Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Lossing.
Hi Stacy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My 3 daughters inspired me to turn our shop into a venue, it was my late husband’s shop for his construction business, and it sat empty for a few years. My one daughter said, “Mom you should do a venue”! My first thought was, nobody is going to want a wedding out here, thinking I lived to far in the country haha.
So, I had to talk to the bank of course and I thought if they say do it then that’s an answer to my prayers.
We opened our doors in 2018 and had 2 weddings. The following year we had more, so it was looking great, right? Until Covid hit and like everyone else our business felt it. Even though this was a challenging time at first, we came to find out that our building was considered a glorified tent since our overhead doors could remain open, so we could continue to have weddings- a true blessing!
Each year we host an annual Fall Festival which has brought so much enjoyment to the community and really brings everyone together! We have music, horse drawn wagon rides, kids’ activities, and food trucks along with many talented vendors.
We recently started a flower farm and who doesn’t love a field of sunflowers! We offer fresh pre-picked bouquets or pick-your-own, and so many community members enjoy coming to the flower field to select their own unique bouquets throughout the summer.
We have had our ups and downs along the way, as many businesses do, but I feel God has truly blessed Us along with my family’s help and God providing for me.
What really sets us apart from other venues is we offer a 3-day package. We feel this is one of your most important days and we want it to be memorable! By offering 3 days there’s relaxation for the bride/groom and simply more time to enjoy your family and friends.
Whatever the event may be from weddings, birthdays, or family reunions, we strive to make it the most memorable and relaxing time for all!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I like to think of the struggles as learning. We have learned a lot, and sometimes those lessons aren’t enjoyable or fun, but they helped us grow in so many ways. We have awakened to thunderstorms and windstorms to find we have no power, and we have had to shift gears and figure things out quickly when there is a wedding on this same day. It can be tough but through a lot of prayers, sweat, and tears of our own at times, we always come out so grateful for this opportunity.
I don’t think people realize the work that goes into a venue, and I am guilty of that too. But when you see the joy it brings to your guests it is all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We prepare a few days in advance for one of the most important days for a bride and groom. We start by setting up tables and chairs for the reception area typically on a Wednesday or Thursday, by Friday morning they can come in and decorate the area with their desired decor. As it gets closer, we make sure the grounds are looking there finest with lawns mowed, trimmings done, and flowers looking their best. On the day of the wedding, we get the ceremony site set for that beautiful moment, we like to make sure every detail is spectacular.
Something we are known for that keeps guests talking is our Bin Bar.
This area really brings everything together for the guests, here they can relax under the patio lights, enjoy some yard games nearby, take in the breathtaking views of the sunflower field, and just be present in the moment.
From the beginning to the end of it all, I love to step back and take in the beauty of God’s masterpieces in the sky, see the conversing of family and friends, hearing the laughter of the kids running around, and it reminds me every time how blessed and grateful I am for this opportunity.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, we didn’t have a lot, I didn’t come from a family that had money. Now that I am older, I look back at the things I thought we were “missing”, and they were all material things. I truly am grateful for my childhood and the memories I carry from it.
I wasn’t active in a lot of school activities, and I wasn’t a very outgoing person, but I really enjoyed camping, going to lake and riding bike down our dirt road.
I love the outdoors; I will say I don’t necessarily enjoy the cold Minnesota winters, but the frosted trees and snowy yards truly are beautiful!
Gardening wasn’t something I enjoyed in my childhood years, but now it’s one of my favorite parts of the summer and brings me joy. Some may look at it as a lot of work, and it may be, but to me it’s a stress reliever. You go out there, work the ground, plant it and watch it grow. One of my favorite things about gardening that may seem odd to some is the weeds. I enjoy just being out there in the warmth of the sun, the dirt, the birds are singing, and it truly fills my cup. I never take those moments for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northernescapevenue.com
- Facebook: Northern Escape Venue
