The Experience / Vendor Spotlight: New Beginnings Farm-Lake Lure, NC
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, New Beginnings Farm, a new, up and coming local wedding venue, captures every aspect of the North Carolina landscape.
Located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, this 1910 farm house sits atop rolling grassy hills and is gorgeously decorated in antique furnishings, making it the perfect backdrop for any bride-to-be looking for a place to say “I do”.
From the moment you pull up to this quaint historic farm house, wrapped with beautiful details and rustic charm, it’s hard to imagine yourself wanting to get married anywhere else!
Every room in this lovely home is being beautifully restored with an authenticity to it’s former glory that is truly breathtaking!
We immediately fell in love with all of the vintage furnishings and the attention to detail in each room. It isn’t hard to see the thought and care behind the hands that are bringing this old house back to life.
John and Sheri Crenshaw, newlyweds, married in 2013 found and purchased this historic farm house in the process of wedding planning and looking for a family home to raise their children. Sheri told us that they wanted their children to grow up on a farm and appreciate the simple things in life.
That’s right! New Beginnings Farm is a working farm, full of the sweetest animals that really make this venue feel authentic, especially considering this farm’s former roots.
This historic home was built in 1910 by Guilford Nanny, better known for building the steps up to Chimney Rock.
The house was originally owned by Dr. A Rucker who practiced medicine in the front room downstairs and in the parlor. The home was later sold to the Biggerstaffs who operated a farm where the locals came to get bread, milk, and cheese. The Biggerstaffs owned this house for 3 generations until recently selling it to the Crenshaw Family.
Initially, this sweet couple never intended that their home would become a wedding venue. Their goal was to use their home as a retreat center, where they would have weekend retreats for folks to relax and refresh emotionally and physically. However, after closing on the farm 3 days after returning from their honeymoon and one thing leading to another, they found themselves opening their farm house to events and gatherings as well!
What makes NBF unique from other local wedding venues?
First, without sounding conceited, I think one thing that makes us unique are John and I. We both love people. We both come from the healthcare field, me as an OB nurse and John a paramedic. We are sensitive to people’s needs because of our background.
Second, is the rich history of the farm that makes it unique, and there are multiple options to get married on the property that allows versatility. I love that we are 5 minutes from the resort town of Lake Lure while also claiming our bit of heaven out here. I hope no one leaves New Beginnings without being transformed in some way. Whether the scenery or just the good company.
Third, the house has a great local history and we have several different things in the house that are unique. There is a saw blade that was used on the farm in an old sawmill. The artist Mildred Lawlor painted the house on the saw blade. She was childhood friends with Harper Lee the author who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.
The pot rack in the kitchen is a farm implement used on a horse.
Keeping with the love of all things old; we like the idea of heritage bred as well as heirloom variety of plants and vegetables. Eventually we would like to incorporate some medicinal herbs. Last year we had our first garden here and this year we will again. This season we have planted strawberries, and muscadines as well beans and tomatoes and peppers. We have chickens and fresh eggs, rabbits, goats and goat milk, a donkey, George who likes to let you know he is here, and a great pyranese dog known as Snow Bear. April 1st, we had our first set of baby goats that are twins on the farm. (Samuel and Naomi). There are some things you cannot put into words. The kids were able to experience the birth and we are all in love with these little guys and they are so much fun!
What was your inspiration for the farm’s décor?
I wanted something country but elegant. I would say French Country and Shabby Chic. We have decorated in antiques to honor the history and roots of the home. At the same time we want people to feel like its their home when they come here.
How would you describe the type of bride that would book her wedding at your farm?
A variety of brides would love NB Farm. We cater to a bride that loves elegance from our cottage garden to pavilion barn. I would consider us rustic yet vintage. The bride may love animals as well as the outdoors or she may love vintage and antiques and history and the elegance of our historical home. I think we have something for everyone here. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to get married here. It truly is a paradise and I love sharing that with others!
If you could give a bride one piece of advice when picking a venue for her wedding, what would it be?
First of all relax and enjoy your special day. Not everything will be perfect and no one is going to remember if it isn’t. Enjoy each moment and savor it.
I think whoever you work with you want to be able to trust. That is foundational. You want to have a place that is relaxed and feels welcoming.
We have tried to make it simpler for brides with the wedding packages we offer, so it is less for brides to think about. When I got married I really felt that it would have been great to find a venue that had everything in a package affordably priced.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
We love people! I would say John nor I have ever met a stranger. We have gone places and made life long friends going about our normal day. I think being in healthcare you are often faced with difficult situations and learning to work thru these is something that comes from experience. I think that has carried over to running NB Farms. As far as weddings, what little girl does not dream of a fairy tale wedding and marriage. I think everyone should and can have that or I would not be here. It may take work and there may difficult days but it is achievable and worth waiting for the right person.
I also really enjoyed planning my own wedding. I remember my sister asking me why am I not nervous that day. In the past I have done event planning that was in the healthcare field. I love doing that and it seems to fit my personality in more than one way.
What is something you would like our readers to know about your farm?
We are not merely a farm. We are lucky enough to live in an area that has many adventures from zip line, to horse back riding, to rock climbing on Chimney Rock, and do not forget water sports on Lake Lure or Lake James. We in the future plan to offer something called goat trekking while hiking to a picnic area or camping in that special spot. You will find the goats quite useful in helping carry the packs.
When my husband John is not working on a project at NB Farms you may find him on his boat as captain. He can take small groups on the lake skiing, tubing, or just relaxing. It makes a nice gift for brides and their bridesmaids and grooms with their groomsmen. We also offer a variety of spa services. Let us know if you would like to schedule a massage or spa package before your special day or the day of your wedding.
We offer bridal teas utilizing several companies that can cater your special event.
Website: http://www.newbeginningsfarms.com/
John & Sheri Crenshaw
5370 US 64-74A Highway
Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139
828-275-1683
