Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasey Hoyt.
Hi Kasey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s crazy to think how all of this started. I started out literally just throwing my own themed parties at my house for holidays and birthdays, and I always just went all out. Themed dress-up parties were my jam, and we had a great group of friends that showed up and showed out.
I’m also a big gift giver, and I would make these fun birthday baskets for all of my people when their birthday rolled around — 100% tailored to them. Everyone kept telling me, “Kasey, you could really make some money doing this. You are SO good at this — parties and gift baskets.” And finally, after all of the support and encouragement from the world — especially from my husband — I took the leap and decided I was going to start my own party and event business.
Although themed parties were my bread and butter, especially kids’ parties, I wanted to do it for all things: holiday work parties, work meetings and team buildings, memorials, banquets, showers — all things party, with a couple weddings here and there. After doing a couple of my friends’ weddings, my name got passed through the vine, and I got my first official professional wedding booked on May 30, 2026 as a coordinator.
So I sat down, designed my own logo, and started working on creating my business. Choosing a name that means the absolute world to me — Black Dog Functions.
After my first wedding, I told my husband, “It went really well, and I loved seeing the bride swooning around and so happy, but I really want to focus on doing my parties and just a wedding here and there.”
He laughed at me and said, “Baby, you better buckle up because you’re going to be doing lots of weddings and just a party here and there.”
Lo and behold, a couple months later, my dad called me and let me know that he had gotten a phone call to give a quote to demo out an 18.5-acre property known as the Folmar Wedding Venue. He brought me out and gave me a brief tour, and I checked it out. My very first thought was, wow… this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
After number crunching and a conversation with my biggest fan — my husband — I said, “Sign me up. I’ll take it.”
I saw my long-term vision instantly and knew I had to repair, reface, and revamp this property. Knowing I could not just name it Black Dog Venue, even though my LLC was already established, I thought on it and chose a name and logo that are equally as important to me.
And just like that, Hidden Gem Villa was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh gosh, I don’t think it has been anything but smooth. “Blessed but Stressed” seems to be my daily motto right now.
I created my LLC on July 3, 2025. I officially took over the venue August 1st, 2025, and immediately started redoing the bridal suite and groom’s cave. I had a pretty decent takeoff and, right off the bat, booked 12 weddings for the remainder of 2025 — with lots of trial and error along the way.
I inherited a much bigger mess than I had originally anticipated. I also stepped in a week before an estate sale was done on the property, and due to some miscommunication, I had to refurnish a lot of the furniture, including seating, to run the venue.
My biggest struggle has been just getting in front of the right clientele. Eight out of every ten clients I talk to have no idea the property exists, and the other two assumed it was closed for good.
I believe in my heart that once the word truly gets out and I am able to build my clientele, Hidden Gem Villa will thrive!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a very proud and hardworking owner-operator of an event coordination business and a venue. Although it is primarily a wedding venue, I am slowly but surely turning it into a true event venue, and my long-term goal is to build a true event center on the open field on the property to hold up to 300 people, so all events can be held at Hidden Gem Villa.
I specialize in taking the stress out of your function and making sure not only does it flow flawlessly, but it’s fun too. My superpower is making events—all events—fun and engaging for everyone in attendance! How many children’s parties can you say you’ve been to that, as an adult, you truly had as much fun as the kids did? None?? Well, that’s because you haven’t been to one of my parties! I can even make boring statistical work functions fun! That’s what I do! That is exactly what I am known for. Probably a strong tie comes from being fun and just real.
I’m branding myself as a one-stop shop for any function you can think of. You need it? I got it! For my weddings, I have contracted with the most amazing vendors, so I can literally make it to where all you have to do is show up, hang out, and leave—and I will handle everything else: DJ, photographer, hair, makeup, setup, cleanup, catering. I’m telling you, you name it, I got it.
I am laid-back and genuine in all that I do. I truly just want you to have a good time, and let me handle all the not-so-fun things behind the scenes. I am wholeheartedly compassionate, and my heart is in every event I do and every inch of this property. That is what sets me apart from everybody else. I am not trying to just make a quick buck at your expense. Heck, I’m not even trying to get rich; I just want to be successful.
I grew up very less fortunate, and my heart is in it for the single moms that just want their babies to have something nice and fun too. I believe to the absolute core of me that everyone deserves nice things, no matter your budget.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
What was my favorite childhood memory? Oh my goodness, this is a tough one. I will have to say my favorite childhood memory was always Easter. My Nanny, who was my favorite person in the world, always did Easter—and she went ALL. OUT. My entire life, I have loved Easter because my Nanny made it so special. She even had a treat for my best friend and sidekick, my Rottweiler Villa.
To this day, I have never, ever had a single bad memory associated with Easter. This will be my first year without my Nanny, as she died a couple of weeks before I found out I was going to be taking on the venue. I loved Easter so much that I am going to start hosting an Annual Easter Egg Extravaganza, naming it after her. Doing it on a commercial scale, both kids and adults alike can come, hunt Easter eggs, and enjoy Easter as much as I always have.
Pricing:
- 10% Paid In Full Discount
- 5% Military, First Responder, Teacher, and Nurse Discount
- Payment Plans Available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackdogfunctions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdog_functions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579852896414
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackdogfunctions0703
Image Credits
Anna Neel Photography
