The Story of Our First Wedding at The Westport
They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but a November downpour in Northern California can certainly test a couple’s resolve—especially when the plan is a backyard ceremony.
In November 2023, just five days before they were set to say "I do," one local couple found themselves facing a forecast that made an outdoor celebration impossible. Little did they know, their weather-induced pivot would become the official "soft launch" of our journey as an event venue.
The 120-Hour Countdown
When our friend and event coordinator, Ashley, called us, she knew we were in the process of transitioning our downtown Chico retail space into a full-time venue. What she didn't know was just how much "retail" was still in the building! At that moment, our floors were still filled with furniture for sale.
With the clock ticking and a couple in need, we didn't hesitate. We had exactly five days to:
Clear the Floor: We spent hours moving every piece of inventory into a separate wing of the building to create a blank canvas.
Coordinate the Chaos: We worked hand-in-hand with the catering team, the bar service, and the florist to re-map a backyard floor plan into an indoor setting. And of course, the City! We made sure the City of Chico was on board with this event.
Scale for 150: Ensuring the space was ready for 150 guests meant a flurry of activity—setting up rentals, prepping the lighting, and making sure every corner felt like a celebration rather than a construction zone.
A Night to Remember
The energy in the building was electric. There is something incredibly special about working under pressure for the right reasons. Seeing the florist transform the space and watching the caterers set up where sofas had been sitting just days prior was nothing short of a dream. By the time the guests arrived, the frantic pace of the week melted away. The warmth of the building provided the perfect sanctuary from the November chill outside.
Capturing the Magic
We were lucky enough to get some incredible photos of the day, and looking back at them now, it’s hard to believe it all came together in less than a week. This wedding didn't just give a beautiful couple a place to celebrate; it proved to us that this space was meant for gathering, connection, and those "shift-of-gears" moments that make life memorable. To the bride and groom who trusted us with their big day on such short notice: thank you for being our very first wedding. You set the bar high for all the love and hard work that has filled this building since!
