Journeyman Distillery at The American Factory serves to encapsulate Valparaiso’s past while generating opportunities for families to have a positive future. While the space has a great retail space for guests and its Sea of Monsters Brewery that will begin serving beer this Memorial Day weekend, customers also have the chance to host special events for their friends and loved ones.
There’s no other major life-changing event that’s best suited for family and friends than a wedding ceremony. Johanna Welter, co-founder and brand curator for Journeyman Distillery, and the rest of the staff are motivated to support clients throughout the wedding process.
“Whether it's based on limitations or access, we're there to assist,” Welter said. “We've been a part of hundreds of weddings by this point, so we have a good idea for guiding couples when it comes to preparing their perfect day. We have a really close relationship with a lot of these couples, wedding planners, and some of the best vendors in the area to give them what they’re looking for.”
The process can be planned out for a year in advance at times. However, some steps can be taken behind-the-scenes after the couple shares their wedding day aspirations to the Journeyman Distillery team.
“We usually start off with getting the couples on site to share how they envision their day with the sales team,” Welter said. “We work with them on making sure to secure the appropriate spaces that are needed. Everyone signs up for different milestones from a checklist throughout the planning process. Once our clients attend their food and beverage tasting, we start engaging more directly with them.”
Welter notes this stage of the preparation process is when the excitement level generally starts to elevate. They continue by leading them through the menu and beverage selection process. From there, the Journeyman Distillery team ensures that the crucial moments turn out successfully and the wedding day can be executed as planned.
Journeyman Distillery posts several of its wedding day shots on social media. Welter believes this gives people in the Region a glimpse of what their wedding day can look like from all facets.
“We often work with other florists and designers in the area to do these inspirational photoshoots,” Welter said. “It’s important for us to give a little color to what new trends are happening in this area or for the wedding industry this year. I love it when couples see our Instagram page and choose things they've seen to incorporate into their own wedding day.”
The Journeyman Distillery team addresses all of these wishes with the couple early on to ensure everything happens the way the couple desires and there isn’t any follow-up necessary close to the wedding day.
“The biggest thing for us is taking time to ask questions and set aside any assumptions so there isn’t any confusion for the wedding day,” Welter said. “We have a team full of great planners who have plenty of experience in asking the right questions.”
Additionally, Journeyman Distillery and The American Factory is a multifaceted facility. Wedding guests can arrive earlier to grab a cocktail or take a walk around the garden by the water tower.
Above all, Welter is pleased with how their team of wedding planners and caterers have been able to make an impact and build connections with all of their customers.
“That’s truly my favorite part of doing this,” Welter said. “One of our first couples in Three Oaks now brings their three kids back. It’s the best feeling to see how these relationships can grow over time.”
For more information on Journeyman Distillery and The American Factory, you can visit its website.
