INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Burn ’ s Bluff
High upon Burns Bluff , there is a brand new 66 acre destination wedding venue with a stunning backdrop . Before we can tell you about it , let ’ s tell you how this story begins .
Long before Karen Tillery was in the wedding business , she was in the restoration business . Karen had a Fine Arts Degree from Auburn University where she majored in Graphic Design . In her career she has worked for magazines - staging photo shoots , painting murals , and doing interior decorating , before moving on to renovating .
Karen , along with her husband , Glenn , began moving and restoring pre-civil war log cabins . In 2016 , they were featured on an episode of Barnwood Builders on the DIY Network . The host was blown away by Karen ’ s passion for design and restoration and soon she was featured in several more episodes .
By this time , the Tillery ’ s had built a business , Restoration Log Cabins , and owned a few rental cabins , when their neighbor approached them about buying his 44 acres beside theirs , unfortunately the time wasn ’ t right .
Then in the fall of 2017 , the neighbor approached them again . They tossed around the idea of building a community of rental cabins but weren ’ t convinced that was what they should do with the land . Because it was a huge investment , Glenn went to his next door rental cabin and prayed over the land . He went through six years of guestbooks . Over and over , he read how couples had come to this property to celebrate marriage and reconnect to their spouses . Instantly , he knew what he wanted to do with the neighboring property .
This was the beginning of Burns Bluff Weddings .
In the beginning , the Tillery ’ s vision for the wedding venue was small and simple . They had a small barn on the property and it could accommodate 75 people . Upon doing research , they realized that they needed a place that would accommodate at least 200 wedding guests .
Karen started designing her vision for the barn / chapel . She was contacted by someone who had found a similar design in a 1892 Pennsylvania church frame . She was able to use a lot of material from the church and combined it with the barn materials to create a “ Charn .” The Charn serves as an inviting and elegant event space with 37 ft high ceilings , crystal chandeliers , massive fireplace , groom ’ s space , and prep kitchen .
Upon driving up to Burns Bluff at High Falls , you will see a towering lodge that serves as on-site lodging for the wedding party . The 6000 sq ft lodge holds the bridal suite , another bedroom and bathroom , and a beautiful dressing and makeup room for the bridal party . There are also 3 more bedrooms and bathrooms , as well as a family room , gathering room , and game room . The lodge sleeps 18 guests .
Just steps outside from the Lodge , you will see stunning views into a canyon and the mountains below . A timber framed arbor sits at the edge of the lawn providing the perfect spot for an outdoor wedding option . Beautiful in all seasons , the lawn has the most amazing backdrop with the sounds of a waterfall off in the distance .
In the future , the Tillery ’ s hope to build an open-air pavilion to sit 200 guests and give even more wedding day options . Karen has a design closet with all the decor . She will continue to add more unique decor options for her brides . Most brides comment that with the beauty of the venue and the amazing backdrop , they don ’ t need many extra decorations .
You will be on top of the world when you book a wedding at Burns Bluff . Karen has a passion for design and has paid special attention to all the details . She is able to visualize what the bride wants and is excited to help celebrate marriage with your choice of three wedding packages . One great reason to book a wedding here is that through Restoration Log Cabins , the Tillery ’ s offer additional cabins rentals to your guests . Although the fall is pretty full , she is still booking 2020 summer and winter weddings .
Centrally located less than three hours from Birmingham , Atlanta , and Nashville , Burns Bluff is a destination wedding location that offers onsite lodging , picturesque views , and solitude . Burns Bluff Weddings and Restoration Log Cabins want to celebrate the beginning of your marriage and hope that you will celebrate all your future special moments with them ! ❤
28 | Wedding belles VOLUME II • ISSUE 2