What made you decide to do this...?

We've been asked several times what made us decide to build a wedding venue and there isn't just ONE answer to that inquiry, but several.

Have you ever seen something done and told yourself "I COULD do that".  But then questioned immediately thereafter, "SHOULD I do that?".   I've had these thoughts for years when photographing wedding and reception venues.   Every time I would come back to thoughts like "this would've been better if they would've considered the lighting" or "the backdrop for this photo isn't ideal" or "I wonder why they didn't think to build this a better way".  We are going into this endeavor with the 20+ years of construction experience along with a perspective of "this will be in photographs for as long as they both shall live".   

And as sad as it makes me to say it, I realize everything in the world does not revolve around photographs.  We want to design a venue that allows people to enjoy themselves while making memories together.  Special events and weddings bring friends and families together in a positive way like nothing else.  Our hope is that families are comfortable and welcome at our place.  We look forward to people enjoying their time together, visiting, and kicking back on our patio!  (We haven't taken a quiz or anything but we may have the gift of hospitality.)

Thirdly, we feel like this venue will be a shot in the arm to the Macon County area.  We are eager to see how our local caterers, musicians, bakers, DJs, florists, hotels and decorators will play into this adventure.   There is so much potential with a blank slate like an event venue.  Our plan is to make the design timeless so that if you want to bring your cowboy boots and hay bales you can go rustic or if you want to set formal dinnerware and be a black tie event elegance will abound; either way you're going to impress your guests.  

Lastly, and most importantly, we have always lived by faith and tried to follow God's plan for our lives instead of our own.  We have moved several times, been on many overseas and local mission trips, and served in many churches and when we work within the Lord's will it just feels right.  That's not to say that everything falls into place or that the road is easy.  We've just operated with the understanding that God would lead but that we had to be ACTIVE in living out that plan.  My favorite "life verse" is from James 1:22 and it says "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  DO what it says." (emphasis added)  We certainly haven't always done what was right but we've always stepped out in bold faith knowing that God was in the lead and that He would never leave us or forsake us even if we got it wrong.  Emerson Fields will be a tremendous opportunity to touch people's lives, serve them with glad hearts and make them feel right at home.