We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?
One of the craziest wedding stories at Celestial Farms happened when a photographer showed up on a wedding morning, stayed for just one short hour, and then disappeared without saying a word. It was a complete shock to all of us and left our sweet couple in a panic with no photographer for the most important day of their lives.
Thankfully, Angie with Angela’s Angles Photography-one of our trusted preferred vendors, stepped in to save the day. I gave her a call, she dropped everything and came to the venue within 15 minutes of the ceremony start time and completely knocked it out of the park. Not only did she capture every special moment beautifully, but her photos were so stunning that they were published in a magazine.
It was a stressful situation for our couple and our Celestial Farms team, but it turned into an incredible success story all thanks to quick thinking, connections we’ve made in the industry and Angie’s talent and dedication. It’s a perfect example of why we partner with vendors who are not only amazingly talented but are also true professionals who care about our couples wedding experience as much as we do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Jennifer Wilson, owner of Celestial Farms- a luxury Michigan wedding venue built on the legacy of our family farm in Clio, Michigan. After tragically losing our parents in 2013, the farm became even more special to us. When our last horse passed away in 2020, we felt a deep desire to honor its history by transforming the barn into a space where love and joy could be celebrated.
At Celestial Farms, we provide more than a beautiful venue—we provide an unforgettable wedding experience. We include timeline planning and day-of coordination in every package to ensure our couples can relax and enjoy their day. When challenges arise, we pride ourselves on quick thinking and seamless problem-solving to keep everything on track.
What sets us apart is the passion we bring to creating a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience. From the moment couples tour the venue to the final moments of their wedding day, we focus on making their vision a reality. Seeing their joy and knowing we’ve been part of such a meaningful day is what I’m most proud of. Celestial Farms is more than a venue; it’s a place where love stories come to life, and I’m honored to be part of that journey.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My reputation in the market has been built on the passion I have for creating exceptional, memorable, once in a lifetime wedding experiences for my clients. This passion first comes across at every venue tour. I take the time to get to know each couple, listen to them to understand their vision, and discuss how we can bring that vision to life.
I emphasize our incredible team and the talented vendors I’ve partnered with, highlighting the top notch customer service we provide at every wedding. From day one, I want couples to know that when they choose Celestial Farms, they’re not just booking a venue-they’re securing a seamless unforgettable experience.
When couples arrive to the venue on the morning of their big day, they are free to relax, live in the moment, and trust us to handle the details. It’s about more than creating a beautiful space; it’s about delivering an extraordinary experience from start to finish. Adding this level of depth to the message I send to our couples conveys my passion for the work we do here. The level of care and attention to detail sets Celestial Farms apart, and becomes evident to every couple who tours the wedding venue.
The gratitude our couples express at the end of their wedding day is my greatest reward. Their glowing reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations for what we have to offer have been the cornerstone of building our reputation in the wedding industry.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most pivotal moments in our lives came in 2020 when our last horse passed away. It was an incredibly emotional time, as our family farm had always been a place full of life and meaning. The horses were a living symbol of the love and legacy we were preserving after the tragic loss of our parents on the farm in 2013. With their passing, we felt an overwhelming desire to honor their legacy in a way that would bring people together and create joyful memories. That’s when we made the life-changing decision to transform our beloved family horse farm into an elegant Michigan wedding venue.
Transforming a horse barn into a wedding venue was no small feat. This pivot required a tremendous investment of time, money and dedication. Every detail from designing the perfect blend of rustic elegance to creating a space where modern meets cozy, was carefully thought out. Transforming a barn that housed horse stalls and tractors in it for 20 years, into a space that was the perfect backdrop for elegant weddings was both challenging and rewarding.
Beyond the physical transformation we also had to craft a business model that reflected our passion for the property and our commitment to providing unforgettable wedding experiences. We poured our hearts into building a business that truly not only honors the farms history but also creates the perfect space for love and celebration.
Today, seeing couples celebrate their love story here is the ultimate reward. Every heartfelt review from brides, grooms and their families reminds us of how meaningful this transformation has been- not just for our family but our entire community. The joy and connection that Celestial Farms brings to others are a constant affirmation that this pivot was the right decision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celestialfarms22.com
- Instagram: @celestialfarms22
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celestialfarms22/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC672yjNVaevKhuckbEHs6EQ
- Other: [email protected]
https://www.tiktok.com/@celestialfarmsweddings?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Angela’s Angles Photography