We Wanted Our Wedding to be Fun!

All Photography by: Peter Nagy of Peter Jonathan Images

The very first wedding at Lake Max Meadows took place approximately four years before the idea of Lake Max Meadows becoming a wedding venue even occurred.

Before and after their wedding, Lake Max Meadow owners Ed and Becky Furry, hosted numerous parties and gatherings over the years. They were always the first to say, “yes” when someone needed a location. The suggestion to become a wedding venue was made to the couple by their close friend, Liz, owner of local floral boutique and event planning business who mentioned how hard it was to find something different to offer couples wanting to get married in the area. Being an event planner, she could easily see the community's need for a barn venue, but also the joy in working at such a naturally beautiful location.

The idea of their home becoming a wedding venue was an easy decision. However, they chose to host their wedding on their property because they love Culver, Indiana, and wanted a place where friends and family could return too. Additionally, their space could comfortably accommodate the number of guests they'd have attending from various parts of the world. Their gorgeous home was an easy-to-reach destination for their guests, and located in a part of the country most would never visit, unless they knew someone who lived there.

To host a wedding at your home is no small undertaking. However, when your home is an old historic farmstead surrounded by rolling hills, open meadows, and fields of corn or beans, why would you opt for any other location? They chose a perfect time of year, late June, when the weather in Northern Indiana is typically warm and sunny, with a lower chance of rain. Ed and Becky had no back-up plan in the event of bad weather! They never once imagined their wedding day being inside, and their shared love of the outdoors inspired the day. Granted, in reflecting, they were very fortunate, and appreciate now how having a building is an essential feature to any wedding venue location.

Planning the wedding day was easy, according to Becky, because the property is naturally beautiful. It was already pretty! They kept decorations simple, choosing details that paid homage to their mutual love of sailing and motto to always be happy. In Becky's own words, "We wanted our wedding to be fun!" The colors were bright and playful, creating a light and joyful atmosphere for their family and friends.

The couple was in the middle of renovations at the time of their wedding. From planting gardens to finishing off exterior work on the barn that would later become home to Becky's photography studio and Airbnb. They also put in a 35x35 concrete pad adjacent to the Blue Boat Barn for use as a dance floor. Ed and the groomsman put the final touches in place on the property before wedding guests arrived the morning of their wedding!

Adding a concrete dance floor was multipurpose, as Becky explained how you couldn't own a home in Indiana without putting in a basketball court! After the wedding, the dance floor became the court, although it’s no longer in place, as most couples wouldn’t want a basketball court on the dance floor. When the outdoor dance area is not in use for the wedding season, Airbnb guests may witness a variety of impressive small sailboats parked there at any given time.

Ed and Becky reassure there remains a plan for the basketball court! So, for the Hoosiers reading, you can trust they will keep with Indiana traditions! The couple has a young son who is counting on it! Including two precious little girls!

Choosing to have their wedding while finishing up renovations came in handy on their wedding day! The work on the old barn, which is now Becky's photography studio and Airbnb rental, required the use of a man-lift. Their wedding photographer, Peter, had the stellar idea to use the lift to capture a memorable image of the couple with all their guests and family.

When you listen to Becky share memories of their wedding day, you can feel her joy. From having their ceremony in the open fields to family and friends traveling to a place they would have otherwise never experience - it was a perfect day. They learned everyone would come, and in the future, they wanted to have space for people to stay. Therefore, it’s to no surprise the couple would build a stunning Big Red Barn on the site of their ceremony. Building a home for their Airbnb, Lake Max Loft, an airy multipurpose space for small celebrations, or extra guests, and lastly home to their family business - Sail22, LLC.

So you see, Lake Max Meadows is not your average wedding venue. It is a home built on a love for celebration, bringing people together from all parts of the world, and supporting a precious community, few know exists. Ed and Becky Furry have poured their hearts and souls into turning a former farm that still has sheep and a sweet donkey who graze the fields, into a warm, modern, rustic, and refined place. They look forward to welcoming others to host their celebrations, or sneak away to the country for a weekend retreat.

To experience it for yourself, book a tour, join our email list, or plan a weekend of your own in either The Studio or the Lake Max Loft. You will feel nothing but joy, peace, and comfort.

The location of Becky and Ed’s Ceremony is now the location of The Big Red Barn and Lake Max Loft, which is included in the wedding package.