As many of you know, our lives are very hectic! Managing a household, running a massage school, maintaining a continuing education business, and working in and operating a professional massage clinic, working to have some sort of social life, and still retaining enough time for each other– especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been challenging to say the least. We were beginning to get concerned that it would take a long time to find a venue that met all our needs. After doing drive-by’s on a couple of very popular venues, we started the inevitable list of what we were willing to compromise on. Yesterday (7/10/2020), we took the plunge and began the arduous task of touring venue sites. We were excited about getting started, but honestly we understood that this could become a time consuming and very expensive process. Our first appointment was with Sheila, the owner and event coordinator for Heartland Meadows.
The First Stop…
As we drove to the site, we discussed what we wanted in a venue, making sure we were still on the same page. We knew that to get the rustic setting we wanted, we would have to get out of Downtown Knoxville. We were surprised how beautiful the drive was and how quickly we got to Heartland Meadows. (and Ed won playing PUTT.) We both love the outdoors and nature, so as we drove onto the property we were amazed by the stunning series of landscapes that create Heartland Meadows. We were lucky to have Jeryd’s mother, Nikky, with us via FaceTime, touring the facility with us. It had everything we wanted. Honestly, I think we were all a little shocked. We got to meet “Pumpkin” a gorgeous and friendly, solid black feline that made Heartland Meadows her home last October. (This was a good sign, cause we both love cats!) We took a deep breath and asked Sheila if we could have a few minutes to talk. We walked to the quaint covered bridge and a wave of relief washed over us as we looked at each other and both said, “…this IS the place.” I think Nikky was just as excited!
It’s a Done Deal!
We wanted to have our ceremony during the first weeks of October in 2021. We inquired about open dates, as most venues are booking 18 to 24-months in advance and miraculously they had October 1st and 2nd open. That was all we need to know that this was the place. We signed the contract and paid in full before we left! (Pumpkin laid on the contract prior to the signing to give her blessings.) So guys, Heartland Meadows is the place we will make memories on October 1-2, 2021.
Love,
Ed and Jeryd