Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Cowan. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Sitio Weddings + Events was born with Ken’s vision of a grape vineyard on his 15-acre nursery property. Ken Hammarlund is the 2nd generation of Hammarlunds to own the Landscape Nursery and has been on the property for the last 45 years. Although, 45 years ago, they did not have competition from Walmart or Menard’s Garden Center. It has become increasingly difficult for independent nurseries to make it. Ken saw this and started building a beautiful dream on his land. Weddings weren’t the end goal, but sometimes things manifest organically. Ken brought on partner Jodie Cowan in March of 2021 after she helped with their first wedding on the property the fall before. Sitio Weddings + Events took off. Today they have over 45 weddings, and events booked and are continuing to grow. They feature 2 vineyards with white Itasca variety grapes and red Marquette style grapes. A greenhouse filled with 10 varieties of heirloom tomatoes that they supply to area restaurants; a small hemp crop with a few tincture products; a stage where numerous concerts have been held; a beautiful Greenhouse that holds receptions and ceremonies; plus on-site Airbnb accommodations, and more. They are also working on building out a small tenting campground for guests. Walking around the property, guests see a variety of permaculture farming techniques, like Hugel mounds. Ken also believes he has almost every variety of Native MN trees on the property, and they are working towards labeling things to create an “arboretum” feel.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business will always have obstacles and challenges, but our team has continued to rise to the occasion. We had to learn the ropes of the wedding industry from Duluth’s amazing support, like the Twin Shores Wedding Association, Greene Frame Events, and more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sitio Weddings + Events is surrounded by nature on a 15-acre property and can help people celebrate any occasion in our unique event spaces: The Greenhouse, Vineyard View, our Utopia Borealis Concert Stage, on-site Airbnb, Bridal Suite, AND more. We specialize in Weddings under 100 guests for a reception or gathering in our beautiful tropical Greenhouse but can accommodate up to 250 guests in our area reserved for large tents. Ceremonies are usually held out in the Vineyard View location, which features pond views, a handcrafted log alter and is surrounded by vineyards. Our brand name was important to Ken, as he often visits Chile over the winter season. “Sitio” is Portuguese for “little farm,” which embodies us nicely.
Is something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Sitio has its hemp license and has been growing hemp for the last couple of years. During the first season of growth, the Carlton County Sheriff and about 20 police cars showed up because a nursery customer had suspected them of growing marijuana. Hemp license holders get their plants tested for THC levels every year by the state, so Ken wasn’t worried as he turned over his license to the sheriff, whose face fell once they realized everything was legal. The next week the local news came out, and we made the front page in celebration of the hemp farm! 😀
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sitioevents.com
- Instagram: @sitioevents
- Facebook: facebook.com/sitioevents
Image Credits
Sweet Pea Photography Janine Leigh Photo Laura Jean Media Services Angela Jo Photography
