BARN cont’d from page 46 When her father, William, died more than a decade ago, Karen didn’t want to see the property leave the family or fall into disrepair. She sought to restore the barn, a task completed a couple of years before the first wedding. After a cousin told Karen about a young couple wanting to use the barn as a wedding venue, the barn found a purpose again. “I can’t take credit for the idea of a wedding venue,” Rogers said. “That was a blessing sent from above.” Converting a former dairy operation into an events venue, while retaining its original look and feel, wasn’t easy. It took a couple of years, and it’s still a work in progress; Rogers is always thinking of things that to add on in the future. In keeping with the rural decor, the barn is furnished with about 300 mismatched wooden chairs and 35 different barnwood tables. Wedding decor and props on site can be used at no additional cost. “I try to keep up with barn wedding trends and look for items that are useful or add authenticity to their wedding day,” Rogers said. “A lot of the decor I started with were items that belonged to my grandmother, grandfather and father. My family kept a lot of items from the 1930s through the 1980s so I had a lot of inventory from the start. It’s wonderful that these vintage items have a renewed purpose.” That eye for detail and decor, along with a whole heap of country charm, has kept customers coming back. “Some come back on their anniversary for photos or to just remember, others come back when they are pregnant or have a life change,” Rogers said. “I absolutely love that so many people are connected to the farm.”
More info
The Barn at Allen Acres is at 2206 Prophetstown Road, west of Rock Falls, near the intersection with U.S. Route 30. Online: thebarnatallenacres.com Email: thebarnatallenacres@ gmail.com Phone: 847-687-3348 Social: The Barn at Allen Acres on Facebook, Instagram (@ thebarnatallenacres) and Pinterest (@thebarn2206)
VENUES AMBOY COMMUNITY CENTER 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy 815-857-2324 Features: Full-service bar, full kitchen, tables and chairs. Capacity: 250-300 Online: cityofamboy.org and Facebook
and well-tended flower beds make an ideal backdrop for outdoor receptions and photo shoots. The barn’s sliding doors open to let in natural light, and thousands of tiny white lights strung from the beams create a comfortable, yet elegant, setting. Capacity: Up to 250; patio seating 300 plus Online: thebarnonthehill.net and Facebook
THE BARN AT ALLEN ACRES 2206 Prophet Road, Rock Falls 847-687-3348 Features: Historic, rustic dairy barn and/or countrythemed farmhouse available for rehearsal dinner, the wedding and wedding night, vintage carriage for photos, plenty of acreage for tents, tables, dancing. Capacity: 150 upstairs in the barn, where the ceremony is held. Online: thebarnatallenacres.com and Facebook, Instagram
BARNACOPIA 2570 N. West Branch Road, Polo 815-284-8484 Features: The barn has three levels that include antique tractors and cars. Outdoor space includes a beautiful willow tree, patio and much more. Capacity: Up to 400 Online: barnacopia.com and Facebook, Instagram
THE BARN ON THE HILL 7 E. Route 72, Leaf River 815-703-0628 Email: thebarnonthehillvenue@gmail.com Features: Tall pines, large shade trees, a lush lawn,
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BASIL TREE RISTORANTE 123 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-7555 Features: Enjoy the delicious Basil Tree Catering of Italian traditions and more for your event in its private dining room. Capacity: 50 Online: basiltree2008.com and Facebook, Instagram
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BRANDYWINE BANQUET AND EVENT CENTER 441 state Route 2, Dixon 815-284-8484 Features: Three banquet areas, customizable menus, three large wooden dance floors, building-wide PA system with wireless microphones, free Wi-Fi, projectors and screens, two full-service bars, plus three on-staff event coordinators, all in a warm, elegant setting. Capacity: 400 Online: brandywinedixon.com and Facebook THE BRAUER BARN 9151 Edwardsville Road, Winnebago 815-519-2653 Features: A barn built around the 1900’s is the setting for this beautiful event space featuring original hard wood floors and sliding door to access the outdoor space. Space is wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 299 Email: thebrauerbarn@gmail.com Online: thebrauerbarn.com and Facebook
VENUES cont’d to page 49
