10/16/2023
Please take a moment to read our story if you have a minute...
On July 28, 2023, our little town, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, was hit by a devastating storm, leaving homes, businesses and wedding venues without power for days.
It was a very stressful time. Luckily, our community is resilient. Neighbors helped neighbors remove trees, clean up the streets, move debris, and more.
On July 29, 2023, Creamery 201 was set to host the wedding of Vince and Shelby.
We had no power.
After hours of communication between the couple, our staff, other wedding venues, etc., we called the couple and gave them 3 options:
1. Move the wedding to Sunday, July 30, 2023 (and hope and pray we get power by then)
2. Move the wedding to a completely different date and time
3. Move the wedding to Stix Event Center in Jefferson (who luckily had power and was available)
They chose option 3 with 4 hours until the ceremony start time, never having seen their "new venue" before and trusting that we could pull it off.
Our entire staff, along with the help of 17 additional friends and family, TORE DOWN an entire wedding, PACKED IT up in the back of a trailer, HAULED IT 15 minutes to the new venue, and UNPACKED IT all in under 4 hours.
For context, an average wedding setup alone takes a team of several people hours.
We did it! And we can't say thank enough.
To Our Couple - We applaud your flexibility, trust, and strength. We can't thank you enough for choosing Creamery 201, and we are genuinely sorry that we couldn't host it in our space. We hope the Creamery 201 service we talk about shone through on your day. What gorgeous pictures!
To Our Family & Friends - We couldn't have done it without you. 17 people stepped up without asking questions, without hesitation, and with open hands, ready to work. You know who you are, and we appreciate you so much.
To Our Staff - We have the best team. A group of hardworking and humble individuals had to learn an entirely new bar setup, drive to a new location, come in early and stay late, and have a good attitude serving our couple and guests. Thank you!
To Stix Event Center - Wow. As a venue, to trust a whole crew from a different venue to come and run an event in your space in under 4 hours must have sounded crazy. Thank you for saying yes! Thank you for allowing us to move a wedding to your location.
To Our Vendors - Thank you for being flexible with us. Carla's Catering made an entire delicious hot dinner (and appetizers) without power. She and her staff were up at 3 a.m. getting generators going. The SweetSpot Bakehouse was also functioning with limited space and power. TRUST your wedding vendors. Choose vendors (and people) you trust that will go the extra mile and invest in your big day.
To Our Community - Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, truly is a special place. The families and businesses of this town are unique. Creamery 201 is proud to call Fort Atkinson home.
Spread kindness. Support local.
All the best,
Katie Stahl & Creamery 201
Cara Belle Photography
