“We started the journey of creating Sunrise Farms Venue in March 2020, and now, more than two years later, we have learned how important being together is after facing a pandemic that kept us apart,” says Brandy Jaquez, owner of Sunrise Farms. “We have evolved beyond just an event venue, becoming a gathering place that allows custom solutions for people to make everlasting memories.”
This Sunday, June 5th, 2022, celebrate the newly renovated spaces of Sunrise Farms in Benton Harbor with Wilfredo and Brandy Jaquez, as their Open House from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. invites you to tour their beautiful, serene, and historic event site.
Sunrise Farms Venue can be found at 1310 Hillandale Road, nestled in the countryside on thirteen acres of lush, green earth, that once housed a fruit farm. It is equipped with a three-story barn from the 1800s, the ‘oldest surviving log cabin in Michigan’, landscaped pond, water wheel, and the family windmill that towers over the property. Displaying rustic charm and emanating class, this new event space can host up to 150 guests, and is open for every kind of event – weddings, reunions, graduation parties, Quinceanera, and more. Since their very first event in July 2021, Sunrise Farms has hosted fifteen events, and a graduation open house already this year.
Wilfredo and Brandy Jaquez began this journey with their sister Tara Kelley, and between the three of them, they don’t just know hospitality, they are hospitality. The Jaquez’ purchased the South Cliff Inn in St. Joseph in 2018, and completely renovated the seven-unit bed & breakfast that overlooks the waters of Lake Michigan. With the help of many family volunteers ensuring the success of the new venue, Sunrise Farms is truly a family business.
“Our first event was for my mom’s 70th birthday,” Brandy says. “She is central to our venue, as she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer when we purchased this property. She was with us as we built the venue for year one, and we were so lucky to get to celebrate her milestone birthday. We lost her in January 2021, but she lives on through the work we continue to do here, and the garden we have dedicated to her.”
At Sunrise Farms, A Gathering Place, the staff is dedicated to helping the community make the most of life’s events in an accepting, comfortable environment. Sunrise Farms Venue takes pride in creating unique experiences for guests. The Open House on Sunday June 6th is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, and will offer tours of the buildings and the grounds. Sweet Chick Cookie Company out of Stevensville will be providing goodies and sweet treats, and refreshing beverages will be available so you can sip while you stroll.
For more information about the amenities and rental pricing, please visit sunrisefarmsvenue.com, and be sure to stop by 1310 Hillandale Road for their open house. Congratulations!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
