Many wedding venues in Hampton Roads are beautiful and a lot of people have asked us why we are building this venue. For most of my life, I have planned events personally, for family, as my career or for clients through my business. There is nothing like gathering people together for a true purpose. Whether it is to build friendships/relationships, for a celebration, or to conduct business. That is what I have loved and have been passionate about, for so many years. Helping people fine-tune that purpose and vision to have a truly memorable experience and bring it to life through the organization, details, and execution of event planning! 

How it all got started!

My greatest joy was starting my own business, with a nudging and challenge from a former General Manager. He asked me one day, only two weeks after arriving, “What do you want to do with your life because you hate your job?” I was shocked! I loved being in the hospitality industry. He brought to my attention that deep down I wanted to be more creative, be a change-maker, and make a difference in other’s lives. That led to a lot of soul-searching and praying with my husband, Mark, about my next steps. Eight months later I left my full-time job and started my event planning business.

That was over ten years ago planning amazing weddings, galas, VIP and corporate events.  During that time, the desire kept coming up to build a unique venue, that others kept asking for but did not exist in our area. After my son got engaged and they were looking for the same, we finally decided it was time and started putting everything in motion. Finding the right property, in the right location and building the venue others have dreamed about, to give people a new choice for wedding venues in Hampton Roads!

The Heart of our Inspiration

At the very core of our mission (mine and my husband Mark) lies a profound sense of purpose – Serving Others. We believe we’re part of something greater than ourselves, a Calling to change the lives within our community, city, and the world. Grounded in the principles of loving God and following Jesus. Extending that love through service, we strive to make every event at The Legacy at Willow Pond a vessel for positive impact.

Our inspiration for our venue was drawn from the enchanting allure of modern French country aesthetics. We are crafting more than just a venue and the grounds it sits on; we’re curating an atmosphere that blends elegance with the warmth of rustic charm and southern hospitality. Our “why” is rooted in the desire to provide couples, companies, and social event hosts with a canvas to paint their dreams upon.

Creating Connections in Nature’s Embrace

Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, we guarantee The Legacy at Willow Pond is your escape into the great outdoors. With 23 acres nestled in the heart of Suffolk, Virginia, our outdoor and indoor venue offers not just an event space but a haven where friends, family, and colleagues come together. We take pride in treating our guests like family, infusing every interaction with Southern hospitality, and creating an atmosphere where memories are made to last a lifetime.

Transformative Experiences

In today’s fast-paced world, we recognize the importance of experience, connection, and community. Events at The Legacy at Willow Pond go beyond mere gatherings; they are transformative, personalized experiences. We believe in the power of creating moments that linger in the hearts of guests and attendees long after the event concludes. Our commitment to excellence extends to providing an experience for guests to disconnect, immerse themselves in the great outdoors, and savor world-class cuisine, through our Exclusive Caterer, Chef by Design.

Building Relationships and Welcoming Environments

For me, building relationships is not just a business philosophy but a way of life. Getting to know others, understanding their dreams, and being part of their special moments is a privilege. We want to get to know your story and assist in bringing your “why” to life. That feeling when the doors open, and excitement radiates from guests, staff, and creative professionals—it’s electric. Creating a welcoming environment and a unique experience is not just a job; it’s a labor of love and a passion for events.

A Journey of Experience and Expertise

My path was in the hospitality industry, for 20+ years, with roles such as Director of Convention Services, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Director of Catering. For over 10 years I planned weddings and corporate events independently, in many wedding venues in Hampton Roads. This has equipped me with the skills to handle intricate event details, source creative professionals to align with your vision, curate catering menus, and execute flawless events.

Complementing this, I have received numerous awards for design, event planning, and running a small business. I have two years of interior design training, have earned my Certified Meeting Professional Designation (CMP), and a Sustainable Event Strategist certification. All this knowledge allows me the opportunity to serve you in so many different ways. To make your planning process whether it be a wedding, a corporate event, or a social event that much easier and relaxed.

We desire to build The Legacy at Willow Pond as a tapestry woven with threads of purpose, service, connection, and expertise. We invite you to be part of this tapestry, where each event is not just an occasion but a chapter in a beautiful story and a part of Your Legacy.

Cheers to the magic of beginnings!
Veronica

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