Healy Events and Weddings is in its third season of catering to the wishes of couples choosing to exchange "I Do's" on a countryside property at the end of Prospect Avenue.
“People from all over the world can’t get over how beautiful it is. Some people call it magical,” said Jess Healy.
The property has long held a special place in Healy’s heart. Many locals know it as the former site of the old Ward Mansion, an estate developed by the late Klondike Ward after he struck lucky searching for gold. For Healy, it was home to her grandparents, general practitioner Dr. Robert Healy and local nurse Gwen Healy.
“My grandparents would both be so happy to know that this property was being used for the purpose of celebrating love and happiness,” she said, noting that she has many fond memories from visiting their expansive hobby farm as a child.
Healy loves the farm so much she decided to tie the knot there in 2014. Healy Events and Weddings was the result of a desire the share the site with others wanting a setting where rustic meets modern for their wedding day.
“It’s kind of like a hidden gem. You’d never really know it was up here,” she said.
Brides, grooms and wedding guests from throughout Canada and even around the world have travelled to Kentville to attend weddings at the Healy property. Healy lists India, the Bahamas, Belgium and Massachusetts as a few examples of places wedding attendees called home.
Healy noted that the property, including a house, two barns, a picturesque pond and wide variety of greenery, is available to the wedding groups for four days. She said many guests seize the opportunity to explore the nearby Town of Kentville and other areas of the Annapolis Valley.
“People are visiting Kentville from around the world that (might) otherwise not come here. Many are extending their visits, exploring the area and supporting local businesses.”
She said hosting weddings creates a multiplier effect that trickles throughout the local economy, citing hair and makeup stylists, event planners, decorators, photographers, caterers, security, florists, servers, wedding officiants, and retailers as a few examples of individuals that could be involved in a single ceremony.
“To have a wedding there are a lot of people that have to be hired up here.”
Healy is thrilled with how far word of mouth travels after a wedding at the farm. At the end of the day, she said it’s all about providing people with a tranquil place to create some lasting memories.
“It’s just a really lovely atmosphere.”
For more information visit https://www.healyevents.com/.
