Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brigita Rowe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brigita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
The name “The Cedars” for our company, The Cedars Weddings and Events Venue, originates from the Abbott family estate, which has been their home for nearly 100 years. Mrs. Abbott chose the name because of the magnificent cedar trees that grace the property. She often shared with her grandchildren that on clear days, she could see Red Top Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. A passionate writer, Mrs. Abbott even had custom stationery printed with the phrase: “Writing to You from the Cedars.”
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Brigita, also known as Brigitte, began her journey in the event planning and venue industry after 15 years in hospitality, where she started as a sales manager and eventually became the director of sales and marketing at various hotels. One day, a business plan for a bed-and-breakfast landed on her desk, and she thought, “I can do this.” With a long-time desire to run her own business, this opportunity was the perfect answer. She quit her job, researched existing bed-and-breakfasts, and discovered The Stanley House, which, thanks to her sales and marketing background, was an ideal fit. Brigita later expanded by purchasing The Marlow House, and in 1998, she acquired The Cedars Weddings and Events Venue from the Abbott family, beginning renovations. She removed the upstairs bedrooms to create stunning high ceilings in the dining area, while maintaining the original fireplaces and stairwell, which are a photographer’s favorite for capturing wedding-day images. Together with her daughter Kristina, Brigita has built The Cedars into a highly successful and sought-after wedding and special events venue.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Our mission is to offer a seamless, all-inclusive wedding or event experience. Planning such an important day should be enjoyable, not stressful. We aim to make things easier by providing trusted vendor recommendations and leveraging the strong relationships we’ve built over the years. This ensures smooth events and a familiar workflow. We’re deeply passionate about this property’s history, and every event we host allows us to celebrate that legacy while expressing our creativity.
History of The Cedars:
Built around 1870, just five years after the Civil War, The Cedars began as a traditional New England saltbox house. The original owner, E.L. Shuford, was a wealthy Northern bachelor who loved hosting grand parties. Over time, the home became known as a place of celebration. For nearly 100 years, The Cedars was the Abbott family residence. Recently, Bill Abbott and his wife Susan, who grew up in the home, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here, continuing the legacy of joy and celebration at The Cedars.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner is actually my family! My daughter, Kristina Minter, plays a key role in running the day-to-day operations at The Cedars Weddings and Events Venue. She’s been by my side from the very beginning, starting with our first venue, The Stanley House, near Marietta Square, and later when we opened The Marlow House just a few blocks away. Working with family has been incredibly rewarding. Thankfully, we not only get along but love working together. Growing the business as a team has been both fulfilling and enjoyable—I couldn’t do it without her!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cedarsweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecedarsweddingsandevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedarsweddingsandevents
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrlowe/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZpXfUnDo1NE
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/cedar-plantation-acworth/a8d68433e6fae851.html
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/the-cedars-weddings-and-events-acworth-ga-337309
Image Credits
The Cedars Weddings and Events Venue