CHOOSING
YOUR
SETTING
WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING
VENUE, ENJOY THE VENUE CO-
OWNER TRACY REARDON OFFERS
SOME ADVICE:
“Of course an outdoor venue is
not for everyone,” she says. “You
won’t get the same setting or feel,
but the flip side is the uncertainty
of the weather. One of the best
weddings we had was in the middle
of a storm. You have to be able to
let that go upfront and roll with it
in those cases. So asking yourself
if you accept that uncertainty is
important.”
Reardon continued: “I think couples
need to list the most important
things for their special day and
choose the best fit based on their
own list. Couples should ask venues
their policies on outside vendors,
times they will have access to the
venue, cancellation policies and
what is included with the rental.”
Learn more about EnJoy the
Venue, which is located at 13967
E. Flatrock Trail in Henryville, by
visiting enjoythevenue.com or
calling 812.595.2168.
48 EXTOL : AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
purchased a lot for a house back then across the
lake from the venue but never built there, so it’s
vacant across from the venue. One day, we were just
talking casually, and I said I have always thought
about opening a spa or a wedding venue, and just
wanted his professional opinion. He surprised me
and said he has always wanted to do [a wedding
venue, too]. I asked where, and he said right here,
and that’s where it started.
“My daughter Sydney is partner as well. She
went to Sullivan University and has an event
planning degree, so it’s a great fit for her. Flat Rock
Estates is one of the most beautiful and relaxing
places you’ll find.”
Initially, the team wanted to “make it simple, and
see what direction it organically grew,” Reardon
says. “We considered a large indoor building
and may do that in the future. There is space for
retreat cabins so we could do corporate retreats
or a place for people to come in the fall to just
relax and enjoy nature.
“We have an Amish-built pavilion that is 2,800
square feet. It is open air. We are considering
enclosing it in the near future in case of weather.
It’s a beautiful space and the lighting makes it
magical at night.”
The team built stadium seating going up a hill,
with no obstructed view of the event participants
and the large lake, dubbed Sydney Lake after
Reardon’s daughter, as the stunning backdrop.
“The sun sets right over the lake,” Reardon says.
“It’s incredible.”
That setting is something many other wedding
venues just can’t boast.
“The setting is unlike any place around,” Reardon
says. “When you come in the entrance, there is a
feel of relaxation (that) immediately everyone tells
us. It is so quiet and peaceful. We hear over and
over there isn’t a need for much decor because
you can’t outdo what is naturally there already
when you look around. To be able to enjoy your
family and friends in such a relaxed quiet setting
is irreplaceable.
“We like to say we don’t just hold events, we
help create experiences to last a lifetime. It’s truly
why we got into this business. Watching people
react to the space and the comments about the
setting make us so happy. Then to see the love
and laughter people share is the biggest reward
for us. We work hard to make sure our couples
have the experience for their guests that isn’t just
a wedding. Instead, it’s one of those memories
when people think back they smile because of
the experience they had here with us.”
In the off season, the setting provides plenty
of opportunities for other events, making good
use of a stunning location.
“We are starting to organize pop-up events,
such as yoga and fitness classes,” Reardon says.
“This is so exciting, and the response we have
had is heart-warming. I think there is a craving
for people to have a place to come and do the
things they love to do but in a unique setting
once in a while.
“We have a couple of artists who would like
to do art classes by the lake. Yoga and fitness
in a setting such as this is perfect. We want to
host EnJoy Yoga, EnJoy Art etc. at the venue. I’ve
spoken with a couple of musicians and would
love to have a place music students could come
and share their talents. Dinner under the stars is
an idea we have knocked around as well. Sitting
with friends enjoying the sounds of tree frogs and
crickets and unwinding doing what you EnJoy is
what we want to offer.”