Meet the Crew

Karen Priest

Chief Executive Officer

  • Karen is a kind-hearted mother of four and loving grandmother, with nearly 40 years of marriage. As the Chief Executive Officer, she oversees all operations of our venue, ensuring every detail runs smoothly. With a deep love for water-life and a soft spot for all animals, Karen brings warmth and compassion to both her professional and personal life. Her dedication to family and her nurturing nature, guide her leadership, making her a cherished figure in both her home and workplace.

Stephanie Gilson

Head of Client Relations

  • Stephanie is a dedicated professional and loving mother of two, married to her high school sweetheart. As the Head of Client Relations, she excels in managing scheduling, conducting tours, and fostering strong relationships with vendors to ensure seamless operations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, coaching her kids’ sports teams, and cheering them on at games. A passionate baker and gardener, Stephanie balances her professional and personal life with grace, always making time for the people and activities she loves. She is also a proud dog owner of two lovable pups who complete her family.

Jenna Priest

Chief Marketing Officer

  • Jenna is a dynamic and creative college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing strategy from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As Chief Marketing Officer, she has played a pivotal role in building and managing our social media pages and website. Throughout her college years, Jenna gained valuable experience through four internships and a part-time job, honing her skills in digital marketing and design. She is highly proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva, leveraging her creativity to develop engaging content. Outside of work, Jenna is extremely active and enjoys spending quality time with her dog.

Katie Priest

Head of Design

  • Katie is a positive and creative interior designer with a passion for transforming spaces into beautiful, functional, and joyful environments. Currently enrolled in the Interior Design Program at Cape Fear Community College, she is set to graduate in 2026. With a strong family orientation, Katie enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and caring for her dog. Her keen interest in plants and flowers often influences her design aesthetic, bringing natural beauty into her work. Dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and uplift, Katie combines her creativity and enthusiasm to make every project a unique and meaningful transformation.

Mike Priest

Head of Facilities

  • Mike is a dedicated and hard-working Head of Facilities, with extensive experience as a construction foreman for large, high-tech firms in California. With a background in coaching high school football for 25 years, he brings leadership and discipline to every project. Passionate about home improvement, Mike is committed to maintaining and enhancing the physical environment of our venue. He was instrumental in the construction of our barn and continues to oversee the care and upkeep of our landscape and structures, ensuring that everything is in top condition.

Layla Gilson

Wedding Coordinator In-Training

  • Layla is an eager and creative young girl with a passion for decorating and a strong desire to learn. As a Wedding Coordinator In-Training, she assists with various aspects of the business, gaining hands-on experience and developing her skills. Outside of her schoolwork, Layla enjoys spending time with her family, baking with her mom, and painting, all of which fuel her creativity and enthusiasm. With her dedication and natural talent, she is excited to continue growing in her role and contributing to the success of the team.