In early 2017, Joy Acker looked across their newly acquired land off of Highway 144 in Ohatchee, Alabama and daydreamed of what possibilities it held. Her husband, Mark had recently retired and had filled his time with buying and selling land. It was only meant to be their little piece of property for a short time but soon it was evident that this property was special.

As a homeschool mom and recent empty-nester, Joy never imagined she would open a wedding venue. The idea seemed far-fetched, but she couldn’t shake away the idea. She prayed and late at night she would stay awake researching event centers and wedding venues. She became increasingly aware that there was a need for a stylish place that could handle the unpredictable weather in Alabama. Joy envisioned a modern farmhouse-style building on the land and brought up the idea to her husband. Mark agreed that it was a crazy idea but in time, he loved it. Mark’s only request was to work with builder, Rodger Borders. After three months, with a simple drawing in hand, they finally had a sit down with Rodger and plans started to become a reality!

Before they had even started the foundation, Joy had booked her first wedding! Construction started in January 2018 with hopes of being completed before 2019. Joy and Mark worked together to build the venue and although it was trying, they still had a lot of fun! Joy got a call in April that moved up their plans! A desperate father needed to find a venue for his daughter’s wedding day because
the venue they had booked was damaged by a tornado. Joy, an optimist, said “absolutely”.
In August 2018, Oak Meadow Events Center had their first wedding with 125 attendees set up in the beautiful Great Room, in front of the fireplace. Oak Meadow was open for business.

When you visit Oak Meadow, you are in for a memorable experience! It is blank canvas for the bride to paint the wedding of her dreams on. At the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, it sits on a tiny hill surrounded by oak trees. There is an inviting porch and patio. Inside, you will find it just as welcoming. Its airy with natural lighting throughout. With its all-white modern farmhouse style, Oak Meadow offers elegance and versatility that welcomes every bride’s creativity and vision.

There are three ceremony locations, both indoor and outdoor and can accommodate up to 300 guest. The indoor venue comes equipped with year round climate control, cross back chairs, folding chairs, rectangular and round tables, vintage wooden tables, setup and take down, audio and visual systems inside and outside including handheld and wireless mics, and clean-up. The bridal suite offers a private bathroom, large mirrors, and a Juliet balcony. The groom’s suite features a 65 inch television and comfortable seating.

As a family owned business, Oak Meadow offers personal touches that will make you feel like one of their own! Joy, along with her small team, want weddings at Oak Meadow to be a beautiful memory. Five years ago, she had the pleasure of planning her own daughter’s wedding and because of the sweet memories they made together, she wants to help give that same experience to other families. She considers it a privilege and honor to take part in such sacred union and she prays for strong, God-honoring marriages to come out of Oak Meadow.

Joy thinks every wedding is special, and each have their own moments of wowing guest and touching hearts. Her favorite special moment is walking with the brides to meet their fathers before the wedding and she always gets a little emotional watching the father-daughter dances. Oak Meadow Event Center wedding venue serving couples across the Southeast. They are conveniently located 1 hour northeast from Birmingham, AL and 2 hours from Atlanta, GA, Huntsville, AL, and Chattanooga, TN. If you are looking for something unique in style and authentic in experience, this is the venue for you!