Photo Credit: Amy Alexander-Barnes of Creative Elements Design Studio
History is writing a second story for the 131-year-old Ellis barn in Oakland County, Mich.
The family barn that housed award-winning Percheron horses and stored hay is now in high demand by brides and grooms. In fact, all 2016 dates are booked, and reservations are now being taken for the 2017 wedding season. Because of the state’s four distinct seasons with fluctuating temperatures, the Ellis Barn is rented May-October until a fireproof heating solution is installed. Fourteen weekends are available for nuptials. For two weekends in July, the barn is reserved for the annual Oakland County Fair (OCP), which draws 100,000+ visitors.
“Brides and grooms want something that is text- or Facebook worthy,” OCP Principal Planner Jon Noyes says. “They don’t want something that is ‘Anywhere, USA’ for their special day. They want to make memories and be immersed in the history of the structure, be connected to its stories, and make its history become part of their love story.”