With historic buildings, unique archways and plenty of green space, Stone Mill Inn is a beautiful wedding venue located in Hallam, PA. Check out our interview with owners Ken and Karen Painter below.
With historic buildings, unique archways and plenty of green space, 1. What inspired you to open a wedding venue?
Before opening Stone Mill Inn, I was in the hospitality industry for years. I always wanted to own my own business. Due to my past experience in hospitality, I felt that opening a wedding venue was a great opportunity. I opened the Stone Mill Inn with the goal to be service-forward, creating a remarkable experience for all of our guests. I saw weddings as the opportunity to do just that.
2. What do you enjoy most about hosting weddings?
When a couple chooses to get married at our venue, they're putting their biggest day in our hands. That's a responsibility we take very seriously. The best part about hosting weddings is surpassing a couple's expectations.
In order to do that, we have to build a strong relationship, and that begins when we sit down at a table to discuss the process-and we see that relationship all the way through to sharing hugs at the end of the event.
3. What makes your venue unique?
There is a lot that makes Stone Mill Inn unique.
Far and away, I believe our team is one of the most special things about us. From our culinary team to the groundskeeping team, everyone works together to achieve the same goal-creating a great experience for couples. Everyone is committed to taking an anticipatory and consultative approach with each couple and tailoring the event to their unique style.
Another unique characteristic about Stone Mill Inn is the privacy we offer to couples. Although we host lots of weddings, we're not a wedding factory. We provide special care and attention to each event, and only one wedding takes place at our venue at a time. That way, couples always have the place to themselves.
In fact, when you host a wedding at Stone Mill Inn, you would never know there was a wedding the previous day or another scheduled the next. The only thing that matters on your wedding day is you. No one will be touring the venue or setting up in advance. Each couple gets to thoroughly enjoy their day.
4. What advice do you have for couples as they prepare for their wedding?
Be present in the moment. We understand that wedding planning is stressful, so trust the professionals. For couples, this is probably the first and only time they'll have a wedding, but the pros have done it before and know what works well.
It's also important to have someone who not only knows the wedding venue well but also knows the couples. You don't understand the value of a wedding coordinator until you experience their expert guidance.
5. Why is wedding insurance important for couples?
Wedding insurance is non negotiable. We don't host weddings without it because it protects both the couple and the venue. Wedding insurance is a very minimal investment, but it provides couples with peace of mind on their most important day.
6. What do you enjoy most about working with Keller-Brown Insurance?
Keller-Brown Insurance is responsive and solutions-oriented. If there is a price increase on our insurance policy, they've helped us find ways to manage it. More than anything else, I value the relationships they build with clients like us. Just like we focus on building strong relationships with our brides and grooms, Keller-Brown Insurance does the same for us. Finally, they provide comprehensive service, but never lose the personal touch that is unique to local businesses.
Learn more about this unique Pennsylvania wedding venue at stonemillinn.com. Stay in touch with Stone Mill Inn on Instagram and Facebook.
If marriage is in your future, contact us for help finding the right wedding insurance policy for your event.
And don't forget to check out our interviews with Historic Shady Lane and The Stone Mill 1792.