- BEAUTY

Southwest Michigan continues to attract more and more brides as its reputation grows as a popular wedding destination . This area of the country is filled with charm and beauty and abounding amenities such such as world-class beaches, scenic golf courses, wineries, breweries and so much more. It's here that you'll find everything from barns for weddings to large commercial venues. However, it's here is Benton Harbor, nestled quietly in southwest Michigan that you will find a truly unique and very special domain, Stonegate Manor. Stonegate is that hidden gem where wooded privacy and country charm come together to make for a perfect wedding venue.

Prudy Nelson, who is now the proprietor for this romantic place started her professional life as a pediatrician. For 30+ years her passion for helping others (especially children) evolved into disaster response/international medicine. Having obtained degrees in Public Health, Infectious disease and Tropical medicine, Prudy has taught and treated people in Africa, Asia and South America. Her focus has typically been in areas of conflict including Pakistan, Darfur, South Sudan and Rwanda.

- CLASS

A few years back, Prudy decided she needed to do something a bit more joyful, something that might even help uplift others. As a collector of vintage china (she had amassed quite a collection) Prudy made the decision to open 'My Mother’s Attic', a vintage china and tableware rental company in Southwest Michigan. Continuing her passion to help others, all proceeds from the rentals went to support education and orphans in SW Uganda.

A couple of years ago, an acquaintance of Prudy's shared her vision of creating a classically elegant wedding venue on an estate that was for sale in the area. Her contagious enthusiasm prompted Prudy and her husband Tom to jump on board. It began as a relationship where Tom would provide financial backing for someone else's project but eventually evolved into full ownership of this beautiful venue which was certainly an unexpected twist in retirement (Tom had retired as a Berrien County Family Court Judge after years).

After many months of hard work Stonegate Manor, Southwest Michigan’s premier estate wedding venue was born! It was tough…Prudy was in graduate school the whole time studying Infectious Disease and Tropical medicine as they toiled to create a charming and graceful facility that was like no other in the area. The end result was nothing short of thrilling for the dedicated and hard working couple.

- Atmosphere

Originally developed in 1847, this beautiful historic estate had now been transformed into one of the area’s most spectacular event venues! According to many, this rare find is unlike virtually any other palce in this part of the country. Our own publisher says of Stonegate Manor, "this is a hidden gem which offers couples an abundance of today's exceptional amenities, all enriched and enhanced by the charm of an era gone by."

Once you've entered the Victorian Manor house you'll be taken by characteristics such as original stained glass windows, marble fireplace, antique furnishings and decor, grand stairway, French doors, covered verandas and a myriad of other custom appointments and features. It culminates beautifully with an atmosphere that delivers couples elegance, timelessness and grace which offers couples a unique way to begin their journey.

Located in a building near the Victorian Manor house is the Riverside Room, which seats up to 160 guests. It features crystal chandeliers as well as many antique and eclectic touches. Another feature of the Riverside Room is the covered porch which serves as a bridge to a magnificent lawn, unique to the area. Plenty of room for cocktails on the lawn, yard games or a combination… whatever will make your wedding fun and special. Rarely will you find this unique combination of outdoorsy atmosphere and the Victorian appeal. These are the complementing elements that come together and make for a rare wedding reception experience.

- STYLE

The Carriage House, built in the late 1800’s, has been converted into one of the most beautiful and finest Bridal Cottages you might imagine. It is the consummate sanctuary for the bride and her bridesmaids to leisurely prepare for the perfect wedding. The classic furnishings and vintage appointments are yet one more exceptional backdrop for wonderful pre-wedding photos. Surrounded by the cottage’s luxurious Victorian charm, it's easy to imagine how a bride would feel like a Queen.

All of this surrounded by 27 acres of manicured lawns, vibrant flower gardens, lush forest, handcrafted pergola, trellis, and a custom-built Well-Wishing pond complete with a quaint footbridge. In addition, couple can choose from two distinctly different ceremony sites; the classic Pergola on the lawn or the wooded Fairy Garden with its vintage arch, dappled sunlight and woodland plantings. When it comes to style Stonegate gracefully delivers.

- The Perfect Wedding

For bride and groom to be, Stonegate Manor delivers an unforgettable experience. If they are in search of a unique, charming, stylish venue surrounded by meaningful amenities and enhanced with significant details this is the place. Looking at it from the vantage point of someone who has experience with many weddings and facilities... this may very well be the perfect wedding venue.

By Kathy Bumgardner

For more information on Stonegate Manor call them direct at:
(269) 930-0617
Or visit their website: http://stonegatemanorevents.com/