Today we’d like to introduce you to The Venue at Madewell Estates.
Haley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of The Venue at Madewell Estates began with a simple question. When Haley and Jacoby first started dating, Jacoby asked Haley what her dream was. Her answer was immediate: she wanted to own a wedding venue.
As a wedding photographer for nearly 12 years, Haley had the opportunity to experience hundreds of wedding days from behind the camera. Along the way, she developed a clear vision of what makes a venue truly special—not just for couples, but for their families, guests, and vendors as well. She dreamed of creating a space that combined beautiful architecture, intentional design, stunning photo opportunities, and a seamless experience from start to finish.
In 2018, Haley and Jacoby purchased the land that would eventually become The Venue at Madewell Estates. Construction was originally set to begin in 2020, but the pandemic forced them to postpone their plans. After the delay, they finally broke ground in 2022 and began bringing their vision to life.
Madewell Construction being in the family, Haley and Jacoby were able to thoughtfully design and build every aspect of the venue from the ground up. Drawing from over a decade in the wedding industry, Haley carefully incorporated many of her favorite features and ideas into the property, creating a venue that is both beautiful and functional.
One of the features Haley is most proud of is the vendor lounge. Having spent years working weddings herself, she understood the importance of creating a comfortable, dedicated space for the professionals who help make each event possible. It’s one of many details that reflects the intentionality behind the venue’s design.
In April 2024, The Venue at Madewell Estates hosted its very first wedding—a milestone that marked the realization of a dream years in the making. Today, the venue stands as a reflection of Haley and Jacoby’s passion, hard work, and commitment to creating a place where couples can celebrate one of life’s most meaningful moments. What started as a dream shared early in their relationship has become a place where countless couples begin the next chapter of their own love stories.
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?
The road to opening The Venue at Madewell Estates was far from smooth, but the challenges along the way ultimately helped shape the venue into what it is today.
Haley and Jacoby originally planned to break ground in 2020, but the pandemic brought those plans to a halt. Like many businesses during that time, they faced uncertainty at every turn. Material shortages became the norm, construction costs continued to rise, and many essential building materials were backordered for months, creating constant delays and requiring them to adapt their plans along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles was securing funding. At a time when the hospitality industry faced so much uncertainty, finding lenders willing to invest in a new wedding venue proved difficult. Haley and Jacoby heard “no” countless times before finally finding the right partners who believed in their vision.
Beyond the financial and construction challenges, building a venue from the ground up required patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the dream. Every decision—from the layout of the property to the smallest design details—required careful thought and planning. There were long days, unexpected setbacks, and moments when progress felt slow.
However, those challenges also became some of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Each obstacle pushed them to be more intentional and creative, ensuring that every element of The Venue at Madewell Estates served a purpose. The delays and difficulties made them even more appreciative of the milestones along the way, from finally breaking ground in 2022 to hosting their very first wedding in April 2024.
Today, Haley often reflects on how those challenges strengthened both the vision and the venue itself. What began as a dream became a reality through perseverance, faith, and determination, making every celebration hosted at The Venue at Madewell Estates that much more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
For the past 12 years, Haley has built Haley D Photography around a passion for documenting authentic love stories and meaningful moments. Specializing in wedding photography, she has had the privilege of capturing hundreds of weddings and working alongside incredible couples throughout some of the most important days of their lives.
Over the years, Haley has become known for creating timeless, genuine images while helping couples feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Her experience in the wedding industry has given her a unique perspective—not only on photography, but on the entire wedding experience from start to finish.
One of Haley’s proudest accomplishments is expanding that passion beyond photography and bringing her longtime dream to life through The Venue at Madewell Estates. Building and opening a multi-million-dollar wedding venue at a young age was no small feat, especially in the midst of the challenges that came with the pandemic. The project represents years of hard work, vision, and determination, and stands as a testament to her commitment to serving couples in an even greater capacity.
What sets Haley apart is her firsthand understanding of weddings from multiple perspectives. As both a photographer and venue owner, she knows how important it is for every detail to work together seamlessly. This experience allows her to anticipate needs, create exceptional experiences, and provide thoughtful guidance to couples throughout their wedding journey.
More than anything, Haley wants people to know that everything she creates—whether through photography or The Venue at Madewell Estates—is centered around people. Her goal has always been to create spaces, experiences, and memories that couples will cherish for a lifetime. From the images they hang on their walls to the venue where they celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones, Haley is passionate about helping couples tell their story in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and uniquely theirs.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
While Haley and Jacoby are both committed to personal and professional growth, Jacoby is especially drawn to the work of Brendon Burchard. His books, podcasts, and teachings on leadership, mindset, and high performance have been a source of inspiration throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Building businesses from the ground up has required perseverance, vision, and the ability to navigate challenges, and many of those lessons have resonated with them along the way.
Beyond specific authors and podcasts, Haley has gained invaluable knowledge through her 12 years in the wedding industry. Working alongside talented photographers, planners, venue owners, and other creatives has provided countless opportunities to learn and grow. She believes some of the best resources are the relationships and experiences that come from being part of a community of people who are passionate about what they do.
Together, Haley and Jacoby value continuous learning and are always looking for ways to improve both personally and professionally. Whether through books, podcasts, mentors, or real-life experiences, they believe growth is one of the keys to building a meaningful life and successful businesses.
Pricing:
- Friday/Sunday Venue Pricing $12,000
- Saturday Venue Pricing $14,500
- Week-Day Pricing Varies
- Event Pricing Varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madewellestates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madewellestates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madewellestates/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/venuemadewellestates/
