wedding parties. This is mainly because we don’t want every wedding to look like the previous one. Nor do we want to feel like a wedding factory. It is so incredible to see how each couple transforms this space.
Touring and Pricing
Jason and I prefer to do the tours together. We love to show off our baby. We will show you around, talk A LOT, and will explain a few things about the booking process. I will personally follow up with the tour information. Additionally I will send over our coordinators and caterers to help you get started with your budgeting.
Maybe our pricing seems higher than other venues that offer a lower price, however our pricing has a lot to offer without add-ons. It’s also important to listen to what YOU truly want for your wedding and venue. If our pricing is higher than what you want or can spend, there are so many wonderful venues in Florida that will be the right spot for you. Don’t force it or ask us to change or do things to fit your needs. It’s sort of like a relationship, right? It’s going to be rocky if we try to change the other person and ultimately it does not bring happiness.
But why choose LOTL for your wedding? We feel that together, Jason and I, offer a one-of-kind, unique experience because we truly, genuinely care about the happiness of our couples. As a fireman and teacher, our fundamental believe is that as humans we ALL struggle and are ALL works in progress. WE believe that each and every moment is a time for learning, growing, and showing up authentically through a lens of love for ourselves and others.
We built this space based on this. LOTL was created with and for LOVE. And we believe that it is something that you can feel. The name Tohopekaliga comes from the Seminole Indians who lived nearby during the 1800s. It means “we will gather together here. Something about that gives me the chills.
(And see? Going back to the almost tangible feeling groups can bring. Spaces are that same way. Perhaps it started when the Seminole Indians were here.)
Having said that, please trust us that we truly want you to have the experience that you deserve. A lot of time, money, and love goes into wedding planning so it’s essential to trust us. Look into our vendors. They are on our list for a reason.
So back to my original thought. Peace and gratitude. This life is so very, darn precious. It’s fast, furious, heartbreaking, joyful, challenging, and lovely from moment to moment. Embrace it all. Last night once we had closed up the building, Jason and I stood on the outside looking in. We shared a moment and I said-“Tonight was a reminder of our why.”
Photo Credit| CPT Photo || The Beloved Collective || Jose Camacho Photography
Thank you to those who have trusted us and to those who may in the future. Jason and I are both honored and blessed to have been chosen to create this space. Through ALL of the sleepless moments and sacrifices, we believe that life is meant for living authentically, showing gratitude, and LOVING HARD. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And Happy Holidays! Wish you good health, peace and love to you and your loves.
Thanks so much for swinging by my blog!! I love to support locally owned businesses and this blog further explains why. Check out these other wedding venues from across the country; you can also see them here on this wedding venue map.
https//weddingvenueowners.com/venue-map-search/
XO
Shelley