Ground Floor: Historic West Branch building now event venue

Erin Morrison-Vincent had been saying for months that someone should turn the vacant historic building next to her West Branch photography studio into an event venue.

When no one else took up the idea, the entrepreneur, who owns Nature's Grace Photography and serves on the Main Street West Branch board, took matters into her own hands.

In October, Morrison-Vincent opened Little Lights Weddings and Events in the 1870s-era Hoover House on West Branch's Main Street.

'The town is very connected to the building,” she said, noting that the structure previously housed a couple of restaurants before sitting vacant for several years. 'There are so many fond memories in this building – people tell me it's where they used to work as a waitress or where they had their first date. So many people say they're happy it's being used again.”

Morrison-Vincent said her seven-year career as a wedding photographer has taught her what couples want in a reception venue. She designed Little Lights Events accordingly.

The recently-renovated space features wood floors, exposed wood timbers and neutral colors that work well with any wedding color scheme. Morrison-Vincent added vintage chic elements like eight-foot farmhouse tables (handcrafted by her father), a repurposed wood bar with retro Maid-Rite stools, and Edison bulbs.

'I wanted it to feel a certain way,” she said. 'I wanted it to be different from the others.”

Morrison-Vincent also wanted to give couples an affordable venue.

'I've seen my couples spend so much money on their receptions,” she said. 'The cost really snowballs when adding in the things that aren't included in the venue rental, like alcohol and catering. They are still talking about how much the wedding cost when they come back for baby photos.”

Little Lights Events offers a variety of wedding packages that will fit within many couples' budgets. Options range from venue rental only, which includes seating for 100, to a full-service package with a wedding coordinator and an outdoor ceremony at the nearby Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

'I love the national park,” Morrison-Vincent said. 'I use it often for photos, but it's so underutilized. My goal is for more people to get married in the park.”

In addition to providing a memorable, yet economical, venue for weddings, Little Lights Events also serves as a community gathering place. The business offers weekday and evening yoga classes, monthly Pinterest parties, and hourly rentals for private parties. Future events will include a Valentine's Day party, a wellness fair, and a 'Frozen” event for children.

'I want to use the space for as many purposes as we can,” Morrison-Vincent said.

' Know a company or manager who has been in business for less than a year that would be ideal for 'Ground Floor”? Contact Francie Williamson at francie.williamson@thegazette.com

At a Glance

' Owner: Erin Morrison-Vincent

' Business: Little Lights Weddings and Events

' Address: 102 W. Main St., West Branch

' Telephone: (319) 330-4607

' Website: www.littlelightsevents.com