Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Stanley.
Hi Alice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In 2015 our family ranch was created from property that has been in the family since the late 1800s. We built El Cerrito Lodge originally as a hunting lodge for the Whitetail deer on the property. It was finished with the idea that if we wanted to host events when it was not hunting season, we could use the what was then attached barn as an event venue. After having a couple of weddings, it grew in popularity, and we have since built on many additions to create it into one of the top wedding and event venues in East Texas. It sits on top of a hill (El Cerrito means little hill in Spanish) on The Walking 18 Ranch. The ranch got its name from a combination of things from our three sons… They all wore the number 18 in high school sports, and the “Walking” came from our son, who, at age 17, was paralyzed from a snowboarding accident and began to walk at age 18!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since opening in 2015, we have continued to grow not only in events but in additions to the property and venue. My husband, Monty, has an extensive construction background so it has been neat to have his creativity in design and construction come to life! I would say our struggles have been to learn all of the ins and outs of venue ownership since we did not have any prior experience. We have found that our biggest asset are the other local vendors in the wedding and event industry that bring all their knowledge and talent to help make us the success we are today!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work along with my husband to run and operate our working cattle ranch and event venue, El Cerrito Lodge. We both grew up in Tyler and moved to the Longview area in 1989 when we married. I taught elementary school, and he worked in construction along with running cattle. We raised our three sons, now ages 23,30 & 32, in Longview and then moved to Diana last year to work full-time ranching and building our venue business.
We specialize in weddings and corporate events. We are set apart from all other venues in the East Texas area because of the breathtaking views we can offer our clients. We sit atop a hill overlooking the rolling hills and lakes of The Walking 18 Ranch. I must say we offer the most beautiful sunsets in East Texas!
We are so proud of the relationships we have built through the years with all the other small business owners of East Texas who provide the additional services for our events. Our success is a team effort, and we are so grateful for all the many vendors we work with to provide the best event or wedding.
Pricing:
- Saturday Events $6500
- Weekend Package $12,000
Contact Info:
- Website: ElCerritoLodge.com
Image Credits
Lindsay Steele Photography
Michael Krebs Photography
Sally Yi Photography
