Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger Metz.
Hi Ginger, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2013, our oldest son got married, and that day was one of the best days we can remember. All of the family celebrated, regardless of the drama in the past, it was filled with joy and love. We wanted to be a part of that in our jobs. Ginger was a registered nurse and Paul had his own business in Cincinnati, Ohio. As the other boys grew we knew we wanted to move south for retirement at some point so started to do some research on the best areas to live. In 2019 we found a beautiful spot in a very small town called Comer, GA. One stop light and no grocery store! But the picturesque pines were dreamy! Once a month we would drive 9 hours south to start clearing land and making plans. Then 2020 hit, the dreaded Covid and the “year of the nurse”. A few years went by with many hours of exhaustion and every trip south to do more work, clear land and mow was an actual paradise knowing someday this would be our dream. In 2023 after all the boys had grown and left the nest, Ginger decided it was time to retire after 30 years in the nursing profession. Paul kept his business going in Cincinnati (until this year, just sold it) and in December 2023 they closed on their SBA loan to start their dream of becoming wedding venue owners. We did the population research, were about 15 miles outside of Athens where many younger adults would be coming for school, and knew this was the place to be. We are currently in our ‘construction era’ so to speak and are due to be completed next month! Our first wedding is scheduled for November 10, 2024!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Let’s just say the SBA bank challenge almost put a stop to all of it. If you think applying for a small business loan is easy, please do your homework way in advance. Be prepared for frustration, lots of questions, proving your worth so to speak, and putting every monetary decision you have ever made out for the bank to view. And be ready to hear the word NO. A LOT. 8 banks turned us down. One said she thought the parking lot should be paved and not gravel, that was why they said no. The others just didn’t see the vision even though it was all laid out (or we thought it was!) We learned something every single day. We learned that you have to have architectural plans and permits done before the SBA will approve and close. That is very expensive so be prepared to bite into some of your retirement funds. From the time we started working with Peach State Federal Credit Union and their resounding YES, we thought it would be smooth sailing. There was never a smooth road, it was always gravel and bumpy, but we both believe something worth having is something worth working hard for! It was almost a year to the date we started working with PSFCU, paperwork, proving our business plan, drawings, and lots of money spent upfront that we were able to finally close on the loan. So when they say “Good things come to those who wait!” Well, this is going to be GREAT!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue?
SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue located in Comer, GA, only 15 miles outside of Athens is a picturesque spot for any special event. 20 acres of pines and woods with wonderful spots for Pinterest-worthy photos! The 5,000 SF heavy timber white oak barn was started in February of 2024 and is currently in the end phase of construction. We specialize in weddings and events, and what sets us apart from the others is the picturesque pine tree outdoor ceremony space, 14 exclusive hours in the venue on your day, all access to the decor included, and transparent pricing on the website. No one should have to go searching or tour a place unless you are aware of the prices up front. SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue has large restroom spaces, 2 large wedding party suites, a prep kitchen, and a bar. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio that will have string lights for an intimate dinner setting if requested. We are so excited to be able to serve Madison County and all the surrounding counties in NE Georgia.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’d say our view on risk-taking is relatively high, for a few reasons. We sold everything in Ohio and moved 3 states south with no house to purchase at the time, stayed in a rental, and no family or friends in the area. We only had a dream, and a plan, and were ready to try and execute it. I think one of the most important things in this journey is having the right partner, where there is constant communication, and I mean constant! We both have failed at things before and had been without, but with each other knew that even if we did fail, we would always still have each other and that was probably the best feeling in the process, still is.
Pricing:
- Fridays peak $5500/off season $4500
- Saturdays peak $6500/off season $5500
- Sundays peak $4500/off season $3500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shfweddings.com
- Instagram: @springhaus_farm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springhausfarm
- Youtube: @springhausfarmeventvenue4067
- Other: Pinterest: shfweddings
Image Credits
Owner pic, barn at sunset, bride in bridal suite taken by Everwood photos: Danielle Williams. Couple kissing in pines photo: Emma Camfield Photos. Couple by barn and dancing in smoke by Keri Lindekuegal photography.
