The Ruins at Sassafras Museum

m everyone involved. Hosting our entire wedding party on site made the experience feel connected and memorable, like our own little sanctuary tucked away in the most beautiful setting. The service was truly exceptional. Every detail, every moment, felt handled with intention and care. Our wedding coordinator, Lara, was an absolute dream. She showed up organized, calm, and completely in tune with our vision. She made the entire process seamless and joyful, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration while she took care of the details. She made sure us as the couple were taken care of, but also parents, wedding party, and any guests that looked like they needed help! We were also so touched by the kindness and generosity of the owners, Carol and Gerome. It’s rare to feel such genuine hospitality, and it made a lasting impression on us and our guests. You could tell this place is run with love, and it shows in every interaction, every corner of the property, and every thoughtful gesture. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to begin the next chapter of our lives. The Ruins at Sassafras gave us a weekend we’ll never forget, and we’ll be forever grateful for the love, beauty, and care they wrapped around us.

unning (rolling hills, wildflowers, a beautiful stone terrace, a peaceful pond), and the layout of the property flows perfectly, offering so many unique and meaningful spots for each part of the day. It was a dream to be able to fully customize the weekend while still feeling guided and supported. Carol and Jerome have poured an incredible amount of love and care into the venue. It shows in every detail — from beautiful salvaged Shaker touches to practical thoughtfulness, like prepping the ceremony space so it wouldn’t be buggy! Carol was responsive, warm, and so easy to talk to. We felt completely taken care of, and she recommended some amazing vendors. And Lara Burek, Sassafras’s on-site coordinator, is an absolute gem. Her calm, detailed approach helped make the day seamless and low-stress for everyone. We felt totally present and able to enjoy each moment. We’re still reliving the weekend in our minds — and hearing from guests that it was the most beautiful wedding they’ve ever attended. Sassafras is a place full of warmth, intention, history, and heart. We would choose it again in a heartbeat.

I will highlight the points that future brides should understand when they go to book The Ruins. Being a DIY bride, the Ruins at Sassafrass provided the perfect backdrop to bring my Pinterest dreams to life. The rustic charm and natural beauty of the venue complemented my vision perfectly, creating a magical setting for our day. The flexibility of the space allowed me to add personal touches, turning it into a unique and unforgettable experience. Even in late October the landscape of the mountains were breathtaking; our guests are still talking about how mesmerizing the views were. What makes our wedding story even more special is that we chose The Ruins before it was even finished. It was a leap of faith based on the vision and promises from Carol, the owner. When we did our initial tour, the venue was still in its beginning stages of completion; even then we were captivated by the potential and the unique charm it promised. What sealed the deal for us, however, was Carol's infectious enthusiasm, passion, and stylistic eye. Her vision and commitment assured us that the venue would be the perfect location for our special day, and it absolutely was! Being part of the journey from the early stages allowed us to witness the Ruins’ transformation, and it added an extra layer of excitement to our wedding planning. Despite the Ruins’ newness and inevitable growing pains, Carol, Lara (the on site coordinator), Jerome (Carol’s partner in life and business), and the rest of the team made sure our decision to trust them from the beginning was more than worthwhile. Being a newer venue, Carol and the team were still in the process of ironing out a few kinks. Despite some last minute hiccups, what truly stood out was Carol, Jerome, and Lara’s commitment to addressing these challenges in real-time. Their proactive approach and dedication to ensuring our day was perfect more than made up for any set backs in the planning process. This was a HUGE relief when planning such a momentous event. On our actual wedding day, when challenges arose with our day-of coordinator (that we hired separately and was not affiliated with The Ruins), Lara stepped in as our saving grace. Her quick thinking, attention to detail, and unwavering professionalism turned what could have been a stressful situation into a seamless and unforgettable celebration. Her ability to coordinate with our vendors and recalibrate the timeline on the spot showcased her experience and dedication. Without Lara's intervention, the day could have taken a different turn, and we are immensely grateful for her expertise and her willingness to step up and save the day. Her creative touch also helped transform the venue into a dreamlike setting, exceeding our expectations. Lara's dedication and experience truly showcased the exceptional team at The Ruins at Sassafrass, if you get the chance you should ABSOLUTELY hire Lara to help plan your event. The Ruins at Sassafrass, with its evolving charm and an outstanding team led by Carol, Jerome and Lara, made our wedding day an absolute masterpiece. We are forever grateful for their passion, dedication, and the magical memories they helped us create. If you're looking for a team that truly cares about your special day, look no further than The Ruins at Sassafrass.

anuary 2023 and we knew from the moment we stepped foot on the property that it would be where we got married. It made it all the more special to be able to watch the Chair Factor be transformed into what it is today! We had our rehearsal dinner on the property, and stayed there for the weekend. Carol and her team made sure we were well taken care of, and were incredibly accommodating! Our guests have nothing but compliments. We can't speak more highly of Carol, Jerome, and the team at The Ruins and how they made made a vision, reality!

spot and the owners. From the first day we met Carol (the owner) we fell in love with not only the venue but her as well. It was honestly a hard time picking a spot for the ceremony because there are so many beautiful options. The stone house, cottage, and smoke house are absolutely stunning. The work she has put into remodeling does not go unnoticed and the way she honors The Shakers in each room is so beautiful. She was a delight communicating with throughout the wedding planning process and her event coordinator, Lara, was just as lovely to communicate with. We will definitely be back!