Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Wilson.
Mary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Berkeley County, and truly love how diverse the county is- so many different things to see and do, with the added bonus of being at the ocean with just a short drive! I stayed in Moncks Corner for the small-town feel, which now is a far cry from what it used to be.
I started my career as an EMT with EMS working as a volunteer for the Berkeley County Rescue Squad but changed career paths when I started my family. Banking was where life took me, which led to traveling, and before long, I found myself spending too much precious time away from my family.
I began dabbling in catering for friends and family functions a few years. Eventually, I stepped out on faith and opened my catering business, Artistic Catering. In doing so, I quickly discovered my love for events and weddings. After many years of catering at different venues, I began dreaming of opening a venue and, should I have the opportunity, I would create a place that encompassed everything needed to facilitate any gathering. A place where one could get ready, have room to enjoy their family and friends and avoid the stress and strain that usually comes withholding such events. A place that could provide everything needed and do so in the most reliable and affordable way possible. Little did I know that every opportunity would be presented to me in the latter part of 2013! I was offered an opportunity to transform 108 West Main Street in Moncks Corner, into a wedding venue with the creation of a new partnership. This offer was totally unexpected, but I knew this would be the opportunity to see my venue vision come to life. And just like that, The Arch became a reality!
The Arch property had a vintage home built in 1940, and wooded land behind it. It took countless hours of painting, shopping, and restoring old furniture, to bring this venue back to life. The house needed to be restored back to its vintage glory. My ideas grew during this process, and I created a drawing of the future pavilion while sitting at home one night. Over the next few years, that drawing became the vision of my dreams! We added the pavilion, the wedding gardens, and other intimate touches here that truly brought the property back to life. It took seven years (from 2014 to 2021) for my dream to become a reality, but it was worth every minute.
Though beautiful, I must admit that I am always looking for ways to improve the venue.
It was not an easy task, and we certainly struggled at times. The endless hours, the stress, the red tape, the loopholes, the contracting, everything involved in opening a business… and of course, that little voice of doubt that crept into my head asking “what if this doesn’t work? What if you don’t make it?” Finally, with a boost of confidence, I decided that could do anything that I put my mind to. I convinced myself that I could make it successful- if I build it, the brides will come! I had the full support of my family and friends. Once the doors opened and the events started coming, I knew I had made the right decision. Seeing the look on our couple’s faces made all the countless hours of effort worth every second.
As a sign of our devotion to The Arch and what it represents, I began giving away a Dream Wedding every year to couples that were future clients. This was my way of giving back to the community that so lovingly supported us. It started with a catered event every year, and eventually, the venue itself was added. Many local vendors learned about the give-a-way and started offering their services. We now have vendors from across the industry that participates and donates cakes, DJ services, photography, videography, and much more! Our Dream Wedding Giveaway has grown into an incredible opportunity for many and is judged based on essays that are submitted. The essays provide us with the details of who they are and are judged by a panel of outside judges. The top five finalists are selected, and the donating vendors then interview them, eventually selecting the couple that represented themselves and their situation best. The winner is announced live on Facebook by a phone call on Valentine’s Day.
None of this could have been possible without the full support of my family, the encouragement of my friends, and of course, the support of my clients and community.
To date, the Arch has seen many weddings, anniversary parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and even celebrations of life. Regardless of the type of event, I often find myself reflecting on what has been accomplished and am still amazed. What used to be a vision, a dream, has become a reality! To say I am proud is an understatement… I truly love what I do!
The Arch… Let us handle the stress, while you make the memories!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about building a new business goes smoothly!! It’s the nature of the beast, so to speak. We encountered many obstacles- some expected, some a complete surprise. From meeting the ordinances for town and county to making some pretty typical mistakes of the remodel with instant regret, it’s all part of the process. The first few years you just try to get your name out there, just letting the public know that your business exists. It’s one of the hardest parts. The endless hours spent navigating the internet and social media is exhausting, but a very necessary and eventually rewarding part of the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Arch is an all-inclusive venue, which sets us apart from most others. From set up to take down, catering to entertainment and photography, we have a vendor to match whatever can be imagined. From the immaculately designed house to the stage, the wedding gardens, and the reception pavilion, we have something for everyone. We offer on-site catering, day of coordinators, officiant, designs, florals, and event planning all from a list of approved vendors that have proven time and time again that their services are second to none. Throughout the process I have spent developing The Arch, my love for florals and decorating has truly come into its own. It is like therapy! I absolutely love creating centerpieces, as well as large floral pieces to hang on the pergola in the gardens. It’s truly a passion, that takes long dedicated hours, but is worth every second. Seeing people’s faces light up, the smiles, and being able to provide them with the best start possible as they begin their new journey together is a gift. Knowing they placed their trust in me and my staff does not go unappreciated. I’m most proud of the team I have- I call them the A-Team. They are, without a doubt, a vital key to the success of The Arch.
They know my saying, “We hold their dreams in our hands, and we only get one shot to do it right. So, let’s make this happen.”
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Where I am now is a far cry from where I thought I would be! Growing up, I always wanted to be in the medical field! Never did I think of becoming a caterer, a wedding planner, or much less owning a venue. Had someone asked me years ago, if I would consider cooking for 300 people, I would have laughed and said, “No, I don’t even want to cook for myself!” Just goes to show that you never really know what curveballs life will sling at you. The key is to listen to your heart when love and opportunity come whispering in the wind.
Contact Info:
- Email: thearchevents@gmail.com
- Website: thearcheventinfo.com
- Instagram: @thearchvenue
- Facebook: The Arch
Image Credits
Michelle Charles
