Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth McIntyre.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Starting in 2018, my husband and I started investing in real estate – specifically purchasing, renovating, and renting vacation properties. In Spring of 2021, we had a few rentals in key tourist destinations and were looking for our next project. Having been in the wedding industry for 5 years and the events industry for another 10 prior to that, we revisited our conversation about a possible wedding venue. We wanted to create a wedding venue with overnight accommodations as part of the experience. The search began, and we quickly found the gem we were looking for. We wanted a historic, quirky property that we could renovate with a fresh and funky style. After a long process to obtain ownership, we began renovation in late 2021. Almost a year later, we are ready to open our doors officially…although we have been touring and booking couples through the rubble since the beginning of 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No way! I don’t think anyone who has been through a renovation would say it is every smooth. Add on commercial and zoning requirements, and it created many situations we had no control over. That has been the biggest frustration for us. As a couple, we are problem solvers. In many cases along this journey, we had to sit back and wait. Another obstacle was selling weddings way before the construction was complete (or even started in some cases). Weddings book a year to 18 months out so we had to sell our concept and not our current reality. We created a design presentation that we shared liberally with couples who were touring during renovations.
As you know, we’re big fans of Villa Festa. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Villa Festa was created for wedding weekends. From our vacation rental experience, we knew there was a market for couples who wanted an intimate Airbnb as the setting for their wedding. Many vacation rentals not only dislike it, they also prohibit it. We thought the idea of a place that actually encouraged an event as part of your stay would be really special. We provide event support as well as beautiful event furniture for the couple. We also provide access to our amazing list of qualified wedding professionals and a welcome guide that has information for every part of your planning journey.
We try not to sell the property without the accommodations as we feel that is really a part of the experience.
Most people don’t realize during their early planning stage that, at a minimum, they will need a rehearsal the day before, a getting-ready space the day of, and at least one night in a hotel convenient to their venue. We offer all of this AND the chance to relax the day after your wedding. Also – at the end of the night, you are able to have a slow fade out of the night instead of an abrupt ending.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
For our Grand Opening, we are celebrating by inviting wedding industry pros to “Sip and See” the property. We also hold monthly vendor tours to meet with new and exciting wedding pros in the area. We are also very open to Style Shoots – we have an application! We also encourage planners and decor companies to sponsor a tablescape at the venue. This way, we get to know the vendors that show special interest in us. Plus, touring couples can see your work at the venue!
Support us by reposting and sending our social media posts to fellow wedding industry pros or better yet – Couples!
Pricing:
- $7000for Saturday Wedding including 3-night stay
- $8500 for Saturday wedding including 5-night stay
Contact Info:
- Website: www.villafestaflorida.com
- Instagram: villafestaflorida
- Facebook: villafestaflorida
Image Credits
Solo Beth
Style Shoot Photos
J Cabranes Photography
Johanna Oakes Photography and Dreamscape Photography
