May 31, 2025 • 24 mins
Dive into Cincinnati's newest wedding gem as we explore The Ventura with owner Sarah Daugherty, a fifth-generation Norwood native. What was once called "the first skyscraper of Norwood" has been transformed into a stunning venue where history meets modern elegance.
The Ventura stands out for its distinctive features and unmatched flexibility. Original bank vaults add unique character throughout the space, while the hardwood ballroom accommodates up to 200 seated guests with room to dance. What truly distinguishes this venue is its rare "no curfew" policy—your celebration can continue until 3 AM if desired, a refreshing departure from the strict timelines most venues enforce. With bar packages starting at just $15 per person and thoughtful details like strategic electrical outlets (goodbye, unsightly extension cords!), The Ventura solves typical venue frustrations before they arise.
Beyond the stunning indoor space, a tranquil outdoor patio creates an unexpected urban oasis, perfect for cocktail hours or intimate ceremonies. The venue's comprehensive package includes gold Chiavari chairs (a significant value typically costing $5-10 per chair to rent elsewhere), tables, and basic linens. Sarah's team offers complimentary day-before decorating access when available and works with two preferred caterers at different price points while remaining flexible for cultural cuisine needs. Partner hotels provide complimentary guest shuttles—an increasingly rare amenity that enhances the guest experience while ensuring everyone gets home safely.
Currently booking into 2026 and 2027, The Ventura represents the perfect blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and unprecedented flexibility. Visit the-ventura.com or email bookings@the-ventura.com to schedule a tour and discover why this converted bank building might be where you want to invest in your forever.
To listen to more episodes visit www.yourdreamday.com
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
We are making our own story as we go from all over
Southwest Ohio, southeastIndiana, northern Kentucky and
anybody else who finds their wayto our podcast.
So today we are at a brand newvenue called the Ventura, and
Sarah Daugherty is here to tellus a little bit about the
Ventura.
Welcome, thank you.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
We love excited people, so tell us a little bit
about the Ventura.
You guys are located right inNorwood, in Cincinnati.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Yeah, so Cincinnati surrounds the city of Norwood on
all sides, so we are the primeexample of centrally located.
We've got 71 on one side, 75 onthe other and the Norwood
lateral that runs right through,so we are the perfect location
to host any event.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Don't forget about Xavier right down the street.
Yes Go, muskies location tohost any event, don't forget
about Xavier right down thestreet.
Yes, go Muskies.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Yeah, no, I was when I was coming in today I'm like
it's amazing how much this areahas changed.
Yeah, norwood is just booming,growing.
It's.
It's awesome.
I'm fifth generation NorwoodWow.
So watching the growth and thechange in positive ways has
happened.
It's been so exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
There's got to be a plaque of one of your ancestors
somewhere around town.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Yeah, my parents, my grandparents, met at the playing
card factory.
So when they worked there asteenagers.
So, yeah, that is so cool yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So you are like the perfect person to be
spearheading this, then because,you're like you need, like a
Miss Norwood stash.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, Some of my friends joke that I'm the mayor
unofficial mayor of Norwood.
The unofficial mayor Yep, so,but so, um, our building um used
to be a bank.
Um, it's very, very, very old.
It was called the firstskyscraper of Norwood, um, so
the the part of the buildingthat my office is in is, um a
seven story building, and thenin the late sixties an addition
(02:07):
was put on um and that's wherethe tellers and things were.
So we do have um originalvaults in our building, um,
which is really cool and addsjust this really classic piece
to the venue.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Nobody's locked the groom in the vault yet, right we
?
Speaker 2 (02:20):
have not had that.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
It is in the groom's suite.
One of them is in the groom'ssuite, but we have a fireplace
in there.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
So if they do get cold feet, we've got the
fireplace.
Oh my gosh, yeah, that'sawesome.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
So the main ballroom area, so to say, it's just
beautiful.
Like when you go in there youwould have no idea that you're
on a busy street in Norwood,because everything just looks so
elegant and just so.
I can't even yeah, Classic.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Classy.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Yes, it's so classy and simple and contemporary it's
amazing.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe big room.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Yeah, so we've got hardwood floors throughout Our
capacity.
We can sit 200 seated fordinner and that still leaves
room for a dance area.
We've had stages put in, livebands or, if you want to go just
the traditional DJ route.
All of our lights are dimmableand then, if you wanted to do
more of a fundraising event, wecan do 300 standing, kind of a
(03:26):
cocktail table vibe.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Well, and what's cool about the dance floor part is
your floor is actually a floor.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
It's not a rug.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Yes, so you don't have to worry about bringing in
your own dance floor.
You can just literally carveout a dancing area.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Yes, so, um, all of our layouts for our clients, our
couples, they it's customizable, um, and so we sit down and we
have a digital design and wecustomize where they want each
specific table, where they wanttheir desserts to go, where they
want the DJ to be located,where they want the focal point
their head table, um, or asweetheart table.
(04:03):
They want the focal point,their head table or a sweetheart
table.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
we transform the room into what their vision is.
That's perfect, and you haveelectricity All throughout the
room, all throughout the roomwhich I know it sounds silly,
but it is actually veryimportant to check out the
electricity at your venueBecause and again, this is not
reflective on your venue.
This is just other venues I'vedealt with in the past where, um
, they may not have had the umvoltage capability, yeah, um, to
(04:32):
run a specific dj's soundsystem, and so it would keep
crashing, yeah, and you'd haveto keep flipping the switch on
the breaker.
Um, we had that.
I had that same situation withan outdoor wedding once, where
the couple had said, oh, we'llhave you use these outlets that
are on the perimeter of theoutdoor pool and just run a cord
(04:54):
across.
Well, it kept.
What's the term when theelectricity cuts?
Speaker 2 (05:01):
off, cuts off.
Yeah, the breaker, the breaker,the fuse blows.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
There you go, fuse blows, and so we actually had to
find a different one to usebecause we couldn't use that one
, and ended up having to run acord clear across the property.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Yeah, and that's what we don't have to worry about is
cords going this way and thatway on the floor and people
tripping.
It keeps everything in one spotand it also leaves open for um
photo booths or 360 photo booths.
You know, we have thatelectricity option so you can
really put what you want whereyou want in the space.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
That is.
That is a huge.
That really is a huge, hugeadvantage.
Um cause, sometimes when you gointo these older restored
properties, they haven't takenthe time to do something like
that.
When we're talking a little bitabout photo booths, you have a
beautiful green wall thatcouples can use as, like, their
red carpet picture spot.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Yeah, and so a lot of our couples will do that.
They will opt to just havetheir friends and family take
photos on their phone instead ofhaving an actual photo booth.
So, right as you come in, we dohave a greenery wall.
That is permanent.
It stays there all time.
It's a giant grid, so they candecorate it however they like.
They can do neon signs.
There's again electricity there.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Edison would love this podcast.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, sponsored by Duke.
Yeah, sponsored by Duke.
Yeah, um, and all of our lightfixtures are updated so
everything can be dimmable toreally create that atmosphere
that you're looking for.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
After dinner is over and when the party starts so
we're talking about after dinnerand before the party starts.
There's also something thatstarts after the ceremony starts
and before the party begins,and that's your cocktail hour
area, which is, again, it's oneof those things.
Whoever designed thearchitecture for this building
with the intent of making it awedding reception venue, they
(06:51):
were right on the money.
I mean, it's this beautifulhardwood wall that covers the
eyesore of the street.
That's there and it's just likeyou go into this little world.
Yeah, and it's.
It's so cool.
I mean there's.
I hate to use the word cool,but I mean that's really what it
is.
It's just really, really cool.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
It's, yeah, it's perfect for being in this
metropolis and you walk outsideand it's still like a breath of
fresh air.
Um, so we do have our outdoorpatio.
Um, it planters two pergolas,bistro lighting and then, if
it's a chillier evening, we doprovide heat lanterns.
That is all included in therental.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
And speaking of all night, it is all night.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It is all night yeah.
So our reception windows startat four hours, but you can add
on any additional hours.
We do not have a cutoff time.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
We were talking when we were walking through about
how, if I really wanted to staytill three in the morning, I
could stay until three in themorning.
You could stay until three inthe morning.
Yeah, that's amazing.
Yeah, because I've had couplesdo that, where they're just late
night people and usually it'sjust if you have about 200
people invited to the wedding,it's usually just a crowd of
like 20 to 25 and they're theones who close the party down,
(08:02):
but they're going to stay untilthey're kicked out.
Yeah, um, how does the bar work?
Speaker 2 (08:10):
though, is that open the entire time as well, or is
that cut off at a certain time?
Um it?
We work through all of thatwith our clients individually,
case by case basis.
Um same as the reception.
It starts at a four hour window.
Um, so we do have a full liquorlicense and provide all of the
alcohol and the bartenderservice here at the venue.
Um so whenever they want thatfour hour bar time to start, um,
we work with that, and they canadd on additional bar hours if
(08:32):
they like for an additional fee.
Um, it's not by much, and again, we can keep that party going
and your bar prices are really,really reasonable.
Yeah, our beer and wine packagestarts at $15 per person.
All you can drink for fourhours.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
And it goes up from there.
Yeah, that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah, we like to have a good time.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
And everybody can get home safely, because the police
are very close by too, yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, we allow cars to.
We have our own private parkinglot so cars can stay overnight
to make sure that everyone getshome safe If they want to Uber
or Lyft.
Um, we have security camerasoutside great lighting in our
parking lot and our hotelpartners If you book with them,
they offer complimentary shuttlefor your guests.
That's huge.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Huge.
That is a huge, huge, huge,huge.
Plus, a lot, a lot of hotelsare getting out of the shuttle
business.
So the fact that both of yourpreferred hotels offer that is
huge, huge.
Um, and you also have a coupleof preferred caterers that you
work with.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Yeah, so we do not have a full kitchen here, um, so
we do outsource all of ourcatering.
Um.
Our two preferred our villagepantry and delight more.
We've been working with themfor since we opened um and they
do a phenomenal job.
They know this venue like theback of their hands.
Their staff is amazing and ifyou book either of them, our
clients get a complimentarychampagne toast that's served
during dinner and it's a 15%food cost catering fee.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
And that's actually pretty standard.
So for those of you who arelistening, who are just getting
into the process of exploringvenues, and they have a
preferred caterer, how does thatwork?
This is basically how it works.
The reason why venues havepreferred catering lists is it
protects the integrity of theirkitchen, because sometimes
(10:16):
you'll have an unlicensed personwho may bring in their own food
and they leave the kitchen amess, or they don't know how to
use the hot boxes, for example,to keep food warm, or they don't
know how to do this, and thenthe next thing you know, you're
shelling out lots and lots ofmoney fixing something that
should never have been broken tobegin with.
Right, and it also brings upthe integrity of the food.
(10:40):
These two caterers I work withboth of them.
They're wonderful, they'relicensed, they're insured, they
know what they're doing, theyknow how to keep food at safe
temperatures, they know how tooffer a variety as far as menu
goes, and the one thing that'sgreat about these two particular
caterers is they are twocompletely different price
brackets, and so you don't haveto feel like you're being priced
out of one because you're like,oh my gosh, I can't book this
(11:04):
many because that caterer is soexpensive.
Right, you have a really nicebalance of the bowl.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Yeah, and so, that being said, we also don't
require to use those, those arejust our recommended.
They're here the most.
But if a client couple, if theywanted to use a different
caterer, we say okay, we have toapprove them, um, to make sure
that they have the appropriateinsurance, like you mentioned,
um that they bring a full staffto serve the food, clean up
(11:29):
afterwards, take care ofeverything food related, um, and
as long as they agree to ourvenue standards, um, and they
have all the appropriatelicensures, things like that,
then we say okay, there you go.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
And when you have ethnic weddings that may have a
specific type of cuisine thatthey have to have that one of
these two caterers probablywon't be able to fulfill to the
best of their abilities, justbecause it's a culture thing.
And one time I had a catererthat came in all the way from
columbus to serve nigerian food,because this particular groom
(12:04):
said I know there's nigeriancaterers closer, but that's the
food we want, that's the, that'swho we want.
yeah, yep, he ended up being 45minutes late, but that's another
story yeah, we had to extendcocktail hour a little bit, um,
but indian weddings are the sameway, where, you know, in their
culture there's usually three orfour caterers that they stick
to like glue and they everybodyuses them for weddings and
(12:28):
they're going to feel morecomfortable with somebody like
that coming in.
But again, somebody like thatwould be licensed and insured,
because most of them haverestaurants?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yes, exactly, and yep , we have had that.
We um, outside of weddings, wehad a very large Indian baby
shower, and so they did theiroutsourcing of their catering
and the different customs andbringing in their priests and
everything.
It was so cool, I love.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Indian weddings.
They're my favorite.
Awesome yeah, so let's talk alittle bit about the ceremony.
How do ceremonies work here?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Yeah, so we do offer ceremonies.
Um, we've three differentlayouts per se for our
ceremonies.
Um, inside there's twodifferent setups that we tend to
stick to.
Uh, both of them.
We only offer California styleseating, so guests are already
sat at their tables for theceremony.
We just have one big ballroomand not enough room to do a full
(13:23):
flip from an aisle to tablesfor dinner.
Yeah, that makes sense.
So our first option isguaranteed married in front of
the curtain wall and standing upthere.
And then the second option isour more popular option is
standing in front of our what wecall our mirror wall, and it's
more centralized, great focalpoint, uh.
And so either either one ofthose um, it works for the
(13:45):
inside really, really well, uh,after the ceremony, we do bring
out a sweetheart table or somekind of head table for our
guests to sit at, uh, duringdinner we normally do that flip
during cocktail hour, gotcha, uh.
And then our third option isout on the patio.
So the patio is where we can doaisle seating.
We have folding chairs on site,and we can fit up to a hundred
(14:07):
out there.
So most of our clients, though,do a more intimate setting on
the patio.
They have small, maybeimmediate family, close friends,
or just the bridal party even,and then they have the rest of
their friends and family comejust for the reception.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
You know, I've been seeing that more and more.
Yeah, I had a wedding last yearwhere the bride did that.
They invited maybe like noteven 50 people to their 300
guest wedding reception.
Yeah, and they only had themthere for the ceremony.
And then everybody else camefor the reception and then the
photographer had taken somepictures of the ceremony and put
(14:45):
them on a flash drive and hadthem playing on a television so
that people who didn't go to theceremony could still see it and
enjoy it and appreciate it.
But they're just.
That wasn't what the bridewanted, and you're starting to
see that more and more.
I have another couple this yearthat's doing the exact same
thing and it's just.
I don't know, maybe this is anew trend that's starting to
(15:07):
emerge for the Midwest thatnobody's been aware of.
It's just having an intimateceremony and a big party
reception the same day, asopposed to eloping and having a
small ceremony and then three orfour months later, having a big
party back home for everybody,and we've seen both.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We do have a projector in our venue as well.
So for those destinationweddings, um, we have one coming
up where they're going to playthe ceremony on the projector
and then have the reception.
So they're going to have it,yeah, and then after dinner
we'll just have a normalreception.
So, um, if it's a, if it's awedding out on the patio and
it's a smaller guest count, wewill use our dining room shivari
(15:46):
chairs out there instead of ourwhite folding chairs.
Both are phenomenal.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
I was going to say I had my eye on those gold
shivaris.
Yes, that is a wonderful chairto have as your house chair.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
Yep, that's our standard chair.
Yeah, that's amazing.
We get lots of compliments onthem.
Oh, I'm sure they're great.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, because if you were to go rent those, you're
going to be looking anywherefrom $5 to $10 a chair,
depending on where you get itand whether you have a chair pad
on it.
Yep, exactly, and delivery.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Yes, so many things go into that, and so our rental
costs includes all of our chairs, all of our tables, whether
it's our rounds, our banquets,our high tops, it's all included
.
We don't pick price per chair,per table or anything like that.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
What size are your round tables?
Five foot, they're five footrounds, Okay.
So with a five foot round youcan see comfortably eight people
, really comfortably six peoplesquished, but okay at 10.
Yes, and I think it's importantto ask when you go to your
venue, what size are your tables?
Because when you, I mean, theremay be nine people that have to
(16:46):
sit together because they're agroup and it's just more for you
to be aware it's going to be atight squeeze, but they're only
going to be sitting there formaybe 30 minutes to 40 minutes
tops.
They're there to eat and thenthey're going to get up and
dance.
So you know, don't let that bea deterrent.
If you envisioned sitting 10people at a table because you
(17:08):
can do it with a five foot round, yeah.
Now if you have chargers,you're not going to be able to
pull it off, yeah.
So if you decide you want tohave a charger plate, which is a
decorative plate that goesbelow your dinner, your dinner
plate.
I was going to say yourconsumption plate, your dinner
plate.
I like dinner plate better thanconsumption plate.
I get the word word coming tome Um, but it's a decorative
(17:33):
plate.
Um, but you're not going to beable to fit eight of those, or
10 of those at a table withflatware and glassware.
It's just not big enough.
Um, and actually that brings upanother point with the caterers
Since you provide the tablesand the chairs, the caterer will
take care of providing linens.
Nope, no, you do that too.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
We provide the tablecloths.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Wonderful.
So our clients get to choosebetween white or black and
that's what the room will looklike when they show up the
amount of chairs at each tablewhether it's eight or 10, six
seven table, whether it's eightor 10, six, seven um, those will
be set with the table cloths.
Uh, we are a DIY wedding ofwedding venue where our clients
do have to bring in their owntable decor.
We don't offer that at all, sothey can either hire someone out
(18:18):
, um, or buy off Facebookmarketplace and bring everything
in, uh, and then our caterersare responsible for plates,
dinner napkins and flatware.
We provide all the barware, soall the cups, cocktail napkins,
things like that.
We take care of that, but, yeah, we provide tablecloths.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
It's funny that you have a vault here, because I
used to call it a vault of stuffand it was actually a storage
unit and it just had all ofthese decorating pieces that a
couple would give me and theysay we don't want it.
Do you want it?
We don't want it, do you wantit?
The next thing, you know I'vegot this everything 10 by 20
storage space full of stuff fromyou know ceiling to floor.
(19:01):
It took me a year to sell allthat stuff off.
Yeah, it's, it's a lot of work.
I mean, you can get some greatdeals on those Facebook groups
if you find somebody that isselling exactly what you're
looking for, but be prepared tohave a lot of storage and it
will take you time to sell it.
To sell it, yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Yeah, and I find a lot of brides.
At one point they're just likejust take it, because I don't
want to see it in my garageanymore.
I was kind of like that.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
There's an event that happens around here a couple of
times a year called the weddingresale market, and basically
that's what it is.
It's past.
Brides buy a table.
They sell them to vendors too.
And they buy a table, they selltheir stuff and they get to
keep their money from all theirproceeds and sales and they just
pay that fee for to rent atable.
That's awesome, and at the lastone I was at, I literally was
(19:49):
like no no, you can just have it.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
I didn't want to put it in the car, yeah, and so
that's kind of what we have raninto with this venue is we don't
have a lot of storage space andtrying to keep track of
inventory, so we just let theclients take care of the
decorating themselves.
It depends on scheduling, so wedo offer a day before
decorating for no additionalcost to come in during business
hours, yeah, so that way theycan get the decorating out of
(20:17):
the way.
And then we also offerrehearsals the week of their
wedding.
That does cost an additionalfee, but that fee covers having
a venue manager on site to helpwith their rehearsal that makes
sense.
So, um, if, if, for some reason,there is an event that takes
place the night before, um, theycan come in that morning of and
get all their decorating Oncethe room, the ballroom, is ready
(20:39):
.
But, um, as far as access tothe venue, that starts at 8 AM
so they get to come in, they canuse our getting ready suites,
our bridal suite, our groom'sden to get their hair, their
makeup done, get dressed, relax,get photos done, all that extra
stuff, and then, as soon as theballroom is ready, they can get
in there and get theirdecorating done.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
And if you have an entourage, it goes pretty
quickly.
Yeah, absolutely so.
If you have and again this isjust you know, sidebar, kathy,
here, like when I think ofthings, it's like here we go If
you have a large wedding party,like let's say you have eight
bridesmaids and eight groomsmen,you have to allow 30 minutes
per application.
(21:20):
So make sure that if you'replanning on having your wedding
party, help you decorate, makesure that you allow enough time
for their hair and makeup to getdone in addition to that
decorating for you, cause youdon't want them decorating in
heavy makeup and crispy hairfrom all the hairspray.
Yeah, even though Kenra 25tends to keep everything
(21:40):
shellacked.
Pretty well, ask any makeupartists or hair artist what
hairspray to use and I would sayprobably 95% of them use Kenra
25.
I don't know what it is aboutthat hairspray.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
It works.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
It works.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
All they hold, you don't have to worry about it.
No hair out of place.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
I was talking with one of my, a girl who's getting
married, and she booked us forplanning for this fall and she
was talking about her makeupartist and she said, yeah, I
don't know what she put on myface, but man, it stayed in
place Like I slept through itand everything was like, wow,
yeah, I think that's what I'mmost excited for when one day I
get married is getting my makeupdone.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
It's the airbrush is what I'm looking forward to.
That stuff doesn't go anywhere.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
You know, it's so funny, like when people in the
wedding industry get married.
It's like so weird because youalmost have to, you almost have
to be private about it, becauseif a vendor finds out that you
booked a different vendor asphotographer instead of them,
they get like so jealous.
They're like what do you mean?
You booked so-and-so.
What about me?
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Yeah, I don't.
I don't even know what I'mgoing to.
We were talking about elopingearlier.
I might have to do that, yeah,Um, I don't know, We'll see.
But yeah, I'm hoping soon myboyfriend will pop the question.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
So well, when he does , we'll just have to get like an
engagement proposal like videoor something Be like look, we
saw, we met her before.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Yeah video or something Be like look, we met
her before, yeah.
I'll just slide your card tohim.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Here you go.
This is a client.
There's not a 20 underneath it,don't worry.
That would be awesome, sarah.
How can people find the Ventura?
How do they get information?
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, so we are on Facebook, instagram and we also
have our website.
It is the-venturacom, soeveryone can find us there.
Our pricing is listed, mycontact information is on there,
but the best way to get aholdof me is just email.
It's bookings at the-venturacomand I would be glad to set up
tours with anybody.
(23:42):
Respond to any inquiries.
Talk about what dates I haveopen.
So we're booking into 2027right now.
That's amazing.
That means it's going to be2030 pretty soon.
Oh goodness, wow, that's crazyto think about.
It's 2025.
That's too far away.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
Wonderful Sarah.
Thank you so much for joiningus today.
Thank you so much for tuning in.
Be sure to subscribe to yourDream Day Podcast.
You can subscribe here onYouTube, or you can subscribe
wherever you get your podcasts,whether it be iHeart, Pandora,
Apple podcasts anywhere, youshould be able to find us.
This is Kathy Peach Lucas withyour dream day.
Happy planning.
We are making our own story as we go from all over
Southwest Ohio, southeastIndiana, northern Kentucky and
anybody else who finds their wayto our podcast.
So today we are at a brand newvenue called the Ventura, and
Sarah Daugherty is here to tellus a little bit about the
Ventura.
Welcome, thank you.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
We love excited people, so tell us a little bit
about the Ventura.
You guys are located right inNorwood, in Cincinnati.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Yeah, so Cincinnati surrounds the city of Norwood on
all sides, so we are the primeexample of centrally located.
We've got 71 on one side, 75 onthe other and the Norwood
lateral that runs right through,so we are the perfect location
to host any event.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Don't forget about Xavier right down the street.
Yes Go, muskies location tohost any event, don't forget
about Xavier right down thestreet.
Yes, go Muskies.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Yeah, no, I was when I was coming in today I'm like
it's amazing how much this areahas changed.
Yeah, norwood is just booming,growing.
It's.
It's awesome.
I'm fifth generation NorwoodWow.
So watching the growth and thechange in positive ways has
happened.
It's been so exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
There's got to be a plaque of one of your ancestors
somewhere around town.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Yeah, my parents, my grandparents, met at the playing
card factory.
So when they worked there asteenagers.
So, yeah, that is so cool yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So you are like the perfect person to be
spearheading this, then because,you're like you need, like a
Miss Norwood stash.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, Some of my friends joke that I'm the mayor
unofficial mayor of Norwood.
The unofficial mayor Yep, so,but so, um, our building um used
to be a bank.
Um, it's very, very, very old.
It was called the firstskyscraper of Norwood, um, so
the the part of the buildingthat my office is in is, um a
seven story building, and thenin the late sixties an addition
(02:07):
was put on um and that's wherethe tellers and things were.
So we do have um originalvaults in our building, um,
which is really cool and addsjust this really classic piece
to the venue.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Nobody's locked the groom in the vault yet, right we
?
Speaker 2 (02:20):
have not had that.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
It is in the groom's suite.
One of them is in the groom'ssuite, but we have a fireplace
in there.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
So if they do get cold feet, we've got the
fireplace.
Oh my gosh, yeah, that'sawesome.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
So the main ballroom area, so to say, it's just
beautiful.
Like when you go in there youwould have no idea that you're
on a busy street in Norwood,because everything just looks so
elegant and just so.
I can't even yeah, Classic.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Classy.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Yes, it's so classy and simple and contemporary it's
amazing.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe big room.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Yeah, so we've got hardwood floors throughout Our
capacity.
We can sit 200 seated fordinner and that still leaves
room for a dance area.
We've had stages put in, livebands or, if you want to go just
the traditional DJ route.
All of our lights are dimmableand then, if you wanted to do
more of a fundraising event, wecan do 300 standing, kind of a
(03:26):
cocktail table vibe.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Well, and what's cool about the dance floor part is
your floor is actually a floor.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
It's not a rug.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Yes, so you don't have to worry about bringing in
your own dance floor.
You can just literally carveout a dancing area.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Yes, so, um, all of our layouts for our clients, our
couples, they it's customizable, um, and so we sit down and we
have a digital design and wecustomize where they want each
specific table, where they wanttheir desserts to go, where they
want the DJ to be located,where they want the focal point
their head table, um, or asweetheart table.
(04:03):
They want the focal point,their head table or a sweetheart
table.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
we transform the room into what their vision is.
That's perfect, and you haveelectricity All throughout the
room, all throughout the roomwhich I know it sounds silly,
but it is actually veryimportant to check out the
electricity at your venueBecause and again, this is not
reflective on your venue.
This is just other venues I'vedealt with in the past where, um
, they may not have had the umvoltage capability, yeah, um, to
(04:32):
run a specific dj's soundsystem, and so it would keep
crashing, yeah, and you'd haveto keep flipping the switch on
the breaker.
Um, we had that.
I had that same situation withan outdoor wedding once, where
the couple had said, oh, we'llhave you use these outlets that
are on the perimeter of theoutdoor pool and just run a cord
(04:54):
across.
Well, it kept.
What's the term when theelectricity cuts?
Speaker 2 (05:01):
off, cuts off.
Yeah, the breaker, the breaker,the fuse blows.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
There you go, fuse blows, and so we actually had to
find a different one to usebecause we couldn't use that one
, and ended up having to run acord clear across the property.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Yeah, and that's what we don't have to worry about is
cords going this way and thatway on the floor and people
tripping.
It keeps everything in one spotand it also leaves open for um
photo booths or 360 photo booths.
You know, we have thatelectricity option so you can
really put what you want whereyou want in the space.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
That is.
That is a huge.
That really is a huge, hugeadvantage.
Um cause, sometimes when you gointo these older restored
properties, they haven't takenthe time to do something like
that.
When we're talking a little bitabout photo booths, you have a
beautiful green wall thatcouples can use as, like, their
red carpet picture spot.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Yeah, and so a lot of our couples will do that.
They will opt to just havetheir friends and family take
photos on their phone instead ofhaving an actual photo booth.
So, right as you come in, we dohave a greenery wall.
That is permanent.
It stays there all time.
It's a giant grid, so they candecorate it however they like.
They can do neon signs.
There's again electricity there.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Edison would love this podcast.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, sponsored by Duke.
Yeah, sponsored by Duke.
Yeah, um, and all of our lightfixtures are updated so
everything can be dimmable toreally create that atmosphere
that you're looking for.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
After dinner is over and when the party starts so
we're talking about after dinnerand before the party starts.
There's also something thatstarts after the ceremony starts
and before the party begins,and that's your cocktail hour
area, which is, again, it's oneof those things.
Whoever designed thearchitecture for this building
with the intent of making it awedding reception venue, they
(06:51):
were right on the money.
I mean, it's this beautifulhardwood wall that covers the
eyesore of the street.
That's there and it's just likeyou go into this little world.
Yeah, and it's.
It's so cool.
I mean there's.
I hate to use the word cool,but I mean that's really what it
is.
It's just really, really cool.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
It's, yeah, it's perfect for being in this
metropolis and you walk outsideand it's still like a breath of
fresh air.
Um, so we do have our outdoorpatio.
Um, it planters two pergolas,bistro lighting and then, if
it's a chillier evening, we doprovide heat lanterns.
That is all included in therental.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
And speaking of all night, it is all night.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It is all night yeah.
So our reception windows startat four hours, but you can add
on any additional hours.
We do not have a cutoff time.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
We were talking when we were walking through about
how, if I really wanted to staytill three in the morning, I
could stay until three in themorning.
You could stay until three inthe morning.
Yeah, that's amazing.
Yeah, because I've had couplesdo that, where they're just late
night people and usually it'sjust if you have about 200
people invited to the wedding,it's usually just a crowd of
like 20 to 25 and they're theones who close the party down,
(08:02):
but they're going to stay untilthey're kicked out.
Yeah, um, how does the bar work?
Speaker 2 (08:10):
though, is that open the entire time as well, or is
that cut off at a certain time?
Um it?
We work through all of thatwith our clients individually,
case by case basis.
Um same as the reception.
It starts at a four hour window.
Um, so we do have a full liquorlicense and provide all of the
alcohol and the bartenderservice here at the venue.
Um so whenever they want thatfour hour bar time to start, um,
we work with that, and they canadd on additional bar hours if
(08:32):
they like for an additional fee.
Um, it's not by much, and again, we can keep that party going
and your bar prices are really,really reasonable.
Yeah, our beer and wine packagestarts at $15 per person.
All you can drink for fourhours.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
And it goes up from there.
Yeah, that's amazing.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah, we like to have a good time.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
And everybody can get home safely, because the police
are very close by too, yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, we allow cars to.
We have our own private parkinglot so cars can stay overnight
to make sure that everyone getshome safe If they want to Uber
or Lyft.
Um, we have security camerasoutside great lighting in our
parking lot and our hotelpartners If you book with them,
they offer complimentary shuttlefor your guests.
That's huge.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Huge.
That is a huge, huge, huge,huge.
Plus, a lot, a lot of hotelsare getting out of the shuttle
business.
So the fact that both of yourpreferred hotels offer that is
huge, huge.
Um, and you also have a coupleof preferred caterers that you
work with.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Yeah, so we do not have a full kitchen here, um, so
we do outsource all of ourcatering.
Um.
Our two preferred our villagepantry and delight more.
We've been working with themfor since we opened um and they
do a phenomenal job.
They know this venue like theback of their hands.
Their staff is amazing and ifyou book either of them, our
clients get a complimentarychampagne toast that's served
during dinner and it's a 15%food cost catering fee.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
And that's actually pretty standard.
So for those of you who arelistening, who are just getting
into the process of exploringvenues, and they have a
preferred caterer, how does thatwork?
This is basically how it works.
The reason why venues havepreferred catering lists is it
protects the integrity of theirkitchen, because sometimes
(10:16):
you'll have an unlicensed personwho may bring in their own food
and they leave the kitchen amess, or they don't know how to
use the hot boxes, for example,to keep food warm, or they don't
know how to do this, and thenthe next thing you know, you're
shelling out lots and lots ofmoney fixing something that
should never have been broken tobegin with.
Right, and it also brings upthe integrity of the food.
(10:40):
These two caterers I work withboth of them.
They're wonderful, they'relicensed, they're insured, they
know what they're doing, theyknow how to keep food at safe
temperatures, they know how tooffer a variety as far as menu
goes, and the one thing that'sgreat about these two particular
caterers is they are twocompletely different price
brackets, and so you don't haveto feel like you're being priced
out of one because you're like,oh my gosh, I can't book this
(11:04):
many because that caterer is soexpensive.
Right, you have a really nicebalance of the bowl.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Yeah, and so, that being said, we also don't
require to use those, those arejust our recommended.
They're here the most.
But if a client couple, if theywanted to use a different
caterer, we say okay, we have toapprove them, um, to make sure
that they have the appropriateinsurance, like you mentioned,
um that they bring a full staffto serve the food, clean up
(11:29):
afterwards, take care ofeverything food related, um, and
as long as they agree to ourvenue standards, um, and they
have all the appropriatelicensures, things like that,
then we say okay, there you go.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
And when you have ethnic weddings that may have a
specific type of cuisine thatthey have to have that one of
these two caterers probablywon't be able to fulfill to the
best of their abilities, justbecause it's a culture thing.
And one time I had a catererthat came in all the way from
columbus to serve nigerian food,because this particular groom
(12:04):
said I know there's nigeriancaterers closer, but that's the
food we want, that's the, that'swho we want.
yeah, yep, he ended up being 45minutes late, but that's another
story yeah, we had to extendcocktail hour a little bit, um,
but indian weddings are the sameway, where, you know, in their
culture there's usually three orfour caterers that they stick
to like glue and they everybodyuses them for weddings and
(12:28):
they're going to feel morecomfortable with somebody like
that coming in.
But again, somebody like thatwould be licensed and insured,
because most of them haverestaurants?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yes, exactly, and yep , we have had that.
We um, outside of weddings, wehad a very large Indian baby
shower, and so they did theiroutsourcing of their catering
and the different customs andbringing in their priests and
everything.
It was so cool, I love.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Indian weddings.
They're my favorite.
Awesome yeah, so let's talk alittle bit about the ceremony.
How do ceremonies work here?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Yeah, so we do offer ceremonies.
Um, we've three differentlayouts per se for our
ceremonies.
Um, inside there's twodifferent setups that we tend to
stick to.
Uh, both of them.
We only offer California styleseating, so guests are already
sat at their tables for theceremony.
We just have one big ballroomand not enough room to do a full
(13:23):
flip from an aisle to tablesfor dinner.
Yeah, that makes sense.
So our first option isguaranteed married in front of
the curtain wall and standing upthere.
And then the second option isour more popular option is
standing in front of our what wecall our mirror wall, and it's
more centralized, great focalpoint, uh.
And so either either one ofthose um, it works for the
(13:45):
inside really, really well, uh,after the ceremony, we do bring
out a sweetheart table or somekind of head table for our
guests to sit at, uh, duringdinner we normally do that flip
during cocktail hour, gotcha, uh.
And then our third option isout on the patio.
So the patio is where we can doaisle seating.
We have folding chairs on site,and we can fit up to a hundred
(14:07):
out there.
So most of our clients, though,do a more intimate setting on
the patio.
They have small, maybeimmediate family, close friends,
or just the bridal party even,and then they have the rest of
their friends and family comejust for the reception.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
You know, I've been seeing that more and more.
Yeah, I had a wedding last yearwhere the bride did that.
They invited maybe like noteven 50 people to their 300
guest wedding reception.
Yeah, and they only had themthere for the ceremony.
And then everybody else camefor the reception and then the
photographer had taken somepictures of the ceremony and put
(14:45):
them on a flash drive and hadthem playing on a television so
that people who didn't go to theceremony could still see it and
enjoy it and appreciate it.
But they're just.
That wasn't what the bridewanted, and you're starting to
see that more and more.
I have another couple this yearthat's doing the exact same
thing and it's just.
I don't know, maybe this is anew trend that's starting to
(15:07):
emerge for the Midwest thatnobody's been aware of.
It's just having an intimateceremony and a big party
reception the same day, asopposed to eloping and having a
small ceremony and then three orfour months later, having a big
party back home for everybody,and we've seen both.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We do have a projector in our venue as well.
So for those destinationweddings, um, we have one coming
up where they're going to playthe ceremony on the projector
and then have the reception.
So they're going to have it,yeah, and then after dinner
we'll just have a normalreception.
So, um, if it's a, if it's awedding out on the patio and
it's a smaller guest count, wewill use our dining room shivari
(15:46):
chairs out there instead of ourwhite folding chairs.
Both are phenomenal.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
I was going to say I had my eye on those gold
shivaris.
Yes, that is a wonderful chairto have as your house chair.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
Yep, that's our standard chair.
Yeah, that's amazing.
We get lots of compliments onthem.
Oh, I'm sure they're great.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, because if you were to go rent those, you're
going to be looking anywherefrom $5 to $10 a chair,
depending on where you get itand whether you have a chair pad
on it.
Yep, exactly, and delivery.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Yes, so many things go into that, and so our rental
costs includes all of our chairs, all of our tables, whether
it's our rounds, our banquets,our high tops, it's all included
.
We don't pick price per chair,per table or anything like that.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
What size are your round tables?
Five foot, they're five footrounds, Okay.
So with a five foot round youcan see comfortably eight people
, really comfortably six peoplesquished, but okay at 10.
Yes, and I think it's importantto ask when you go to your
venue, what size are your tables?
Because when you, I mean, theremay be nine people that have to
(16:46):
sit together because they're agroup and it's just more for you
to be aware it's going to be atight squeeze, but they're only
going to be sitting there formaybe 30 minutes to 40 minutes
tops.
They're there to eat and thenthey're going to get up and
dance.
So you know, don't let that bea deterrent.
If you envisioned sitting 10people at a table because you
(17:08):
can do it with a five foot round, yeah.
Now if you have chargers,you're not going to be able to
pull it off, yeah.
So if you decide you want tohave a charger plate, which is a
decorative plate that goesbelow your dinner, your dinner
plate.
I was going to say yourconsumption plate, your dinner
plate.
I like dinner plate better thanconsumption plate.
I get the word word coming tome Um, but it's a decorative
(17:33):
plate.
Um, but you're not going to beable to fit eight of those, or
10 of those at a table withflatware and glassware.
It's just not big enough.
Um, and actually that brings upanother point with the caterers
Since you provide the tablesand the chairs, the caterer will
take care of providing linens.
Nope, no, you do that too.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
We provide the tablecloths.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Wonderful.
So our clients get to choosebetween white or black and
that's what the room will looklike when they show up the
amount of chairs at each tablewhether it's eight or 10, six
seven table, whether it's eightor 10, six, seven um, those will
be set with the table cloths.
Uh, we are a DIY wedding ofwedding venue where our clients
do have to bring in their owntable decor.
We don't offer that at all, sothey can either hire someone out
(18:18):
, um, or buy off Facebookmarketplace and bring everything
in, uh, and then our caterersare responsible for plates,
dinner napkins and flatware.
We provide all the barware, soall the cups, cocktail napkins,
things like that.
We take care of that, but, yeah, we provide tablecloths.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
It's funny that you have a vault here, because I
used to call it a vault of stuffand it was actually a storage
unit and it just had all ofthese decorating pieces that a
couple would give me and theysay we don't want it.
Do you want it?
We don't want it, do you wantit?
The next thing, you know I'vegot this everything 10 by 20
storage space full of stuff fromyou know ceiling to floor.
(19:01):
It took me a year to sell allthat stuff off.
Yeah, it's, it's a lot of work.
I mean, you can get some greatdeals on those Facebook groups
if you find somebody that isselling exactly what you're
looking for, but be prepared tohave a lot of storage and it
will take you time to sell it.
To sell it, yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Yeah, and I find a lot of brides.
At one point they're just likejust take it, because I don't
want to see it in my garageanymore.
I was kind of like that.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
There's an event that happens around here a couple of
times a year called the weddingresale market, and basically
that's what it is.
It's past.
Brides buy a table.
They sell them to vendors too.
And they buy a table, they selltheir stuff and they get to
keep their money from all theirproceeds and sales and they just
pay that fee for to rent atable.
That's awesome, and at the lastone I was at, I literally was
(19:49):
like no no, you can just have it.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
I didn't want to put it in the car, yeah, and so
that's kind of what we have raninto with this venue is we don't
have a lot of storage space andtrying to keep track of
inventory, so we just let theclients take care of the
decorating themselves.
It depends on scheduling, so wedo offer a day before
decorating for no additionalcost to come in during business
hours, yeah, so that way theycan get the decorating out of
(20:17):
the way.
And then we also offerrehearsals the week of their
wedding.
That does cost an additionalfee, but that fee covers having
a venue manager on site to helpwith their rehearsal that makes
sense.
So, um, if, if, for some reason,there is an event that takes
place the night before, um, theycan come in that morning of and
get all their decorating Oncethe room, the ballroom, is ready
(20:39):
.
But, um, as far as access tothe venue, that starts at 8 AM
so they get to come in, they canuse our getting ready suites,
our bridal suite, our groom'sden to get their hair, their
makeup done, get dressed, relax,get photos done, all that extra
stuff, and then, as soon as theballroom is ready, they can get
in there and get theirdecorating done.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
And if you have an entourage, it goes pretty
quickly.
Yeah, absolutely so.
If you have and again this isjust you know, sidebar, kathy,
here, like when I think ofthings, it's like here we go If
you have a large wedding party,like let's say you have eight
bridesmaids and eight groomsmen,you have to allow 30 minutes
per application.
(21:20):
So make sure that if you'replanning on having your wedding
party, help you decorate, makesure that you allow enough time
for their hair and makeup to getdone in addition to that
decorating for you, cause youdon't want them decorating in
heavy makeup and crispy hairfrom all the hairspray.
Yeah, even though Kenra 25tends to keep everything
(21:40):
shellacked.
Pretty well, ask any makeupartists or hair artist what
hairspray to use and I would sayprobably 95% of them use Kenra
25.
I don't know what it is aboutthat hairspray.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
It works.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
It works.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
All they hold, you don't have to worry about it.
No hair out of place.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
I was talking with one of my, a girl who's getting
married, and she booked us forplanning for this fall and she
was talking about her makeupartist and she said, yeah, I
don't know what she put on myface, but man, it stayed in
place Like I slept through itand everything was like, wow,
yeah, I think that's what I'mmost excited for when one day I
get married is getting my makeupdone.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
It's the airbrush is what I'm looking forward to.
That stuff doesn't go anywhere.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
You know, it's so funny, like when people in the
wedding industry get married.
It's like so weird because youalmost have to, you almost have
to be private about it, becauseif a vendor finds out that you
booked a different vendor asphotographer instead of them,
they get like so jealous.
They're like what do you mean?
You booked so-and-so.
What about me?
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Yeah, I don't.
I don't even know what I'mgoing to.
We were talking about elopingearlier.
I might have to do that, yeah,Um, I don't know, We'll see.
But yeah, I'm hoping soon myboyfriend will pop the question.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
So well, when he does , we'll just have to get like an
engagement proposal like videoor something Be like look, we
saw, we met her before.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Yeah video or something Be like look, we met
her before, yeah.
I'll just slide your card tohim.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Here you go.
This is a client.
There's not a 20 underneath it,don't worry.
That would be awesome, sarah.
How can people find the Ventura?
How do they get information?
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, so we are on Facebook, instagram and we also
have our website.
It is the-venturacom, soeveryone can find us there.
Our pricing is listed, mycontact information is on there,
but the best way to get aholdof me is just email.
It's bookings at the-venturacomand I would be glad to set up
tours with anybody.
(23:42):
Respond to any inquiries.
Talk about what dates I haveopen.
So we're booking into 2027right now.
That's amazing.
That means it's going to be2030 pretty soon.
Oh goodness, wow, that's crazyto think about.
It's 2025.
That's too far away.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
Wonderful Sarah.
Thank you so much for joiningus today.
Thank you so much for tuning in.
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