Cecily Hoffius and Judith Bellos, owners of St. Louis, MO-based Ces & Judy’s Catering have done their share of listening to client requests since opening in 1981. But their ears perked up when they started hearing the same request again and again. Couples, event planners, and corporate clients alike were asking for something off the beaten track… a little serenity… a private space outside of the city. Corporate clients wanted to get out of the office for team building and strategy sessions, while local couples wanted a “destination-style” wedding without the hassle of air travel.
Completed in 2018, The Venue at Maison du Lac shines for guests at dusk.
Enter the company’s new 7,000 square-foot The Venue at Maison du Lac, on 25 acres of scenic countryside in Catawissa, MO. Featuring a modern architectural design with high ceilings, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, an outdoor deck overlooking the lake, and striking 12- and 18-foot windows offering natural light and panoramic views. The property also offers indoor and outdoor ceremony location options, lush greenery with plenty of grassy areas for yard games, and a well-lit, paved parking lot with easy access to the property.
Guests on the deck at The Venue at Maison du Lac enjoy cocktails overlooking the property’s lake
According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, farm, barn, and ranch reception venues increased from 2% in 2009 to 15% in 2017. It’s not surprising that when this private event estate opened in early 2018, it was almost immediately booked through the year’s end and into 2019.
According to Cecily Hoffius, Ces & Judy’s Catering co-owner, “This is just what so many of our clients have been seeking: an event space where they can be surrounded by nature while enjoying modern amenities. We believe The Venue at Maison du Lac delivers just that.”
Each 12-hour rental includes full use of The Venue, renovated barn, and Catawissa Stone House with its updated bridal suite and groom’s lounge. Also included in the rental are silver chiavari slate chairs; round, cocktail, and buffet tables; and an event specialist. Custom menu and drink options offered exclusively by Ces & Judy’s Catering could include a served dinner, buffet dinner, or themed stations, and comes with table linens, flatware, glassware and china. Upgrades including late night snacks, signature cocktails, and a champagne toast, among others. The Venue can accommodate up to 300 guests, with a blank canvas allowing for extraordinary personalization and the flexibility for clients to bring in their own vendors to customize the space.
Ces & Judy’s Catering staff prepares for a wedding at The Venue at Maison du Lac in Catawissa, Mo.
All photos courtesy of JJLane of Be Lovely Photography
For more information on The Venue at Maison du Lac, please visit https://www.thevenuestl.com, and to learn more about Ces & Judy’s Catering, please visit https://www.cesandjudys.com.
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