The Homestead: A Venue That Feels Like Home
The story of The Homestead is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for event management. Alexis Cartwright Tower, Homestead owner and one of the visionaries behind the venue, shared how her journey began at just 15 years old. Along with her twin sister, she started working at a bed and breakfast, gradually taking on more responsibilities and learning the ins and outs of managing events. “Once you get in, it’s hard to get out,” she said, reflecting on the exhilaration of meeting couples and bringing their dreams to life.
From the very beginning, Alexis and her family aimed to create a venue that stood out for its natural beauty and thoughtful design. It wasn’t just about building a business to make money; it was about crafting a space that would be breathtaking every day, not just during events. Her mother, who had a catering company, inspired her to think beyond the ordinary. Alexis recalled how they questioned why the decor at other venues always seemed to lack that extra pizzazz, regardless of how much effort was put into it. This realization led them to create a space that didn’t just depend on clients’ contributions to look beautiful. “We wanted it to be easy for photographers to get good photos, with lots of natural lighting and a layout that wasn’t a far trek for guests.”
As Alexis described the venue, it became clear how much thought and care went into every detail. The Homestead is filled with handpicked antique pieces, and every room has a unique charm. The walls, originally planned to be white, were instead painted a beautiful seafoam mint green to complement the colorful furniture. Alexis shared that the final touches, like the wallpaper and decor from the bar, were added just six weeks before their first wedding in February 2022.
Photo by Shelby Day Photography
One of the standout features of The Homestead is its location—off the highway but still close to civilization. The journey to find the perfect property was serendipitous. Alexis’s grandmother mentioned a property where the previous owner had passed away, and everything fell into place from there. They continued building on the owner’s initial vision, creating a curated and cohesive space that couples adore.
The Homestead also boasts a stunning area for cocktail hours and is filled with unique architectural details. One of Alexis’s favorite features is the floor, a labor of love that is polished after every event. “There’s no need for a dance floor wrap when the floor is this gorgeous,” she remarked, highlighting its classic finish.
When asked about her favorite spots for wedding photos, Alexis lit up as she described the venue’s natural light during the day and how the windows create a glamorous mirror effect at night. “Every event is so different, it doesn’t look like the same event with a different couple,” she said, emphasizing how the venue’s design allows each celebration to feel unique.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, The Homestead is known for its exceptional in-house catering, POSH. Transparency is a cornerstone of their approach. “We want to be as open as possible, so couples know exactly what to expect from us,” Alexis explained. The feedback on their catering has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests raving about both the food and service. “We’ve had someone write us and ask for the crawfish beignets recipe,” Alexis laughed, adding that the consistent praise from clients reflects the high standards they maintain in every aspect of their service.
The atmosphere at The Homestead is one of elegance and warmth. Couples can expect a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort, with every detail meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable experience. Alexis shared that one of her favorite moments is when couples see their decorated room for the first time. “It’s definitely a wow moment,” she said, describing the joy and amazement on their faces.
Photo by Shelby Day Photography
The Homestead has also become a special place for us, as many of our clients chose to host their weddings there during our 2024 season. It truly feels like home, not only for the couples but also for everyone who has the privilege of celebrating in its beautiful spaces. The Homestead is a venue where memories are made, and dreams come to life, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.