Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Denton Smith.
Hi Olivia, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I got married in 2017. We’re both budget-conscious but wanted a wedding that would be beautiful and memorable without breaking the bank. We searched a wide radius from our home for a venue that met that description and found only one close match. We booked that venue and had our big day, but the venue could have done better. Our experience put a seed in my brain. I knew our area lacked a wedding option that provided all the main elements the expensive venues boasted but at a price that most couples in our region could afford. I wanted to fill that gap. So, we began searching for the perfect property and found it in 2019. That fall, we found our dream home. The beautiful brick farmhouse on 18 acres was situated at the foot of some of the most beautiful mountains and among some of the prettiest farms in East Tennessee. We jumped every hoop to purchase the property and soon began renovating one of the existing barns. When we were ready, we launched our social media accounts and website. There were ample like-minded couples near us. We had our first wedding in 2020, and we’ve grown yearly.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
While the road has been relatively rocky, we have seen our share of bumps. Most of those “bumps” come from realizing that some step in our process doesn’t work as expected. So, any time I find that we encounter the same challenge more than once, I audit what we do so that I can eliminate that problem. One example is that I kept seeing that our couples needed to honor our policy of arriving and leaving on time for their reservations. This posed an issue because we staff only for the reserved time, and we are a working farm where animals could be about, equipment could be in operation, etc., outside the time that the venue is booked. Other policies, such as our no-smoking rule, should have been addressed. I realized that, for many, they had not read or seen our contract for a year or more. So, one month before their wedding date, I began to send a “Guidelines Reminder” that summarized all the significant points of our contract. This has all but completely remedied our broken policies. Clear communication and examining where I could improve often make a difference in ensuring our couples and I are on the same page.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Farm on Pemberton. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
The Farm on Pemberton is not just a wedding venue; it’s a unique experience in northeast Tennessee. We are committed to providing a gorgeous location with all the luxurious elements offered by more expensive venues but at prices that are within reach for almost anyone. Our brand is built on the belief that a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. We take pride in offering this opportunity in our area, and the positive feedback from our clients is a testament to our success in delivering on this promise in a beautiful, fantastic way.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most would be surprised that I am pretty introverted! I am the primary contact for our venue and always give tours, chat with couples and vendors, etc. I know how important first impressions are, and often, the couple chooses the person they’ll work with just as much as the physical space they’ll use for their big day. It is essential to me that they encounter a friendly, eager, inviting face when they come for a tour, and that face is mine. I grew up as a timid child, and my comfort zone is off in a corner somewhere with a good book. Most who meet me due to interest in our venue would never describe me as quiet or shy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefarmonpemberton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/thefarmonpemberton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefarmonpemberton
Image Credits
Elizabeth Hill Photography, Focus on the Moment, Tamara Pierce Photography, Devon McNeil Photography, Amanda & Chad Photography Randall Bennett Photography
