Meet the Venue: Lakeside Occasions

"thanks for offering such a great venue. The layout inside and out was beautiful! You guys were great to work with! Everyone loved the place. Thanks for helping make our special day extraordinary."

- Les Bannister, Bride 
 

Each year, countless brides yearn to host their nuptials in unique, rustic settings and turn to the beautiful barns of the Midwest to satisfy that very desire. There's a special few, though, that are more than just a pretty venue, and Lakeside Occasions is one of them. Offering a beautifully restored historic dairy barn, panoramic lakeside views and a romantic setting that can be transformed to meet any style, Lakeside Occasions offers the unique look, stunning atmosphere and amazing amenities you never dreamt were possible!
 

We can't wait for you to know more about this wonderful venue, so we checked in with Lakeside Occasions Manager, Kara Byers.

Please tell us a little more about the venue spaces you offer.

"The barn itself was built in the 1880s and still has much of the original woodwork. The main space in the barn includes a stage for the wedding party, a balcony overlooking the dance floor, built-in bar, as well as string lights, a chandelier and dimmable lantern sconces. We also have a newly enclosed porch with its own heating/cooling unit. Downstairs, we have a prep kitchen and additional space for an indoor ceremony or buffet (in case you need to utilize the entire main floor for guest seating). And, of course, our changing areas are unlike any other wedding venue. The bride gets ready in the feed room and silo, surrounded by mirrors with a crystal chandelier overhead. The guys hang out in The Coop, which includes a pool table and a 50s style diner. You can also rent that room for rehearsal dinners."
 

What sets you apart from other venues in the area? Why should a bride choose you?

"Number one is our serene setting on Emma Lake, as it sets us apart from other wedding barns. No one else has a property like ours! Couples who tour always comment on how quiet and peaceful it is here. They also compliment our wonderfully manicured grass and flowers. The barn is already naturally beautiful, so it doesn't take much to decorate the space. And Janet and I devote a lot of time and effort to make sure everything is perfect, just as each couple has envisioned." 

Are there any perks/benefits included with your venue?

"We have two options for an indoor ceremony in case of rain, and we have heating and air-conditioning in the barn as well as in the changing areas. We do have preferred vendors for catering, DJ, and photography, but ultimately we leave those choices up to the couple. We offer day-of coordinating services as well. And we have our own sound system, speakers and microphones if the couple would like to save money on a DJ. We also have a new (used) grain bin that's been transformed into an outdoor bar. You can find pictures on our Facebook page. We also have ample parking for guests and vendors."

What is your capacity?

"300 inside the main floor of the barn (230 seated for a ceremony downstairs)."

Do you have anything else exciting that you would like to share?

"We know couples are already starting their venue search for 2019 weddings. So, if they put down a deposit by the end of this year (2017), they can beat any potential price increase, as we will honor our 2017-18 rates!"

more Facebook reviews: 

"My husband and I fell in love with Lakeside the moment we saw it. The weather (unfortunately) did not cooperate for us to have our wedding outside BUT it worked out beautifully inside! Kara is wonderful to work with and even helped me get to the barn without getting drenched! Thank you so much Kara & family for having a place like Lakeside Occasions."

- Kirsten Renee Teel, Bride
 

"Beautiful setting, very pleasant, helpful staff and a beautiful view across the beautiful Emma Lake."

- Barbara Kay Smith, Bride

are you a bride-to-be?

We'd love to plan with you on weddingday-online.com. Let's get started!

 
are you a wedding extraordinaire?

Join WeddingDay Magazine in inspiring brides by partnering with us! See how here.