How We Built Uraina’s Haven
It Was Always Bigger Than Me…
When we first stepped onto the property that would eventually become Uraina’s Haven, most people saw overgrown land, worn-down structures, and a vision that felt far out of reach. And, honestly, what they saw wasn’t wrong. The property was 6.5 acres with a 27,000 sq. ft. warehouse beat up from natural disasters and father time. What used to be a multimillion-dollar operating facility back in the 1970s, was now an eye sore that held very little of your attention.
Still, I demanded my family join me in the daunting project - and even more so, I convinced them this was the spot. Somewhere between the tall grass, the unfinished spaces, and the long days of hard work, they began to see what I saw… possibility.
Uraina’s Haven was never just about building a wedding venue. It was about creating something meaningful, a space where people could gather, celebrate life’s biggest moments, and create memories that would last long after the music stopped and the lights dimmed. What began as a NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT, morphed into a passion for wedding planning and event design and quickly evolved into something much larger than me: a family-built vision rooted in love, resilience, and community.
Over the past four years, we’ve poured ourselves into every stage of this journey. From transforming spaces as planners and designers to officially opening our North Florida wedding and event venue in October 2025, every step has been guided by faith, creativity, and the belief that beautiful experiences should feel intentional and welcoming from beginning to end.
Today, we are incredibly honored to share that Uraina’s Haven has officially been selected as a recipient of the National WeddingPro Grant Program.
Winning this grant is an emotional milestone for our family and our business. As a self-funded venue, this recognition represents more than financial support - it represents belief in our story, our vision, and the experience we are working hard to create for every couple and family that walks through our gates.
As part of the grant process, we shared a behind-the-scenes look at our journey including never-before-seen footage of the property before renovations began. The worn buildings, overgrown land, and dilapidated spaces captured a chapter many people never see once a venue is complete. But those moments matter to us because they remind us of where we started and how far we’ve come.
There were moments where the process felt overwhelming. Moments where the easier option would have been to think smaller or stop altogether. Chapters where the naysayers were loud attempting to compel us that this was unrealistic, it couldn’t be done on our own, and even some to say we just weren’t the right fit for a project like this. But even then, we held on to what Uraina’s Haven could become.
And while we are proud of what has already been built, we truly believe this is only the beginning.
This grant will allow us to continue investing back into the guest and couple experience through future venue enhancements focused on comfort, accessibility, and creating even more meaningful celebrations. Over the coming months, we’re excited to slowly unveil the next chapter of Uraina’s Haven, including upgrades designed to elevate weddings, events, and the overall experience for the couples and families we serve.
At its core, Uraina’s Haven has always been about more than weddings. It’s about legacy. It’s about community. It’s about creating a place where love, connection, and celebration can flourish for years to come.
To every couple, family member, vendor, supporter, and friend who has encouraged us along the way — thank you for believing in this dream with us.
The story of Uraina’s Haven is still being written, and we cannot wait to share what’s next.