Meet the TEam
owners
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OwnerMy love for design and creating a welcoming and beautiful space for family and friends to enjoy fills my cup. Hosting friends around a beautiful table and bringing people together to share amazing food, drinks, and laughs is one of my greatest joys.
One of my favorite things is to glean inspiration from places I’ve visited where I can see, touch, and smell the beauty around me. My love for old things and restoration runs deep. In 2017 I moved back to this area with my husband (Barry) into an almost two-hundred-year-old farmhouse I had fallen in love with at first sight. I have used what I have learned and what inspires me to help create this beautiful experience we have created at The Raymond.
In 2019 when we saw this old building that sat empty for decades in the heart of downtown Raymond I knew that it was a sign from above. I had envisioned it many times over the years and could literally see it lit up in lights and the people coming and going. I had owned a successful business in 2004 and sold it after three years to stay home and raise my two girls for the next 14 years. I knew it was time.
It has been my honor to help breathe new life and energy into this space in the heart of our downtown historic district. Getting to work alongside an amazing team that includes my two teenage daughters (Gracie Mae & Maggie Beth) and two sisters (Melanie & Heather) has been a beautiful and rewarding experience. We are so thankful for this unique community and love sharing it with others near and far. There is always a celebration going on. Cheers!
“In 2019 when we saw this old building that sat empty for decades in the heart of downtown Raymond I knew that it was a sign from above.”
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OwnerI like to tell people I’m not from Mississippi, but it’s the place I’ve lived the longest. Sixteen years to be exact. I love Mississippi; her people, her history, and her beauty. Raymond has always been my home, even when it wasn’t.
When I first saw the property that is now home to The Raymond, The Bird Dog, and The Yellow Feather I just knew that one day it would be something. I also knew that I wanted to be part of making that happen.
I started my accounting career and love affair for all things business in 2005. Bookkeeping, systems, processes, corporate structure, I love it ALL. But a business is more than its books and its systems. During my years as an accountant and auditor, I learned this. These years prepared me for what college could not. I learned that a business, at its core, is people. People and all their hard work and creativity. I knew it would take the right people to realize the dream of having my own business one day.
I get to live my dream every day. We get to be a part of a community of celebration and light. And if you know us at all, you know we LOVE to celebrate.
“I get to live my dream every day. We get to be a part of a community of celebration and light. And if you know us at all, you know we LOVE to celebrate.”
managers
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My journey as venue manager began at The Raymond in early 2021. I was immediately drawn to this historic space and its kind and highly motivated owners. It felt like somewhere I was supposed to be. Day to day at The Raymond, I find joy in bringing clarity to situations through good communication and organization. My other passions include floral design (Moxie Floral), event planning, photography, and good food. It is gratifying to bring helpful knowledge and a listening ear to all the clients I get to meet at The Raymond. My goal is always to put couples as ease.
“It is gratifying to bring helpful knowledge and a listening ear to all the clients I get to meet at The Raymond.”
VENUE MANAGER
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After many years of traveling around the country, I found myself pulled in the direction of Raymond, MS. My daughter, Tara, and granddaughters had an enormous impact on my decision. I knew I needed to be a part of what was going to be The Raymond Venue. I believed in the girls and their vision, and I knew they could come together and make a difference in this community. To be honest, this job is fun! Preparing for ceremonies and receptions is the most rewarding work, in my opinion. I work events because seeing the smiles on the bride and groom's faces is my passion and joy.
GROUNDS MANAGER
“I work events because seeing the smiles on the bride and groom's faces is my passion and joy.”
BAR MANAGER
“It’s fun to help complete a couple’s wedding day with bar options that compliment the couple’s personality and style.”
The Historic Raymond Motor Company
WHEN OLD AND NEW COLLIDE SOMETHING MAGICAL HAPPENS
The Raymond venue is listed on the National Historic Register as the Raymond Motor Company. Originally a 1920’s garage warehouse, it set empty on the town square for decades. Our dream was to create a space for community and celebration in the heart of our charming downtown. It has been our joy to carefully restore it with extra thought and intention to share a most dreamy and awe-inspiring space.
From the original exposed “chippy” brick walls and barrelled ceiling, handcrafted light fixtures, and original factory windows, The Raymond lends both character and history. With a high-end finish out and a wide-open blank canvas, you have the option of both simple and elegant and everything in between. Our outdoor ceremony space is nestled in our enchanting garden among lush greens and hidden away for intimacy. Within walking distance are old churches, antebellum homes, historical markers, and our iconic Courthouse that is celebrated as one of the state’s finest Greek Revival public buildings. With breathtaking views at every angle, we believe our venue to be truly magical.
We are owned and operated by two friends and visionaries who are local residents who join many others thinking that Raymond is truly a hidden gem with untold potential. We are delighted to collectively realize a dream and fulfill a commitment to serve our community and state and provide a beautiful celebration space for all to enjoy. We want to be known as the venue that loves a celebration and that genuinely cares about you and the details of your big day. Cheers!
*All headshots were taken by Kylie Wooten Photography