Why did we start the Barn?

One of the first things we want to share on the blog is our history; which I will cover in future posts. But I want to share why we wanted to start a barn wedding venue. First of all you do need to know a few facts: JR’s barn is a 4th generation farm. The Groskreutz family has been one of farmers, teachers, welders, and now entertainers.  And you will find some of each generation  intertwined throughout the yard.

But why the Barn?

I asked each family memeber why we started JRs barn and their responses were each covered in  personality but when  boiled down to the core, we all said the same thing.

This is what we do, God made us and the farm for this reason.

Renae’s response was of course full of life, love, joy and feeling:

“I truly believe that God has prepared our family for this; to come along side families and make their special day even better. Not to make money or to follow some fad but to provide a safe peaceful place for events to happen and ultimately to glorify God.

As some people know we have done events for over 10 years, so starting the barn seemed logical. But what they may not know is what that what the barn is now is beyond my wildest dreams. When we started back in 2016 I had no idea how truly breathtaking it would be; how people would be overcome with peace when they come on the property.

God’s fingerprints and true design came through his hands and feet, through the contractors that came, through friends and family who prayed and stood alongside us, through the smiles and community members who talked highly of us, through the loan administrators who continually do all they can to ensure our success. Those people, they help make JR’s barn what it is.  This has been and will always be God’s project, it’s his barn- we get to take part in doing his work; and I will always be grateful for that.”

Benjamin is Joel and Renae’s only son. He is a sophomore at MSU Mankato. He is very artistic and yet very practical. When he was asked about why we started the barn this is what he had to say:

“The barn was always a place to hang out and climb around in as a kid. It was always fun to mess around in the barn. When cousins and friends came over that was where we would go! When we decided to fix the barn and then make it a venue, I was not sure how it would work just because I knew how dirty it was in there. It was just an old barn, full of musty hay, old farm equipment that Great Grandpa had made and used, and just a storage building. I knew it would take a lot of work but deep down inside something told me it would be a good idea for our family.

Now seeing all the events and weddings that have happened here and the joy and laughter that happens in the barn, I see that it was God’s plan all along. Whether it was my friends and I laughing and playing pretend or now beautiful elegant weddings, it’s a place were memories are made.”

Anna is the youngest daughter of the family. She is a very diligent student currently as a sophomore in high school. Anna is a very down to earth and logical young lady. When I asked her about the barn this is what she said about it:

“Well I live here, so that’s nice my family doesn’t have to go anywhere to work. I guess I am glad that the barn didn’t fall down. It’s what Grandma and Grandpa wanted so that’s important to honor them. We needed to do something with people because my mom needs people in her life; she is kind of one of a kind like that. I like seeing the different bridesmaids dresses and brides that come. It’s also fun to help my brother DJ and dance with people while they celebrate such a special day. I am glad we can do it with my nephews, they sure have fun with the other kids that come.”

As for me, Amanda, I am the eldest daughter of the family. I have always been an adventurous type who loves to take chances and follow God where ever he leads me. Whether that is overseas, or living day to day life with my two boys and husband; its in my blood to take the risk and go for it. So when we started talking about the barn I was all for it.

We sat down as a family and discussed what it would take to make it happen. I realized then that it would be a huge undertaking. But I also knew that this was something our years of running a camp had prepared us for. I knew without a doubt that it would be hard but I also knew that God was all over it. We started the barn because it is what God has planned for us; he has prepared our family, our farm, our community, to host events and to show love to all who come.

My husband, Charlie, was a very monumental part of this decision. He has always had a talent for painting and fixing. We have been a couple for almost 10 years now and married for 5 so he knew my family loved to entertain. This is his take on why we started:

“The Groskreutz family is one of a kind. They are one of the most welcoming and hospitable families that I know. Their family farm is full of history and heritage. Like a lot of old farms around Minnesota, the barn started to fall down. It came to a decision of whether to fix the roof or to let it fall down. The decision was made to fix the roof! Then came the question… How would we pay for it. We talked about growing mushrooms, fish, plants, and a variety of other options. But one option stood out the most. To host wedding and other special events. It took a lot of work. Every Saturday after that decision was made we were cleaning, moving things around, and making plans. It was a crazy time of life. This is what God had planned for their family, all the pain and loss, it was preparing them for this. I am glad I can be apart of it.”

 Last but most importantly is Joel.  The bible says the man is the head of the household, and it is certainly true in our family. My father has such patience and grace. He has always been the one who kept us grounded in our faith and reality.  This was his response:

“Why did we start an event barn? Well, hospitality is what our family can do together, and it comes naturally to us. It’s important to do things as a family and this is something we can do together that is profitable. It also helped save our family barn, as well as made the yard look like it did in its prime. It’s neat to see the family work together in each of their strengths and to see all the different people that come and enjoy themselves. Some family barns grow turkeys, others hogs or cows— ours grows relationships. People: that’s what our barn is for.”

So there it is! That is why we started JR’s Barn. To have a place in our community for events to be held, for memories to be made, and for love to be shared.