Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Stephenson.
Hi Lisa, 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?
My husband and I purchased our land in hopes of someday retiring on the beautiful property. When our daughter became engaged she had an elaborate plan to build a venue on the property. While we didn’t build the venue then, were all in for them getting married on the property. They scoured the 49 acres and found the perfect backdrop, a huge oak tree which has an amazing view of the property. We quickly named it Wedding Hill as we prepared for the wedding over the next year. The wedding was beautiful! However, that May (2015) resembled a monsoon season. Family and guests encouraged us to continue to host weddings but we knew we would need a building after that rainy first wedding. We prayed about the opportunity and consulted with many professionals before we moved forward with the idea. We eventually sold our family home to move onto the property because we knew it would take being all in to make the venue successful. My daughter, Amanda and I brainstormed and came up with a great design. Our builder was the best and had great ideas as well. During the process of building the venue, our other daughter, Alexis, became engaged. The venue was completed just in time for her wedding, the first at the venue. The sisters still joke about how the venue came to be!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every business has its struggles.The pandemic was a time of uncertainty for sure. So, we began to host micro weddings.
The venue market in DFW isn’t what it was like in 2018 and is becoming more and more saturated. To be competive we have placed our focus on customer service and hospitality as well as improvements to our little slice of Paradise. When we built the venue, we knew it would be in phases. It’s been so fun to watch the vision come to fruition.
TIme is defiantly another factor. We both work full time and are super involved with our family which includes 6 grandkids and one on the way. It’s important to build a team with likeminded values and dedication. Our venue manager, Andie is amazing and our in house coordinator, our daughter in law Haley, does a wonderful job. Our facilities manger is all call and is here in a heartbeat if ever needed. Our cleaning crew is a sweet husband and wife team who work we into the hours of the night to make sure the venue is spotless for couple walking into the venue the next morning. We treasure the people working at our venue and want them to have good work/life balance. Burnout is super common in the industry and we want to take care of our staff.
We’ve been impressed with The Barn at Paradise Place, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a modern wedding venue in Paradise, Tx. We opened the venue in 2018. Since then, we have added a chapel with a stained glass entry door from England, 6 sets of antique French doors with original hardware from France, church pews form an old church within DFW, and complete with a working bell from a church in New Orleans. We are currently in the process of building an additional groom’s suite which will house a golf simulator and pool table. We also acquired a greenhouse that will come to life in the spring when we are able to plant our flower and rose garden. We believe hospitality is key. We strive to make sure each and every couple has an amazing time on property and each and every detail of their special day is taken care of. Couples can choose the venue only rental option if they want to use their own vendors. For the couple who doesn’t have time or is overwhelmed by all the planning, we offer inclusive packaged curated to include wonder and professional vendors. We also host micro weddings.
The local community is important, and we love giving back in different capacities. I also started the Wise County Wedding Professional Association as it is important to promote other local wedding vendors and businesses.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Owning a venue takes a lot of time, resources, funding, and dedication. I would recommend making sure you dot your I’s and cross your t’s. Gather information and become educated. We met with the county, a lawyer, bankers, other professional vendors already established in the industry, friends and family, and list goes on and on. You need a community. Having personal relationships with other venue owners and vendors is vital.
Pricing:
- We offer venue rental only as a well as all inclusive options.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thebarnatparadise.com
- Instagram: Barnatparadiseplace
- Facebook: The Barn at Paradise Place
- Other: https://barnvenuefortworthtexas.wordpress.com/
Image Credits
Jordan Blalock
Bushel and Peck
