WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: The Van Wagoner Family of Inisfree Estate

Couples often start their wedding planning process by finding the right venue for their big day. But, it can be difficult to check off all the items on your wishlist. Perhaps you want an all-inclusive venue to alleviate some of the stress of wedding planning. Maybe you’re looking for a beautiful getaway for you and your guests to relax and celebrate your love. Either way, you likely want to feel supported by your team of vendors to make your dream wedding come to life!

Good news—we’ve found the perfect venue that offers all of these things and so much more. Inisfree Estate, a historically beautiful venue nestled in Pullman, Michigan, is the ideal location for couples who want a special and exclusive wedding experience. From the onsite bed and breakfast to the personable staff and stunningly serene scenery, Inisfree Estate has so much to offer. Read on to hear from owner Peggy Van Wagoner and to truly understand what makes this Midwest gem so unique!

Tell us a little bit about the history of Inisfree Estate.

"Inisfree Estate's story begins in 1893 as a working farm owned by a Civil War officer who designed and built the historic barn and Italianate farmhouse. The magnificent barn's wooden beams were milled and hewn on-site, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. In September 2016, we purchased ‘Inisfree’ without fully realizing what lay ahead. The barn needed repair, and the three-bedroom farmhouse required attention. As we sat on the verandah, taking in our purchase, we were struck by Inisfree's magic and beauty. We knew then that we were custodians of something truly special, tasked with preserving its timeless charm. After two years of township meetings for zoning and licensing, followed by extensive renovations, Inisfree Estate opened its doors in July 2019 as the first venue in Casco Township. Our authentic Inisfree barn had been transformed into a showplace. Thirty vintage chandeliers now illuminate the 30-foot high ceiling, and an 18-foot antique bar, rescued from a Chicago speakeasy, found its new home where guests love to mingle. We added all the modern amenities while preserving the barn's historic character. Today, our venue offers the Historic Barn, Pond View Pavilion and a recently completed 10,000+-square-foot addition to the Bed & Breakfast, creating a magical and private oasis. Situated on 30 private acres in Southwest Michigan's picturesque lakeshore area, the Bed & Breakfast features ten luxury en-suite rooms, a pool, spa, hot tub, fire pit, multiple outdoor gardens, a pond and many other amenities. These features highlight the venue's flexibility for both large and intimate occasions, making Inisfree Estate a truly unique destination."

Why should a couple get married here? What attracts them to Inisfree Estate?

"At Inisfree Estate, we believe in being there for you every step of the way. We understand that this is your day, and we work tirelessly to make it magical. Our goal is for everyone to love and enjoy the Inisfree experience. From the moment your tour begins, our focus is on you and your vision. Throughout your journey with us, we strive to provide the best experience possible, ensuring your time here is truly something you'll cherish forever.

Inisfree Estate offers a luxury destination wedding experience without the need for long-distance travel. Our prime location between Chicago and Detroit makes us the perfect choice for couples with friends and family coming from both directions. Our 30-acre private estate provides an enchanting and secluded setting ideal for couples seeking a unique and intimate atmosphere. Here, you'll find ample space both indoors and outdoors for your guests to mingle, alongside cozy nooks for moments of quiet connection.

Couples who choose Inisfree Estate are often looking for something extraordinary—a unique experience, a hidden gem, a property that 'speaks to them.' They want a destination where their guests can feel at home, yet still be swept away by the magic of the surroundings. That's exactly what we offer—a perfect blend of comfort, luxury and enchantment that makes your wedding truly unforgettable. From the moment they arrive, everyone feels welcome and part of something special."

What nearby activities make hosting a wedding at Inisfree Estate a memorable stay?

"The Southwest Michigan lakeshore area surrounding Inisfree Estate is full of delightful surprises. We're nestled among numerous vineyards and wineries, most within just 5 miles of the estate. Guests can enjoy private winery tours by appointment, which often include walks through picturesque vineyards and conclude with extensive tastings. For those preferring a more casual experience, there are plenty of walk-in wineries and breweries offering their specialty beers, wines and ciders. We can even arrange private wine shuttles for group tours that begin and end right here at Inisfree.

Just 10-15 minutes from the estate, you'll find the charming coastal villages of Saugatuck/Douglas and South Haven. These picturesque towns offer beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, boutique shopping, lively bars, excellent restaurants and various water activities like boating and kayaking. Our area is also a haven for art enthusiasts. From private studios to wonderful art galleries and wine bistros, the region showcases some of the best artistic talent. It's truly a gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary delights and cultural experiences that make a stay at Inisfree Estate even more memorable."

Do you work with preferred vendors or offer your own exclusive services?

"At Inisfree Estate, we're committed to ensuring every aspect of your wedding meets the highest standards. To that end, we offer a carefully curated list of preferred vendors who have been thoroughly vetted for their quality of work, reliability and professionalism. Our preferred vendor list covers a wide range of services, including catering, photography, videography, floristry, entertainment and more. These partners have consistently delivered exceptional results and customer service to our clients.

For catering, we require the use of one of our preferred caterers. This ensures that the food at your reception, a crucial element of any wedding, meets our high standards for quality and safety. Our selected caterers offer a variety of options to suit different dietary needs, budgets and menu preferences. While we manage all beverage services in-house with our licensed bartenders, all other vendor choices are optional. You're welcome to use our preferred vendors or bring in your own for most services.

Our goal is to make your planning process as smooth as possible while ensuring the quality and consistency of services provided on your special day. We're always happy to discuss our vendor recommendations and help you make choices that align with your vision for your wedding."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"The best part of our job is the people we meet and the relationships we build. It's a privilege to be part of someone's most important day and welcome them into our 'Inisfree family.' What keeps it rewarding is seeing the lasting impact we have. Many couples return to celebrate anniversaries at our B&B or stop by to show their children where they were married. We've even received photos of firstborns from couples who celebrated their union here! These ongoing connections show us that Inisfree has become more than just a venue – it's a cherished part of our couples' life journeys. Creating this sense of belonging and witnessing the joy it brings long after the wedding day is truly fulfilling. It reminds us that we're not just hosting events, but helping to create lasting memories and traditions for families."

What are the best tips you have for couples preparing for their big day?

"Our best tip for couples preparing for their big day is simple: enjoy this time. It's easy to get caught up in the details and stress of planning, but remember why you're doing this in the first place—your love for each other.

Here are a few pieces of wisdom we've gathered over the years: 1) Utilize your wedding coordinator. We include a professional day-of coordinator in all our packages because we believe their expertise is invaluable. They'll guide you through the process, ensuring all bases are covered and allowing you to focus on the joy of your celebration. 2) Take breaks from planning. Schedule date nights or mini-retreats where wedding talk is off-limits. Use this time to reconnect and remind yourselves of why you fell in love. 3) Prioritize what's truly important to you. Not every detail will go perfectly, but if you focus on what matters most, you'll have a beautiful, meaningful day. 4) Involve your partner. Planning should be a team effort. It's a great opportunity to practice communication and compromise – skills that will serve you well in marriage. 5) Remember to be present on the day. It goes by quickly, so take moments to pause, breathe and soak it all in.

Above all, when times get stressful, take a step back and remember the love that brought you this far. Your wedding is the beginning of a beautiful journey together and the planning should be part of the joy, not a source of tension.

We're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your day at Inisfree is everything you've dreamed of and more."

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