The Venue Success Podcast

Tirzah Caffee
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

  1. Jul 15

    The Promise of 2912 // Jennifer and Tony Khatibi

    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 Thoughts What'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 #Entrepreneurship Jennifer 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 generation. @thepromiseof2912 thepromisevenue.com hello@thepromisevenue.com www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

  2. Jun 24

    Partnerships, Processes, & Persistence // Scott Davies

    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 @ridgefieldweddings @venuesuccesspodcast www.tirzahcaffee.com

  3. Jun 11

    Curating the "Hart" of Your Venue // Lora Taub

    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 @hartlothappening tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

  4. May 27

    Wedding Planner to Venue Owner // Brittany Schrader

    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 home. @colonialsunset thecolonialatsunset.com @venuesuccesspodcast tirzahcaffee.com

  5. May 13

    Microweddings, Maximum Impact // Dixie Bagley

    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 hand. dixiebagley.com @dixiedoesweddings www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

  6. Apr 29

    Inside the Vendor-Venue Partnership // Fausto Pifferrer

    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 @blueelephantcatering www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast Co-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.

  7. Apr 15

    Experiencing the Soul of Your Venue // Mary Luz Rodriguez

    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 venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com https://www.livingsculpturesanctuary.com/ @livingsculpturesanctuary tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast Mary 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.

  8. Apr 1

    Tip from Tirzah #9: Selling Your Venue

    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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About

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

Information

  • Creator
    Tirzah Caffee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tirzah Caffee
  • Show Website
    The Venue Success Podcast

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