Buena Vista Farms planning for great wedding season, rebuilding and expanding despite fire

Teri & Nestor Gutierrez, owners of Buena Vista Farms – Buena Vista Resort in rural Jacksonville (Chapin) Illinois, have been growing their business for years. On Wednesday night they had a fire in the banquet hall (their secondary wedding venue). They are working with their insurance company to rebuild, and have been making contingency plans for events that were booked for the barn.

In a letter to brides-to-be, Teri said “Buena Vista Farms is the brainchild of creative thinkers and hard workers. I am full of hope, faith, perseverance and determination to provide for each of you just like I would for my own children. There is great joy in accomplishment and I believe that we can accomplish together, with prayer, a day that is even better than you have imagined.” See full letter.

Their tent wedding venue was not effected by the fire, and weddings and receptions may be relocated there. They are also working on other plans. Follow Buena Vista Farms on their Facebook Page for updates. See story on WLDS radio (fire) (rebuilding) and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. We have provided wedding photography for Beuna Vista couples and for the Gutierrez family, and here are some of our favorite photos which also tell the story of Buena Vista . . .

Kassie & Matt with an iconic folk ark flag at Buena Vista Farms.

Stephanie & James were married in the banquet hall at Buena Vista. She saw flames while driving past on US 67, and reported the fire.

Kassie & Matt had their wedding ceremony inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt flipped the room, and also inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Matt with his groomsmen at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt surrounded by family for the last dance of the night at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt: Absolutely loved all the pictures from our wedding. We have gotten so many compliments on our wedding books and photos. You captured our wedding so well that I can look back at the pictures and remember everything SO very well. Thank you so much for your amazing work!!

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. The building gives a place for the wedding party to get ready before the ceremony.

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms.

The large tent is a great place for weddings, and attracts couples from throughout the region to Buena Vista Farms.

A small hall besides the wedding tent gives a place for folks to come inside and use the restroom during receptions (no porta potties needed!)

Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin's wedding. — Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin’s wedding.

Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin's wedding 2012. — Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin’s wedding 2012.

One of the ponds at Buena Vista Farms at sunset.

Buena Vista Resort, part of Buena Vista Farms, offers full-service cabins on site.

With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties. — With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties, or get ready in spa facilities.

Posted by Steve. Springfield Illinois area wedding photography by Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want to tell the story of your wedding day in pictures. Follow us on Facebook. Studio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650, open by appointment only. Be sure to check out our neighbors Girls in White Satin for formal wear for the occasion.

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