Our Story:

From Wedding Venue
to Herb Farm

Heart of Rock Farm:
A Journey of Transformation

Watercolor painting of a farm scene at sunset, featuring red barns, a sign reading 'Heart of Rock Farm,' a dirt path, lush green grass, and trees.

Heart of Rock Farm has always been a place of rich history and unexpected twists. 120 years ago, the land was home to a thriving onion farm, nourished by seasonal floods and a layer of volcanic silt from the last ice age. The old red barn and farmhouse—still standing today—date back to 1906, marking the beginning of this farm’s long history. Its original owners were a family of German immigrants who saw the beauty and potential. They homesteaded the land and built what they needed to thrive.

The farm changed hands several times over the next century and then sat dormant for a few years before we discovered it in 2012. Like the original settlers, we were captivated by its charm, character, and potential.

Moody outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches and barrels, floral arrangements, and a decorated altar in a rural setting under a beautiful cloudy sky.

Originally, we had no intention of running a wedding venue. But, as long-time members of the wedding industry—Lisa as a mobile DJ and Phil as a wedding officiant—weddings were already a part of our lives. And though our original dream for the farm didn’t involve hosting events, something about this beautiful space called to us. We quickly realized that the land and the old onion barn —which we originally just called the "shop"— held more promise than we even hoped.

A man in a plaid shirt and a baseball cap working on a woodworking project inside a barn, handling a piece of wood near a partially constructed wooden wall with electrical wiring.
A man and a young girl sitting on a green John Deere lawn tractor in an open grassy field. The man is shirtless, and the girl is wearing a white top. There are garden tools and an electrical cord on the ground nearby. The background features a rural landscape with fields, trees, power lines, and a partly cloudy sky.

The renovation process was a labor of love. Within three months, we made the farmhouse comfortable enough to live in. Then, we turned our attention to the onion barn. Being avid social dancers, the first thing we did was build a dance floor in one corner so we’d have a place to practice. It wasn’t long before the vision for the barn began to take shape. The rustic cedar wood and burlap accents started to transform the space into something magical, perfect for hosting gatherings.

A bride and groom share a dance in a rustic barn wedding reception with wood walls, string lights, and guests seated at tables in the background.
A woman and a man teach a dance lesson in a decorated barn with paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Couple getting married outdoors under a white fabric arch with bridesmaids in blue dresses and children, group of guests watching during daytime
The band Petty Fever performing on stage with wooden wall background, featuring guitarists, a drummer, and a keyboardist, with a "Heart of Rock" sign and colorful paper lanterns hanging above.

In July of 2013, we hosted our first event—an intimate barbecue and barn dance with friends. It was during this celebration that the idea of turning the farm into a venue took root. When our friends Carol and Dennis decided to get married, they became the first couple to say their vows at Heart of Rock Farm. Their wedding was a huge success, and from there, the idea of hosting weddings blossomed.

In 2014 we built a pavilion facing Mt. Hood and expanded our event offerings to include more weddings, barn dances, and other celebrations. We even became a favorite spot for wedding photographers who wanted to capture the beauty of our land, which you can still see reflected in the stunning photos scattered throughout our site.

From 2014 through 2024, Heart of Rock Farm was the home of some amazing celebrations: weddings, reunions, celebrations of life, retirement and birthday parties, corporate events, and dances.

At the end of 2024, after ten years of events and 25 years in the wedding industry, we decided it was time to retire to a simpler lifestyle: farming. That dance floor is still there — and we occasionally still invite friends over to dance — but these days we mostly enjoy having the whole floor to ourselves.

A New Beginning: Herb Farming at Heart of Rock Farm

In our first year as herb farmers, we’ve been experimenting with a variety of herbs and flowers—exploring what thrives on this land. We’re excited to see what the future holds, as we expand our offerings and focus on sustainable farming practices. Our vision is to create a place where people can connect with nature, whether they’re purchasing farm-fresh products, exploring traditional uses of herbs, or simply enjoying the beauty of the farm.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce plans to open a small Farm Stand where visitors can purchase our herbs and learn more about the farm’s offerings. In the meantime we’re working one-on-one with customers and setting up booths in local farm markets.

As we continue to grow, we’ll be experimenting with new crops and hope to offer workshops and experiences that celebrate the beauty of farming and the outdoors.

Heart of Rock Farm is no longer just a wedding venue. It’s a place of growth, transformation, and the pursuit of wellness. For us, it’s the best of all worlds—farming, dancing, and occasionally reminiscing about the weddings that once filled the land with love and joy.

Raised wooden garden beds with various plants and vines growing against a red barn building.

The Next Step: Wedding Decor Liquidation

As we turn the page to this new farming chapter, we’re also saying goodbye to another: our collection of wedding décor and event props. We are liquidating 10+ years’ worth of décor, props, and vintage/antique treasures used in our events. From rustic furniture and ceremony arches to table décor and collectible accents, there’s a wide variety available. We’ll be listing major pieces on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist, and holding occasional garage sales here at the farm—but you can also schedule a visit to browse in person. Everything is priced to sell, and we’d love to see these well-loved items continue to make memories at new weddings, parties, or even in your home. Visit our Shop Wedding Decor page to see what’s currently available.

And check back often — we’re adding more regularly!

A wooden barrel filled with black umbrellas next to a decorative chalkboard sign with a crescent moon and star design, and a lace tablecloth on a table.
Wooden tray with a floral arrangement of pink roses and purple flowers, and a wooden cutout sign of Oregon with a jumping deer and the words 'Married in Oregon'.
A decorative chalkboard sign on a wooden table reads: 'Dance like no one's watching,' with lanterns and greenery around it.
Decorative display on an old door with a rustic white frame, adorned with hanging photographs, green foliage at the top, and a black cursive sign that reads 'this is us'. A potted plant with green leaves is on the floor in front of the door, with stairs to the left and a wooden wall background.
Vase with a faux candle flame, a tealight with a faux flame, and decorative bottles wrapped with burlap and twine, placed on a textured surface against a wooden background.
Wooden artwork by DeGroot, depicting a church with a steeple, windows, and clouds in the sky.