Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Church.
Hi Breanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I believe my story begins and ends with deep love for community, hospitality, and home. I grew up in the small town of Deer River, MN which is in Northern Minnesota were I learned the value of family, hard work, and small town-roots. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and love of my family-especially my parents.
For 12 years, my husband, Lee, and I stepped away from Deer River while Lee served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force. During this time, I pursued my education, earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. But it wasn’t just degrees and deployments during those years – I discovered a passion for hosting and making people feel at home, a spark that would later inspire our next chapter.
In 2022, with our military commitment complete, we moved back to Deer River, ready to put down roots and grow our family. Not long after our return, we cam across a property for sale – and something just clicked. This property would soon become our vision: a beautiful wedding venue, Malbay Estate – born from a love of community, celebration, and creating spaces where people feel welcome.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. My husband and I weathered five deployments. By the time our son turned 5, Lee had already missed half of his life due to these deployments. Lots of hard moments, sacrifice and it truly tested our strength. It also kind of seems silly saying this out loud but even navigating the civilian lifestyle after our military commitment wasn’t all rose pedals.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Malbay Estate Wedding & Event Center?
Malbay Estate was born from a simple but heartfelt question: How do you plan a once-in-a-lifetime wedding that truly feels as magical as a vacation with your favorite people? Tucked away just outside of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, surrounded by towering pines and peaceful skies, our estate was created with the intention of offering not just a venue, but an experience—a place where you and your guests can truly be present, linger longer, and celebrate deeper.
We hope our guest’s time here becomes one their most treasured memories. We hope that our space reminds our couples why they fell in love.
At Malbay Estate, we’re committed to making our couple’s special day a truly unforgettable experience and that is why we offer a range of enchanting wedding packages to suit their needs.
Every corner of Malbay Estate is designed with intention—to create beauty, ease, and unforgettable memories. Whether our couples are sharing their first look beside the serene waters of Bass Lake, saying “I do” in our tranquil meadow, or dancing the night away beneath barnwood beams, each setting offers its own unique kind of magic. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the peaceful energy of the estate, the charm of the barn, and the way time seems to slow down when you’re surrounded by nature and people you love.
Malbay Estate isn’t just one venue—it’s a collection of spaces that come together to tell your story. You’ll find quiet spots for reflection and laughter-filled gathering areas, all within steps of one another. The serene lakeside, the wide-open meadows, the cozy barn, the charming bridal suite, and the laid-back groom’s lounge each provide the perfect backdrop for different chapters of your wedding day.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If you are planning your dream wedding or know of someone that is newly engaged, I would absolutely love the opportunity to meet them. Contact us today to book your tour and secure your date! www.malbayestate.com Let us help create a day that’s relaxed, romantic and uniquely yours!
Vendors: We are always actively networking, creating opportunities for collaboration and visibility and most importantly to build strong relationships. Please email us at malbayestate@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.malbayestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malbayestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Malbay-Estate/61552377251500/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MalbayEstate
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@malbay.estate
