Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Allison.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our story actually started with finding the joy in life after traumatic hardship. I always jokingly told my husband “one day when we retire…” but the same year we were married, he had a catastrophic injury on duty. It flipped our little world upside down, and we decided to focus on family, healing and helping others celebrate. We learned first hand how special it is to find joy in life’s moments and now I get to spend every day helping others do just that.
We started the business in 2014, and officially opened our doors in 2016 right here in Krum, just outside of Denton and about 10 minutes off I-35. From the beginning, we weren’t just looking to provide a building; we wanted to create a ‘hidden gem’ where the rolling North Texas hills could meet a bright, airy, and timeless aesthetic.
Getting to where we are today took a lot of listening.
We spent years asking our couples what stressed them out the most, and we built our business model to fix those pain points—things like being transparent with our pricing and acting as a true support system rather than just a venue rental.
Today, we’re proud to be a place where sunset views and crystal chandeliers live in perfect harmony, and where every couple feels like they have a dedicated team cheering them on from the first tour to the final sparkler send-off!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wish I could say, for all the dreamers reading this looking to start their own journey that it has been smooth sailing and all smiles. Building any business is hard, it takes grit and truly is an around the clock job.
Some of the struggles we have faced over the past 10+ years are business related (especially with the insane increase of expenses we’ve had in the past 5 years), and some are very niche specific.
Being able to grow with our industry, what our clients’ want from year to year is always a puzzle we enjoy – because at the heart of it, we still want to provide an affordable wedding venue with stunning views and a supportive team.
For other business owners out there I would recommend surrounding yourself with others who can offer advice, support and share their experiences. Have professionals you can rely on and be sincere with, and take the time to build relationships with those you would consider competitors. You each have something unique to offer clients – and life is way better when you get to lift each other and have someone a phone call away if you need help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At our core, we are a North Texas or DFW wedding venue that specializes in what we call ‘Timeless Elegance with a Modern Texas Twist.’ We’ve moved away from the traditional ‘rustic barn’ look to offer something more polished—think stunning chandeliers, bright and airy indoor reception spaces, and a hillside ceremony site with panoramic views that truly showcase the natural beauty of the DFW area.
What we’re known for is our ‘best of both worlds’ approach.
Our couples get those epic, sweeping nature views and sunset backdrops for their photos, but they also get a sophisticated, climate-controlled indoor space that feels like a high-end estate. We also specialize in making the planning process feel human again.
We aren’t just a building you rent; we are a resource. From sharing trends and tips to connecting couples with top-tier vendors, we’re deeply involved in the ‘how’ of the wedding, not just the ‘where.’
What sets us apart? Two things: Transparency and Versatility.
We are firm believers that you shouldn’t have to hunt for pricing or worry about hidden ‘gotcha’ fees. We lay it all out there because we believe a stress-free wedding starts with an honest conversation. Additionally, our venue is a bit of a chameleon—it’s a clean, timeless canvas that looks just as incredible with a boho-chic vibe as it does with a classic, black-tie aesthetic.
What are we most proud of? Honestly, it’s the relationships.
When we see a review from a groom like Lorenzo saying we’ll ‘always hold a special place in their hearts,’ or when a couple tells us they actually enjoyed their planning process at oir DFW wedding venue —that’s the win.
We’re proud to have built a reputation since 2016 as a Texas wedding venue that balances high-end, elevated service with a sensible, transparent approach. We love making dreams a reality without the ‘big box’ corporate feel!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Oh, where do we start? If we had to boil it down to three things, they would be:
1 – Lead with Transparency. In the event world, trust is your most valuable currency. From day one, we decided to offer options that allow outside catering, as well as inclusive venue packages. We also decided to be open about our pricing and what we offer. It saves everyone time and builds a foundation of respect with your clients before they even sign a contract.
2 – Focus on the ‘Why,’ not just the ‘What.’ It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics—the chandeliers, the landscaping, the decor. But at the end of the day, people won’t remember the floor plan as much as they’ll remember how you made them feel. Whether you’re a wedding venue or a florist, focus on taking the stress off your client’s plate.
3 – Find Your Unique ‘Twist.’ Don’t try to be everything to everyone. We found our niche in ‘Modernly Elegant Texas Style’—it’s specific, it’s us, and it attracts the couples we’re best equipped to serve.
Lean into what makes your brand different, and don’t be afraid to show some personality! People buy from people they actually like, so don’t be afraid to let your brand’s fun side shine through.
Pricing:
- Venue Rental: Weekdays starting at $1,000
- Venue Rental: Saturdays (13 hours) $6,500
- Inclusive Packages: Vary by headcount and day of the week
- Dates within 4 Months: DISCOUNTED
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hawthornhillsranch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawthornhills/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawthornhills/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawthornhills?lang=en
Image Credits
At Dawn and Dusk Photography
Crysta Miller Photography
Vu Vincent Tran Photography
Karina Danielle Photography
