Photos Cameron Flaisch
Venue selection is an essential part of wedding planning. It is perhaps the most important one you will make. While pretty much every aspect of your wedding is optional—from wearing a suit instead of a dress, to ditching flowers and forgoing the wedding cake—there is one item you cannot leave off the list.
A venue influences your vendors, your budget, your decor and even your attire. It’s a big deal.
However, we realize that finding the perfect venue isn’t an easy task. There are so many options to choose from, whether you are looking for a stunning, rustic lodge with a massive stone fireplace; an elegant mansion; a sprawling lakeside lawn; or an open-air pavilion.
Lucky for you, we have found a venue that rolls all of these options into one: The Taylor Estate (549 Minshew Road NE, Rome).
Originally purchased around 13 years ago by Fred Taylor, owner of OTR Wheel Engineering, his plan was to refurbish the 134 acres of land, which included a lake. His plan was to turn the property into a place for family recreation and other multipurpose uses. A few years down the road, Taylor purchased the adjoining 34-acre plot, which included a large home. The property now totals a massive 166 acres.
“Our family started out by allowing the YMCA summer program the use of the lake every year. We also hosted corporate functions, family picnics, Christmas parties, etc. The White House was used to house our father’s guests from the U.S. and foreign countries—it was a treat for them to come and stay in such a picturesque place while here for business,” explains Elisabeth and Kelly Taylor, co-managers of Taylor Estate.
Where the Taylor’s were accustomed to hosting people and events on their property, it wasn’t until 2016 when Mr. Taylor decided to open the venue to the public.
“We have had tons of family and friends host their weddings here in the past, way before we ever dreamed of turning this into a wedding venue for the public,” explains Elisabeth. “Our father previously created and ran two successful wedding venues in Northern Michigan, where we are originally from. So, it was just a natural progression to turn this property into a site for weddings,” says Kelly.
Kelly and her sister Elisabeth’s first wedding went off without a hitch in September of 2018, fueling their desire to make other couples’ dreams a reality.
“The bride’s happiness is our joy,” Kelly says with a smile. “We take pride in our work and go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy. We obsess over details and work long hours to make sure everything is perfect. We love what we do!”
The Taylor’s describe the boundless opportunities that make this venue a unique and all-encompassing space for future brides’ to truly make their own. By choosing to rent a piece of the property or the entire property for their big day, everything is tailored to the wishes of the bride and groom.
“Alongside the Lodge, we host weddings in our open-air covered Pavilion, which is perfect for smaller receptions, rehearsal dinners and other events,” says Kelly.
Together with the Pavilion is the Lake House, a three-bedroom, cozy, ranch-style home in front of a spring-fed brook with beautiful lake views. The Lake House is also available to rent. Taylor Estate also offers for rent their Hilltop Cabin which is a three-bedroom, two-story cabin perched on a hill with stunning views of the entire property.
Taylor Estate also hosts the White House for more intimate events, which can accommodate approximately to 50-100 guests. The White House is a seven-bedroom, three-story, spacious and luxurious mansion with a wrap-around porch that is great for large groups wanting to stay together under one roof. The White House sleeps up to 20 guests.
Here is a fun fact about the White House. “Ravishing” Rick Rude, a former WWE wrestler, built the mansion. The Taylor’s love to inform people of this piece of professional wrestling history when they visit.
“We have always loved the beauty that surrounds the property,” says Kelly. “We have guests use the White House for parties, wedding and baby showers and receptions. In fact, the lawn next to it is great for small outdoor ceremonies and we also have a screened in pavilion right outside of it as well that is perfect for receptions.”
The newest addition to the Taylor Estate acreage is The Lodge.
“The Lodge has been two years in the making, as we started the process in 2016,” explains Kelly. “We finished up everything just in time for our first wedding in September of 2018, which turned out perfectly.”
The Taylor’s made sure when they were planning for this site, that future guests would have everything they would need, all in one space.
The Lodge’s Nano doors, while open, provide a breathtaking view of the outdoors and provide a seamless transition from the elegant interior to the exterior courtyard. From the spacious commercial kitchen to the state-of-the-art sound system and stage with laser projectors, every bride and groom can have what they need in one location. There are even golf carts for rent.
The Lodge also hosts a lovely bridal suite with a roomy make-up counter, stylish furniture and all that a bride would want for getting ready for her big day. There is also a groom’s suite outfitted with a big screen TV, poker table, dart board and more.
When couples book The Lodge, the set price includes the front lawn, tables and chairs set-up and break down, along with a day-of facilitator. Where there is a set price for booking your wedding at Taylor Estate, that doesn’t mean you are limited. Elisabeth and Kelly work non-stop to be sure each bride and groom are given the wedding of their dreams.
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- The Hilltop Cabin
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- The Hilltop Cabin
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- The Lake House
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- The Lake House
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- The White House
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- The White House
“We don’t ever want to be unattainable. We pride ourselves in trying to accommodate anyone and everyone. With that being said, we offer lots of different price points, and as we grow, the options become more endless,” says Kelly. “We are always working to be better and to develop a property to fit our growing needs, which I feel is one of the greatest things about our venue.”
Taylor Estate is not just a wedding venue, however. They do much more.
The duo hosts engagement and birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, school events, family reunions, team building exercises, small theater groups, mission conferences, corporate events and more.
“Our state-of-the-art laser projector system is a huge draw for big companies around the area, such as Harbin Clinic. Unity Christian School also hosted their annual auction here. And coming up, we will host a team building event for OTR, a mission’s conference and several weddings,” says Kelly. “We are constantly trying to develop new offerings and amenities for all of our clients to enjoy.”
“This truly more than just a job to us,” Elisabeth explains. “We are truly passionate about this and we really enjoy it. We love the details and the opportunity to make someone happy. That is our goal and that is what makes us happy.”
If you are interested in booking the Taylor Estate for your wedding or upcoming event, visit their website at www.taylorestateromega.com.
For further details on booking events, call Elisabeth Taylor at 770-547-7261 and for inquires on rentals, contact Kelly Taylor at 706-266-0400.
