Abbey Farms: The Emporium plans open house, expo

Abbey Farms: The Emporium will host its annual open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at 2855 Hart Road in Aurora.

This rustic-chic barn venue is in its fifth year of hosting wedding receptions, fundraisers, corporate outings and other events. Abbey Farms specializes in creating personalized events that will wow guests.

According to Wendy Felder, venue and resource manager at Abbey Farms, the event gives the public the opportunity to tour the venue and surrounding grounds.

"The Emporium's annual open house is for everyone and anyone who would like to learn more about hosting an event here," Felder said. "Admission is free, and it is a great opportunity to see the beautiful venue and its stunning surrounding landscape and outside spaces.

"Whether you are just starting to plan, thinking about planning, or well into your plans, this is for you," she said. "Everyone is welcome!"

Adam Voirin, chief operations officer, commented on the flexibility of the venue space.

"Each of our wedding receptions is as different as the couples who book with us," Voirin said. "If vintage and country is your sweet spot, our reclaimed barn board walls are a perfect backdrop. If your tastes are more sophisticated, upgrade the elegance with perfectly chosen décor and floral arrangements.

"Our wedding partners and preferred vendors will expertly guide you toward achieving the desired atmosphere," he added. "An event planner is included with a booking, which helps ensure your planning process is simplified."

Upon arrival, attendees will be greeted with champagne and Abbey Farms' famous apple cinnamon doughnuts. Besides touring the venue, attendees can visit with wedding ceremony partners and preferred vendors while enjoying light refreshments and catering samples.

Vendors will include transportation specialists, hotel partners, ceremony and design planners, caterers, bakeries, florists, décor specialists, hotels, photographers, DJs and more.

Although wedding receptions are the focus of the open house, anyone considering an event can find answers to their questions. This might include corporate events and fundraisers, along with family reunions and graduations.

All attendees will have the opportunity to register for an hourly raffle giveaway of a "Picnic Movie Night for Two." It includes two "Pumpkin Daze" tickets, two tickets to a movie night with s'mores and a private firepit, $20 gift certificate for concessions, six apple cider doughnuts, a bottle of wine from the Abbey Farms preferred wine list and more.

Registration is suggested by visiting www.abbeyfarms.org/store. For more venue information, visit www.abbeyfarms.org or call (630) 966-7775, ext. 3.

The Emporium is a venue with more than 8,000 square feet of private space. The Emporium's hall is clad in antique reclaimed barn wood and lit with elegant chandeliers. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the Fox River Valley outside under a covered porch or on a custom brick patio with a stone fireplace.

The vintage-inspired barn seats up to 300 guests and is fully heated and air-conditioned for comfort, no matter what the weather.

Abbey Farms is a unique, family-friendly, agritourism farm in Aurora.

The nonprofit farm is celebrating 70 years in 2019. Each year, visitors experience a variety of fun activities for the entire family. These include the annual fall festival, Pumpkin Daze, Christmas trees, a seasonal store, an online store, fresh produce and more. Spring 2019 will see the first trees of an eventual 20-acre apple orchard planted.

All proceeds from events and product sales benefit the monks of Marmion Abbey.

For more information about Abbey Farms and Abbey Farms: The Emporium, visit www.abbeyfarms.org or call (630) 966-7775.