Meet Amanda Hunt of The Blue Ribbon Barn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Hunt.

Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story starts way back when my husband and I worked EMS. He was a paramedic and I was an EMT. While the work was rewarding, and we enjoyed getting to help our community, we knew we needed more out of life than opposite 24hr work shifts.

The transition into our “more” actually began with my husband’s business JLH Fence. Growing this company allowed for us both to go full time as self employed, while building our team and enriching their lives as well. I was the friendly voice that answered every phone call, that started our amazing client experience.
While I love building those relationships, I still wanted “more”.

I wanted to create, be active and be our clients biggest cheerleader. The dream for The Blue Ribbon Barn took root 2017 when my husband asked what I wanted to accomplish in life, and without hesitation I said, “create a wedding venue and run it!” After years of dreaming, the opportunity came in 2022 to purchase a special building in his hometown of Wolverine, MI — the same one where his mom once waitressed and where generations of locals gathered for their morning coffee.

With a lot of love and repair, we opened our doors for the first wedding on June 10, 2023, and I instantly knew this was what I was meant to do. Each season since has brought new growth, lessons, and improvements as we continue to make The Blue Ribbon Barn the perfect place for our couples to celebrate their once-in-a-lifetime moments. Real couples, wanting real, heartfelt weddings, not a show or production – these are my people!

A major blessing we’ve been able to give through our ownership of this venue, is allowing our community to use it as needed – for church sermons, funerals, 80th birthday parties, prom, community meetings – God has entrusted this venue to us, and we pray we honor Him through all our doings here.

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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road getting to where The Blue Ribbon Barn is today. From long renovation days and unexpected setbacks to learning the ins and outs of running a wedding venue, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. But each hurdle has shaped this place into something truly special. Every update we’ve made to the venue and services was chosen with care and purpose. With every wedding, I’m reminded why all the hard work was worth it. What began as a dream in 2017 has become a place filled with love, laughter, and memories — and I wouldn’t change a single step of the journey that got us here.

We’ve been impressed with The Blue Ribbon Barn, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At The Blue Ribbon Barn, we specialize in creating a beautiful backdrop for couples who are looking to have a heartfelt celebration. I am so proud that if you look at our Google reviews, you’ll see what sets us apart – and that’s our standard to go above and beyond to ensure wedding days are memorable and ran smoothly. While we are not coordinators, we are happy to help where we can! On top of our amazing customer service, the venue is spectacular from single day rentals from 9am to midnight, to full wedding weekends!
Sought after details of our venue include the bridal lounge for couples to get wedding day ready, plenty of time to decorate and not feel rushed, a spacious layout that allows for 50-200 guests, while feeling intimate and inviting! Not to mention, our beautiful courtyard was planned with or couples and their guests in mind. Plenty of photo opportunities lie within our carefully thought out gardens, as well as space for guests to play games, and enjoy an outdoor dancefloor!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to choose one quality that’s been most important to my success, it would be resilience with a heart for people. Running a business isn’t always easy — there are long days, surprises, and moments that test your patience. But I’ve learned that when you keep showing up with love, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve others, everything else falls into place.

Pricing:

• https://theblueribbonbarn.com/wedding-pricing/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheBlueRibbonBarn.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/theblueribbonbarn.mi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueRibbonBarnMI/