04/20/2025
Over the years, many have asked me, “Why did you start your venue? I can’t believe you let people use your home!”
I usually give my story about how I offered to use my home for a friend from church who needed a place at the last minute…that’s true but it is only PART of the story.
In 2013, I became a single parent with 4 children still at home. I knew I would need a “second income” and working two or three jobs wasn’t enough. God laid this business in my lap.
He knew how much family gatherings meant to me. You see, bringing people together was something I always looked forward to when I was married. I hosted the majority of the family events for 30 years. It was stressful to, say the least, with my large (8) family, his side, cleaning, cooking, and the worst was the emotional toll trying to please everyone and keep the peace.
But I did it because I knew how important being together would be for their sense of belonging and identity.
I wanted to offer this to other families. I wanted to make it easy for them to plan their celebrations and want to be together!
Little did I know how much it would give back to me - not just allowing us to keep our home - but giving me the opportunity to share in the joy of others being together.
You see, when our marriage ended, I lost more than just a husband, I also lost my sense of belonging. His family was all that I had. And then there was the “sharing” of holidays that every divorced parent has to endure.
Having my venue allowed me to feel connected to people when I needed them more than they needed me. I offer my home, property, time and attention but they give me appreciation, love, acceptance and belonging. I can’t say how much that means to me!
Secondly, I believe in marriage. I want others to be able to afford a BEAUTIFUL WEDDING- regardless of their budget. Every woman deserves to be proud of “her special day”.
It gives me such joy and pride to think that I may have helped accomplish that in some small way.
Our world has enough pain.
If we don’t take the time to celebrate the victories and happy moments, then what is it all about??
Celebrating YOU is what matters to me - because life wouldn’t be the same without you.
Our world needs more permanent families.
It needs more security.
It needs more love.
This is what makes for a strong society and healthy adults and children.
If I can do a small part to make that happen, then I am so very blessed!
God bless you and keep you all.
Kathleen -
The Cottage Venue 💝
