We don’t play favorites (really, we don’t), but every once in a while we have a couple at the Farm that just absolutely blows us away.

Vanessa & Hector are one of them - but not for all the reasons you might think.

The heavens opened in the middle of their outdoor ceremony, it was raining sideways, we weren’t allowed to close the doors to the Barn per our regulations, and there were so many outdoor portions of their wedding day that were seemingly a wash out (pun quite intended).

And that is not even to mention the global pandemic.

Logistically, it looked like we had struck out in almost every possible way.

Except, it was Vanessa & Hector.

And they had faced enough challenges together already, and had cultivated such a strong faith together, to know that their wedding day was about infinitely more than the weather, or tractor rides and fire pits, or even the other more bonkers circumstances in the world that could have put a damper on their day.

By the time dinner was over, the storm had moved along its path and the skies cleared for the most beautiful sunset. We fired up the tractor, lit the fire pit, served desserts from the Flour Cart, and had the most beautiful evening dancing and celebrating Vanessa & Hector’s marriage all around the Farm property.

Now, that alone would be a wonderful story - but there is so much more to Vanessa & Hector that made their day so special.

Vanessa & Hector came to find the Farm by chance - which is what we like to call a God Thing.

While in a long-distance relationship, with Vanessa in South Jersey and Hector in Honduras, Vanessa and her family began venue shopping. On a whim, after deciding not to pursue the venue they were on their way to visit, Vanessa’s family searched “wedding venues near me” while they were on their way home - and lo and behold, the Farm Bakery and Events came up.

They pulled into the parking lot (during a ceremony, no less!) and sent us an inquiry right away - the following Saturday, they came to officially visit us and we immediately knew we were going to be a perfect fit!

Vanessa’s words say it best to encompass all that came to follow:

“At some point during the meeting I believe we ended up sharing testimonies and we even prayed to close out our time together... that doesn't happen anywhere, you know. As believers, Christ is our entire lives and it was so encouraging knowing that we were of the same mind as you and The Farm. We don't ‘take off’ our Christianity during a wedding venue meeting like we would a hat on our heads. Rather we rejoice in knowing that we have encountered other people who proclaim Jesus as Lord and live to glorify Him. After our tour and meeting, we were quite sure we didn't need to look anywhere else. I remember we went to the Burger King right there near The Farm and I Facetimed Hector and we were all in agreement that The Farm was the place for us!!”

“Then came COVID and started to shake things up a bit. We were unsure for a while how things were going to pan out. But you communicated with us the whole way through how things were looking over there and were always looking for ways to make it work in accordance with the ever-changing state regulations and ordinances. I remember talking to someone who was also planning a wedding and she was telling me that she was trying and trying to get information from her venue but they would not even answer her. It made me even more grateful for The Farm.”

“The Farm will forever hold a special place in our hearts and we can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for its future. The Farm feels like a home away from home. And it's because of so much more than the beautiful barns and grounds... it's because of the people who tend to it and contribute to making a wedding so special. It's our sincerest desire that The Farm will continue its legacy as a place where God is glorified, His word is revered, and marriage is honored. Thank you again Becca and The Farm team, from the bottom of our hearts.”

When I say we all teared up after reading Vanessa’s words, I mean it (and that wasn’t even the first time these two made us cry - their ceremony, rain and all, had us bawling).

There is not much we can say to better sum up the special place in our hearts that Vanessa & Hector hold. From the first time they came to the Farm, we knew they were something special - and we are so absolutely honored to have the opportunity to serve this incredible couple and celebrate their marriage on their wedding day.

Vanessa & Hector, we wish you the very best as you embark on this new journey together - we can’t wait to see you again soon!