A wedding team like family.
Meet the Team
OWNERS
Sam & Joan Butler
With a combined wealth of experience spanning decades, Joan and Sam bring a unique blend of skills and passion to the wedding industry. Joan, after 32 years in education, now focuses on making brides' dreams come true by meticulously planning their special day. Growing up in a family business rooted in sales management, food services, hospitality, and event coordination, Joan's expertise ensures every detail is handled with care. Sam, a seasoned farmer and skilled craftsman, brings his "jack of all trades" talents to the table. From running machinery to cultivating thriving crops and crafting bespoke props and venues, Sam's dedication to quality and creativity enriches every wedding they undertake. Together, Joan and Sam aspire to empower couples to personalize their weddings with flexibility and creativity, making “your day, your way” a reality.
WEDDING DIRECTOR
Mary Madison Strickland
Mary Madison, the daughter of Sam and Joan Butler, has the creative mind in the family. A graduate of the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill, NC, Mary is a skilled aesthetician specializing in makeup and hair styling. Additionally, Mary is a talented artist, with her work displayed throughout the venue. Since joining the family business, she has assisted and directed numerous weddings, helping brides bring their visions to life. Mary's perfectionism and organizational skills ensure that every detail is meticulously planned, allowing brides to enjoy peace of mind on their special day. She anticipates and addresses potential hiccups, ensuring a smooth and memorable wedding experience.
VENUE MAINTENANCE OPERATOR
Jace Strickland
Jace, our hardworking and loving son-in-law, is the behind-the-scenes specialist at Rustic Destinations. He enjoys being with the family, assisting with the pre-wedding setup, and ensuring everything is restored to its original state afterward. Whether he is on a ladder or doing some heavy lifting, Jace’s dedication and hard work make him an essential part of the Rustic Destination team, contributing to the seamless execution of every event.
BARTENDER
Garrett Butler
Sam and Joan Butler’s son, Garrett, is the charming and outgoing bartender who keeps the party alive at Rustic Destination. A graduate of bartending school, Garrett is well-versed in crafting a wide array of cocktails and providing expert wine suggestions. His engaging personality and mixology skills ensure that every celebration is lively and memorable. In addition to his bartending expertise, Garrett is a dedicated father of three amazing boys. His sense of responsibility extends to ensuring everyone's safety during events, and he remains onsite until the party wraps up.
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Maddy Butler
Maddy, our beloved daughter-in-law and amazing mom to our three precious grandsons, assists with any and all tasks needed at Rustic Destination. By trade, Maddy is a Registered Nurse in the NICU. With a keen motherly eye, Maddy ensures everything runs smoothly, from keeping the tables clean to helping keep the bar stocked—no task is too small. Maddy handles our social media and will step in and bartend or fill in seamlessly wherever she is most needed. Her attentiveness and dedication make her an invaluable part of our team, ensuring that every detail is taken care of with love and care.
DECORATOR
Holly Gregory
Holly, a close family friend, joined our team with her creative decoration designs that bring the venue to life and her knack for making the most amazing grazing boards for your cocktail hour. She specializes in creating beautiful vegetable, meat, and seasonal fruit trays. Holly’s background comes from her cosmetology teaching skills and her experience as a decorator in the retail business. Holly spends much time decorating the venue to suit the bride’s vision for her special day. Her artistic touch and culinary expertise add a special flair to every event, making her an essential part of the Rustic Destination team.
WEDDING ASSISTANT
Juliana Hodges
Juliana, our niece, brings a vibrant energy to our team, effortlessly connecting with everyone she meets. Her warm personality not only brightens our days but also enhances our operations significantly. Juliana's expertise behind the bar is invaluable during busy times, where she supports Garrett seamlessly. Beyond that, she eagerly steps in wherever needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her willingness to lend a hand and her captivating presence make her an indispensable part of our team.