Meet Cindy and Grant Foley, owners of The Pavilion at Mimosa Lake! This family dream team is giving us all the details on their stunning (and new) wedding venue, insight into their favorite current trends, and so much more! Read to find out how the Foley’s can turn your dream wedding into a reality!
If you care to share, how did you get to where you are now?
I have lived in Lunenburg County my entire life. My husband Bob and I bought our home and property in 1994. In 1995 we built a 30-acre lake on our property. We raised our three sons here. Over the years we have thought about using our property as a special events venue. In January of 2021, we decided to open! Our youngest son Grant joined us in this venture. Bob and Grant began the work of enclosing the pavilion where we used to use to store hay. The last year and a half has been a beautiful journey of fulfilling our dream.
What makes you or your business stand out and why should a couple hire you?
Everyone loves water and our private 30-acre lake makes a beautiful backdrop for a special wedding ceremony. The lake is part of our 300-acre estate and is surrounded by rolling open fields, and 400-year-old evergreens. Its location in the beautiful countryside makes it ideal for a destination wedding if you want to get out of the city. We are located in Southside Virginia 90 minutes from Richmond and Lynchburg. Our trained staff will work hard to make your wedding day special.
What’s your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?
It is never dull. You have the opportunity to meet new people and help them with a special moment in their lives. Weddings are a celebration of life and we get to be a part of it.
Eliza Walker Agape Photography
What’s a unique tip you tell your couples?
Write down any questions you have before meeting with a vendor.
What’s your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Make your wedding day unique to your personality and your likes. You will have a lot of people offering advice and suggestions, but this is your wedding and it should be tailored to your tastes.
What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?
The first dance. The nervousness leading up to the ceremony is over and you get to dance with the one you love.
What are your favorite wedding trends right now?
Live wedding portraits. This is such a neat idea. Someone paints a scene during the wedding such as the ceremony or first dance. The artist paints it during the reception and people can see it as it progresses. What a special way to capture your wedding day.
How do you de-stress?
I love to go for walks around our lake. The beauty of nature surrounds me and helps to let go of stress.
What’s your favorite food/dish/cuisine?
I love to cook and try different foods. I have a great recipe for fried green tomatoes with basil mayonnaise, that’s one of my favorites. Grant’s favorite meal is my Sweet’n Sour meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green peas.
Kunuth Photography
If you were to meet any celebrity, who would it be?
Dolly Parton. She seems so down to earth and has stayed true to her roots. She has done so much for the people in her home state of Tennessee.
What would your perfect Saturday be like?
A perfect Saturday would be having breakfast on my screened in porch, taking a walk and making a homemade meal for my family.
What’s a fun or unusual fact about you?
Both Grant and I are left handed, however Grant is ambidextrous. He writes left handed, but he bats, pitches and bowls right handed.
Verlee Bishop Weddings
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?
We bought a house adjacent to the venue which we are renovating. It will be called The Bridal Cottage. The bride and her attendants can stay there the night before the wedding and get ready there with complete privacy.
Do you love to travel? If so, what are some must-see destinations?
Grant drove across the country last year He went to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. He drove through nine states. He enjoyed seeing all the different landscapes.
Do you have a pet?
We have a chocolate lab mix, his name is Charlie. We call him the good will ambassador of the venue. He loves to go swimming in the lake. We also have chickens and enjoy getting fresh eggs daily.
What is your favorite season of the year and why?
Fall is our favorite season. We like the cooler weather, the beautiful fall colors, and spending time outdoors. Fall is also a perfect time of year for a wedding. There are so many decorating options with pumpkins, gourds, and mums.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Decorating the family Christmas tree. Our sons still come home to decorate the tree and watch Christmas movies while we decorate it.
Anything else you want our followers to know?
The last two and half years have been difficult with Covid-19. We have learned how important it is to celebrate every moment in life. The Pavilion at Mimosa Lake is a brand new venue. We have worked hard to make it truly special and unique. Grant and I are excited to have this opportunity and look forward to making your dream wedding a reality.
Start planning your happily ever after now!
Email: mimosalakevenue@gmail.com
Website: https://mimosalakevenue.com
Instagram: @thepavilionatmimosalake