Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Orr.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally, we started out as a rental warehouse for wedding decorations. So many clients started coming in and asking to rent the space. We added some tables and chairs and rented for bridal showers and baby showers. After a few months of this, the upstairs of the venue became available and we converted it into a space for ceremonies and cocktail hours. The downstairs was converted into a reception space and we sold the rental company that once existed in it. Now, we do about 50 weddings per year and 40 private parties.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Honestly, we have been incredibly blessed by amazing clients and a supportive community. Each year, we have doubled our event count and have slowly taken over more and more of the building that we have our long-term lease in. We are now adding overnight accommodations and an on-site catering team. The pandemic year was obviously a trying time for us because we were virtually closed for a year, but our clients and town did all they could to ensure that we stayed open and were still open for business as Virginia opened back up. Throughout the duration of the business, we have taken huge risks and have seen them pay off time and time again. Although it is scary to do the big, hard things, we have seen that they are always worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Refinery at 120?
I am the owner and operator of The Refinery at 120, an event venue in downtown Culpeper, Virginia. We specialize in creating beautiful and excellently run events of all kinds. While my amazing team is the reason behind much of our success, I am the one who keeps things seamlessly running behind the scenes. My full-time job is meeting with couples, creating timelines, answering emails, doing tours, etc. We now have a venue manager, Julie Dennis, who has taken over a lot of the day-to-day operations and our clients absolutely love her. Between the two of us and the rest of our coordinators, we facilitate events that go smoothly and allow the clients, their family and their friends to enjoy the event without any worries.
Pricing:
- Wedding – $7,000
- Private Party – $325 per hour
Contact Info:
- Email: EVENTS@THEREFINERYAT120.COM
- Website: therefineryat120.com
- Instagram: @therefineryat120
- Facebook: facebook.com/therefineryat120
Image Credits
Nugen Media Kayla Fletcher Photography JP Pratt
