Your Most Meaningful Adventure Begins Here
Summary
Pairing old world charm with a love of novelty and adventure, they curate the Winvian experience to give each guest a sense of coming home. There’s no better place to start forever by building new traditions all your own.
Rooted in Relationships
When Kyle and Josh started searching for a wedding location, they wanted something more than just a beautiful backdrop for their big day. While many venues can host a large group, and do it gracefully, they sought a truly memorable experience—one centered on drawing people in and giving them the perfect space to slow down time and deepen relationships.
Kyle and Josh fell in love with Winvian, and it’s no wonder. From its founding almost 100 years ago, Winvian grew from love. The name itself is a portmanteau of the first names of its founders, Winthrop and Vivian—a couple who wanted to build on the historic legacy of the 250 year old Seth Bird House and cultivate a welcoming space for their family.
The current owners, Maggie Smith and Heather Smith Winkelmann, took this intention one step further. They expanded Winvian beyond the original historic buildings, creating a destination that is half-retreat, half-wonderland, and entirely magical.
Photo Credit to Pivko Studio
Transformative Traditions
From reinvention to renovation, Winvian balances preserving history and embracing change. Tradition without transformation feels limiting. The best traditions preserve what felt joyfully life giving, while reimagining how tomorrow’s tradition could be even better than today’s.
Kyle and Josh’s wedding was the perfect marriage of the new old and the old new. They made full use of recently updated spaces, from outdoor dining on the Terrace to an elegant dinner by starlight under a luxury tent’s glass ceiling. Disco balls cast silvery reflections on the wooden beams of the Gordon Brown House, as revelers danced below. The celebration included lawn games, pool time, live music and fireworks—both romantic and real.
Photo Credit to Pivko Studio
Forever Yours
Winvian believes your wedding should be as singular as your love story. That is why we transform our estate to reflect your distinctive energy. Our ability to customize to the last detail comes from our depth of experience and expertise of our onsite wedding planner, whose services are complimentary with every wedding package. We love getting to know you, understanding your unique love story, and then making your wedding-day vision a reality even bigger and better than you might have dreamed.
Photo Credit to Pivko Studio
Intentionally Winvian
From the seed planted by Winthrop and Vivian, Heather and Maggie continue to grow Winvian as a place where personalized hospitality is the most cherished tradition. Pairing old world charm with a love of novelty and adventure, they curate the Winvian experience to give each guest a sense of coming home. There’s no better place to start forever by building new traditions all your own.
Photo Credit to Pivko Studio
FAQs
How many guests can a Winvian wedding accommodate?
Winvian curates weddings of all sizes, from grand celebrations to intimate affairs. While our Cottage Collection accommodates up to 40 overnight guests, we can help arrange nearby lodging for larger parties. Winvian’s Petite Wedding Collection is ideal for select guest lists, and we delight in creating big magic for couples planning an event many venues consider too small.
Will there be other weddings or events sharing the date?
Never. When you wed at Winvian, our 113-acre estate is exclusively yours. You and your guests will enjoy private access to our Cottage Collection and all our beautiful event spaces without competition. Our calendar has limited wedding availability for just this reason.
Can I work with a wedding planner?
Yes. Outside planners are always welcome. Our in-residence wedding expert has extensive local vendor relationships and can assist your planner in coordinating your celebration from engagement to “I do,” flawlessly.