Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Griggs.
Hi Lori, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My husband’s family has lived on the property for over a hundred years. The old home place has been a beacon of hope, love and joy for the family for generations. We’ve enjoyed family gatherings in the old hay barn for years. When my son and his then fiancé were planning their wedding, they received some unexpected news. Her grandmother had been diagnosed with dementia. They wanted to move up their wedding date a whole year! We had the land and the old barn could serve as a place for the reception. We immediately got to work clearing an area for the ceremony. While working on their ceremony spot, we received our own bad news. My husband’s mother was ill with cancer and dementia. That was a very frustrating time in our lives because we couldn’t fix her. We struggled with our new normal. We worked our regular jobs, took care of her and in our spare time we poured what we had left into the ceremony spot. It was therapeutic to see the fruits of our labor. The wedding came. It was beautiful! The photographer was amazing! My daughter-in-law’s grandmother was able to attend. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law was not. The photos spurred curiosity and two other brides asked if they could get married at our place. We agreed. After three weddings we decided that we needed a rain contingency plan. The tents were too expensive and a trip hazard. I suggested a picnic shed, but my husband insisted on building a barn that looked like it had always been there. I joked and said, well if that’s the case we need to contact the guys from the show Barnwood Builders; the worst they can say is no! Well, I contacted them AND they replied within 24 hours! I was shocked! We believed it to be divine intervention! We exchanged emails and texts and traveled to West Virginia to discuss our build. In March of 2023 we laid the foundation and in April of 2023 the Barnwood Living, Antique Cabins and Barns team along with their film crew came to our little town to build the frame for our barn!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy. We lost my mother in law, Linda Gandy Griggs, to dementia. We dedicate this project to her. The process of building the barn helped us process our grief in losing her. Every board and every nail carry memories of her.
Financially, it has been extremely hard. We were debt free before we started this project. There are many days when we question ourselves. We truly believe that the Lord is in this and He said He would make a way but He never said it would be easy.
We aren’t getting any younger so sometimes we physically feel overworked, but we plow through because we love what we do!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
By trade I am a Spanish teacher and School Counselor. I enjoy the interaction with potential clients at the venue and I enjoy helping their visions become reality. We host showers, parties, weddings, quinceañeras, meetings, reunions, and are blessed to have hosted the Sown in Faith and Harvest of Faith Ladies Conference for the last two years.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness comes from within. My happiness comes from my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that if I can serve others and let His light shine through me then I have done what He has called me to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://griggsfarmweddingandeventvenue.com
- Instagram: griggs.farm
- Facebook: Griggs Farm
