The Venue Success Podcast

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  Creating Your Own Haven // Blake Harris 09.09.2026 40min

  In this episode, Blake Harris & Tirzah discuss the joys of the wedding business, despite all the hard parts! Blake shared amazing wisdom with the podcast--you don't want to miss this!Key takeaways:The importance of understanding your venue's unique offeringsHow to handle unexpected surprises during eventsTips for creating a memorable experience for clientsStaying positive during challengesBlake Harris is a father, business owner, and entrepreneur. Over the last 10 years, he has built several companies from the ground up and designed a life he can hardly believe he gets to live every single day.Located just south of Overland Park, Kansas, Blake was born and raised in the small town of Louisburg, Kansas, where fate would have it, he would eventually build his first business, The Haven Event Space. Alongside his son Lincoln, their (giant) pup Phin, and an incredible support system, Blake has created his own version of "The American Dream."What's your craziest venue story? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights into the world of venue ownership and event planning!#VenueSuccess #WeddingStories
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  The Historic Dallas Jail // Victoria Melvin-Propert 26.08.2026 32min

  In this episode, Tirzah interviews Victoria, who owns The Historic Dallas Jail in North Carolina. Tune in to unlock the secrets to exceptional customer experience in the wedding industry! In this video, we dive into how hospitality strategies can elevate your wedding venue and delight your [email protected]@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com Key takeaways:Anticipating client needs: Learn how to identify and fulfill client expectations before they even ask.Personal touches: Discover simple yet impactful gestures that can make a big difference, like handwritten thank you notes and thoughtful surprises.The role of technology: Explore how automation and AI can streamline your business processes and enhance client interactions.Community over competition: Understand the importance of building relationships with other venue owners and sharing knowledge for mutual growth.Victoria Melvin-Propert is the co-owner of The Historic Dallas Jail, a unique wedding venue housed in a restored 1848 jailhouse in Dallas, North Carolina. Alongside her husband, Blair, she transformed the long-vacant historic landmark into one of the region's most distinctive venues, blending historic preservation with thoughtful design and intentional wedding experiences.Before opening the venue, Victoria spent more than 15 years producing large-scale corporate events, commercial productions, and brand experiences as a freelance wardrobe and prop stylist. Her work has taken her around the world, managing logistics, styling campaigns, and coordinating complex productions for national brands. Throughout those years, she also became the unofficial wedding planner for friends, family, and colleagues—earning a reputation for creating seamless, meaningful celebrations long before weddings became her full-time focus.Blair brings an extensive hospitality background, having held leadership positions with The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels. His experience in luxury guest service, event operations, and team leadership complements Victoria's production and design expertise, creating a venue experience centered on service and attention to detail.After years of traveling for work, Victoria and Blair decided it was time to put down roots and invest in their community. They purchased the jailhouse with a vision of preserving an important piece of local history while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Dallas. Today, The Historic Dallas Jail is more than a wedding venue—it's a gathering place that has helped breathe new life into their community.Together, Victoria and Blair combine decades of experience in event production, luxury service, and customer experience to create celebrations that feel personal, stress-free, and beautifully executed. They are passionate about continually refining the client experience, building authentic relationships with couples, and creating a venue where every celebration feels thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely cared for.Subscribe for bi-weekly insights on enhancing your wedding venue experience!#WeddingIndustry #CustomerExperience #VenueSuccess
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  Built With Love: The Story Behind Milk & Honey Farms // Ashley Upton 12.08.2026 37min

  IN THIS EPISODEAshley Upton shares her journey of building Milk & Honey Farms from the ground up, offering an honest look at the lessons, challenges, and decisions that have shaped the venue since opening in 2025. From marketing before construction was complete to building vendor relationships and creating a guest experience rooted in love and faith, Ashley shares practical insights for venue owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.Key Topics:* Building a wedding venue from the ground up* Marketing before the venue is complete* Balancing family business and professional roles* Creating a venue centered on love and faith* Lessons learned from construction challenges* The importance of guest experience and reputation* Considering an all-inclusive venue modelABOUT ASHLEYAshley Upton is the co-owner of Milk & Honey Farms, a family-owned wedding venue in Middle Tennessee. Alongside her family, she helped build the venue from the ground up, combining her background in real estate with a passion for hospitality, business, and creating meaningful experiences for couples.Since opening in 2025, Ashley has immersed herself in every aspect of venue ownership, from branding and marketing to vendor partnerships, bar operations, licensing, and building systems that elevate the client experience.A wife of 14 years and mother of five, Ashley brings a heart for family and faith to everything she does. She loves sharing the lessons she’s learned while building a venue from scratch and encouraging other venue owners to lead authentically, start before they feel ready, and focus on creating experiences that go beyond a beautiful space.https://www.milkandhoneyfarms.events/@milkandhoneyfarms_https://www.tirzahcaffee.com/@venuesuccesspodcast
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  The Mid-Summer Venue Owner Freak Out 29.07.2026 22min

  Season 4: Episode 8If you've found yourself staring at your booking calendar this summer wondering where all the inquiries went, you're not alone. In this special solo episode, Tirzah presses pause on the Venue Owner Series to tackle what she calls the "Venue Owner Midsummer Freakout." She shares why this seasonal slowdown is more common than most venue owners realize and walks through six practical strategies to help you replace fear with facts. From tracking your numbers and identifying priority dates to sell, to evaluating your marketing, understanding your market, and improving your sales process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence.Whether you're experiencing a slower season or simply want to strengthen your venue business for the future, this episode will remind you to think like a business owner, trust the data over your emotions, and focus on the areas that truly move the needle. If you're feeling stuck, Tirzah also shares how a diagnostic coaching call can provide clarity and a personalized action plan to help you get back on track.Key Takeaways:- Why the "Midsummer Freakout" is a common cycle for venue owners—and why you're not alone.- The importance of tracking your numbers month-over-month instead of relying on gut feelings.- How identifying your most important open dates can help you book more strategically.- Why regularly updating your market analysis gives you a competitive advantage.- The marketing metrics every venue owner should be monitoring.- How to identify whether your biggest challenge is leads, tours, or conversions.- Why understanding buyer psychology can dramatically improve your booking rate.- The value of staying resilient and making data-driven decisions during slower seasons.If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to the Venue Success Podcast on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews, subscriptions, and comments help more venue owners discover the show so we can continue serving and strengthening the wedding venue community together.http://tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  The Promise of 2912 // Jennifer and Tony Khatibi 15.07.2026 1t 58min

  Join us for an inspiring episode of the Venue Success Podcast as we dive into the journey of Tony and Jennifer, the passionate owners of The Promise of 2912. Discover how they transformed a cherished family property into a dream wedding destination, blending tradition with modern elegance.Key takeaways:Learn about the significance behind the name "The Promise of 2912" and its family legacy.Hear about the challenges and triumphs of starting a wedding venue from scratch.Understand the importance of creating a memorable guest experience and how it drives referrals.Get insights on effective marketing strategies for new venue owners.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:58 Meet Tony and Jen02:26 The Promise of 2912: A Family Legacy05:20 The Vision Behind the Venue09:45 Challenges in Building a Wedding Venue14:29 Marketing Strategies for Success20:32 Creating a Memorable Guest Experience25:45 The Importance of Thank You Gifts30:00 Final ThoughtsWhat's your biggest challenge with starting a wedding venue? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights on building a successful venue business!#WeddingVenue #VenueSuccess #EntrepreneurshipJennifer and Tony are realizing the dream of building a brand new wedding and event venue in Central Indiana on Jennifer's childhood property. The 24 acres that the Promise of 2912 Wedding and Event Venue is located was first her Great Grandmother's farm and home, Then it was passed on to her mother who built a home on the property and raised Jennifer and her two siblings there. When Jennifer's mom passed in 2021, Jennifer and Tony knew they didn't want to part with the property, and one way to keep the legacy in tact was to give it a new purpose. With Tony's expertise in Sales and his passion of helping others reach their desired result combined with Jennifer's passion of hospitality and design, they knew the perfect place to create what Jennifer had in her heart was where she called home, and the property that was promised from generation to [email protected]@thepromisevenue.comwww.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Partnerships, Processes, & Persistence // Scott Davies 24.06.2026 1t 1min

  In this episode, Scott Davies joins Tirzah again to share insights on running a successful wedding venue, including handling challenging situations, evolving business strategies, and the importance of partnerships and continuous improvement. Tune in to hear more about all-inclusive models and vendor relationships.www.ridgefieldweddings.co@[email protected]
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  Curating the "Hart" of Your Venue // Lora Taub 11.06.2026 51min

  In this episode, Lora Taub shares her unique journey from higher education to venue ownership, highlighting how authenticity, storytelling, and craftsmanship create a character-filled venue that resonates with couples. Discover how her background influences her approach, the importance of trust and connection, and innovative strategies for venue tours and marketing.www.hartlothappening.com@hartlothappeningtirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Wedding Planner to Venue Owner // Brittany Schrader 27.05.2026 35min

  In this episode, Tirzah interviews Brittany Schrader shares her journey from wedding planner to successful venue owner, offering insights on building a venue, vendor relationships, family dynamics, and lessons learned in the industry. Learn practical tips and lessons learned from her first years in the industry.Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home.Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at [email protected]@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com
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  Microweddings, Maximum Impact // Dixie Bagley 13.05.2026 1t

  In this episode, Tirzah interviews wedding venue veteran, Dixie Bagley. Dixie shares her journey from accidental venue owner to successful wedding entrepreneur, including innovative micro wedding strategies, the decision to sell her venue, and insights on building a resilient business and life balance.Dixie Bagley is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur based in Rome, Georgia with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry. Specializing in venue operations, she is the venue owner of The Farm — a European farm estate with lodging set in the northwestern Georgia mountains. In addition to owning and operating a venue, she also owns The Sweet Bar Bakery, Tillman Hangar, Dixie Events Planning, and founded The Southern Wedding Collective. She uses her 12 years of experience guiding other wedding professionals to become the boss in their businesses. Between managing her brands and consulting, you’ll find her enjoying family time with a good wine in [email protected]@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Inside the Vendor-Venue Partnership // Fausto Pifferrer 29.04.2026 35min

  In this episode, discover the insights from Fausto Pifferrer, a seasoned venue and event expert, on optimizing venue-caterer relationships, navigating challenges, and creating memorable events. Perfect for venue owners, caterers, and event professionals seeking practical tips and inspiring stories to elevate their business partnerships.blueelephantcatering.com@blueelephantcateringwww.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastCo-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Maine Venue Partners, and Co-owner of Real Maine Weddings magazine, Fausto began his career in catering and event planning 40 years ago in Philadelphia. He has an eye for detail and production and is passionate about creating high-quality, memorable events for his wedding and corporate clients. Fausto is a member of the Leading Caterers of America, sits on the board of directors of the International Caterers Association and Seeds of Hope Community Center, and is a past President of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. He recently published his first book: Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to the Perfect Day.
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  Experiencing the Soul of Your Venue // Mary Luz Rodriguez 15.04.2026 44min

  As we start a new season, Tirzah will return to interviewing venue owners across the nation! In this inspiring episode, venue owner Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez shares her unique journey from law to creating a sanctuary that blends nature, legacy, and love. Discover how her heart-driven approach transforms the venue experience into a spiritual and emotional journey, emphasizing the importance of purpose, healing, and authentic leadership.Interested in being on the show? Email [email protected] https://www.livingsculpturesanctuary.com/@livingsculpturesanctuarytirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastMary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez, Esq. is the co-founder of Living Sculpture Sanctuary, one of South Florida’s most distinctive and spiritually immersive wedding destinations. Since opening in 2015, she has helped shape the Sanctuary into a beloved venue known for its emotional warmth, nature-forward design, and focus on wellness. Under her leadership, it has hosted more than a thousand weddings and milestone celebrations, each created with intention, empathy, and a genuine commitment to bringing couples’ visions to life in a meaningful, heart-centered way.Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Mary Luz has always felt a deep respect for the Earth. This passion led her to study environmental law and explore holistic wellness, two paths that eventually inspired the idea behind Living Sculpture Sanctuary. She studied law at La Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City and later earned her Juris Doctor, with honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law. Today, she continues to work as an environmental attorney while directing the Sanctuary, a combination that grounds her leadership in purpose, integrity, and environmental stewardship.Her legal career includes work on complex cases involving toxic exposure, pollution, and environmental harm. These experiences shape her perspective as a venue owner. She believes that spaces of celebration should honor the planet and that the most meaningful venues lead with authenticity, connection, and service. This philosophy shows up in everything she does, from the way she guides couples during their tours to how the Sanctuary’s design reflects the five natural elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. The result is an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply symbolic.Mary Luz and her husband, attorney Robert J. McKee, built the Sanctuary themselves over the course of two years. What started as a personal dream and the setting for their own wedding eventually grew into a thriving event space where couples immediately feel grounded, welcomed, and emotionally supported. Today, the Sanctuary is known for its thoughtful wellness offerings, including sound baths, guided meditations, spa rituals, and private photoshoots. Each experience is designed to elevate the wedding journey and help couples create intentional, memorable, and transformational moments.Beyond weddings, she has expanded the Sanctuary into a holistic gathering space that hosts bonsai workshops, floral design classes, yoga sessions, meditation practices, and corporate retreats. Through all of these offerings, Mary Luz champions the idea of Living the Sanctuary Life, a philosophy that blends natural connection, mindful leadership, and the belief that working in harmony with nature enhances personal well-being and professional success.Mary Luz continues to balance her work as an environmental trial attorney with her role as director of the Sanctuary. Whether she is advocating for environmental justice in the courtroom or curating unforgettable wedding experiences, she remains deeply committed to helping others find meaning, healing, and genuine connection with each other, with nature, and with the milestones that shape their lives.
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  Tip from Tirzah #9: Selling Your Venue 01.04.2026 40min

  In this heartfelt episode, Tirzah shares her personal journey of selling her family-owned venue, the challenges faced during the transition from private to corporate ownership, and her plans for future seasons focused on venue owners and industry insights.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Tip from Tirzah #8: Need a Venue Tune-Up? 18.03.2026 18min

  In this episode, Tirzah shares her extensive experience in the wedding venue industry, introduces her 'Venue Tune Up' service, and offers valuable insights on how venue owners can optimize their operations, marketing, and profitability. She also discusses her journey, resources, and how she supports venue owners across the [email protected]
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  Tip from Tirzah #7: The Importance of Tracking Data 04.03.2026 19min

  summaryIn this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah Caffee emphasizes the critical role of data in managing a successful venue. She discusses key metrics to track, such as leads, tours, and conversions, and shares insights on creating effective tracking systems. Tirzah also addresses the natural fluctuations in the wedding industry and the importance of setting goals and incentives for sales teams. The episode concludes with encouragement for venue owners to embrace data tracking as a means to navigate their business [email protected] @venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com
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  Tip from Tirzah #6: Working With Family 18.02.2026 25min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah discusses the complexities of working with family in the venue business. She explores various dynamics, including hiring family members, working with spouses, and managing parent-child relationships in a business context. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication, boundaries, and job descriptions to foster a healthy work environment while navigating the challenges that come with family dynamics.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Tip from Tirzah #5: Navigating Google Reviews 04.02.2026 31min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah shares her passion for obtaining reviews and how it played a crucial role in her venue's success. She discusses various review platforms, strategies for soliciting reviews, and how to handle negative feedback. Tirzah emphasizes the importance of quantity in reviews and encourages listeners to set goals for obtaining more reviews to stand out in a competitive market.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Tip from Tirzah #4: Marriage Bound 21.01.2026 24min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah and her husband Bradley discuss the importance of premarital preparation for couples planning their weddings. They introduce their initiative, Marriage Bound, which aims to provide accessible and affordable premarital counseling through an online platform. The couple reflects on their experiences as venue owners and the need for couples to focus not just on the wedding day but on the marriage itself. They emphasize the significance of having meaningful conversations before tying the knot, addressing common issues that couples face, and how their program can help facilitate these discussions.Sign up to be an affiliate! [email protected]
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  Tip from Tirzah #3: The Open House Blueprint 07.01.2026 32min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah discusses the importance of open houses for venues, providing actionable insights on how to effectively plan and execute these events. She emphasizes the need for a clear objective, understanding the audience, and creating a memorable experience for both current and prospective clients. The conversation covers strategies for engaging clients, the pros and cons of blended open houses, and the significance of timing and seasonal considerations. Tirzah also shares her personal experiences and tips for maximizing sales during open houses, ultimately encouraging venue owners to strategize effectively to ensure the success of their events.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastThe Open House Blueprint: https://go.tirzahcaffee.com/open-house-success-blueprint-4152
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  Tip from Tirzah #2: Christmas at Your Venue 24.12.2025 11min

  Join Tirzah in today's quick episode to discuss Christmas and the holidays at your venue. The winter is a slow season for many venues, and celebrating the holidays is a great way to bring clients back in during the winter months and create lasting memories for couples. Tirzah shares how she ran her "Christmas at the Homestead" event to help you jumpstart your holiday celebration at your venue.We know this season is busy for many of us, so we hope you are enjoying these quick tips from Tirzah you can listen to on the go!Merry Christmas! www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
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  Tip from Tirzah #1: The Three Legged Stool 10.12.2025 16min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah shares insights from her experience at the Wedding MBA, focusing on the challenges faced by venue owners. The discussion revolves around a three-legged stool model for venue success, emphasizing the importance of leads, tours, and conversion. She provides actionable tips for optimizing each leg, including the significance of a strong online presence, effective communication, and building trust with potential clients. The episode concludes with resources for further learning and improvement in the venue business.USE CODE "podcast" for 10% off Tirzah's Courses!https://www.tirzahcaffee.com/online-training Check out our sticker shop! The perfect holiday gift for your fellow venue owners, or yourself! https://www.redbubble.com/people/VenueSuccess/shop?asc=u