The greenhouses and plants are no longer there, but the owners of Brookhaven Nurseries plan to grow something new.

Homestead at Brookhaven Nurseries, which opened as a lodge and events venue in the fall, is opening its doors to couples as a location for their wedding.

For three generations, the Burns family has provided bountiful selections of buds, blooms and shrubbery to buyers from near and far. Today, Frank Burns is retired, and there are grassy fields in place of the greenhouses. However, Jill Burns Logan and her husband, Bob, have reopened the 20-acre property as a picturesque venue that is ideal for weddings, parties, galas and meetings.

“Picture your wedding vows set against the vista of rolling pastureland with magnificent live oak trees stretching toward the horizon, a beautiful lake, or hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the lawn before heading inside for a reception. Or, dine and dance under the stars,” Jill Logan said.

A large live oak on the property can be decorated with white lights to illuminated the bride and groom as they say their vows to each other.

“The Wedding Tree is the perfect romantic backdrop for your ceremony,” she said. “Glowing lights wrap around the dramatic tree. An open lawn surrounding the tree allows plenty of space for seating. 

Logan said The Wedding Tree can add a whimsical setting to daytime events or add to the moonlight at evening events.

While the massive oak is at the ready for weddings and other events, just about any location on the property can serve the same function.

“The expansive, manicured grass lawn in front of the house is lined with live oak trees and creates a gorgeous site for weddings and receptions, complete with tents and chairs,” she said. “There are so many places to have a wedding — down at the lake, under the oak trees, in the field.”

Since opening, Logan has been busy giving tours of the house and the property to excited brides looking for the perfect location for their nuptials. She’s getting five to six requests daily for tours and has shown at least a dozen brides the property since October.

Logan will be hosting an open house for brides that will include a wedding cake tasting Feb. 25. Brides will be given tours of the property and cake vendors will be on site with samples of their offerings. To RSVP to the event, visit Homestead of Brookhaven Nurseries on Facebook or call 601-738-4706.

Whether it’s for an intimate inside wedding or a small vow renewal, the the front steps of the Colonial two-story house can provide a charming setting as well as a bridal suite, groom’s room and honeymoon suite upstairs.

“The entire home, including the full kitchen, is available for the brides’ and grooms’ overnight guests,” Logan said.

Homestead At Brookhaven Nurseries has multiple venue options for your wedding reception and ceremony, including both indoor and outdoor space.

The Logans hope to complete a 2,400-square-foot event center by March that will offer seating for up to 345 people along with an outdoor terrace that can be used for an event.

The center will be air-conditioned and heated to ensure the comfort of guests in any type of weather, she said.

“The inside of the center offers a blank slate for the bride to design her perfect ceremony site, whether it’s hanging chandeliers from the rafters or stacking hay bales,” she said. “The property offers unlimited space for outdoor wedding tents to accommodate a crowd of any size, parking with valet service, security service and on-site managers,” she said.

Additionally, the catering quarters in the event center will feature a warming oven, a three-door refrigerator, ice maker, dish washer and more with an open area for serving to the exterior as well as the interior of the building.

“The event center also offers a great atmosphere for outdoor events with a covered patio on the north side that faces a five-acre lake. Luxurious restrooms for men and women are housed in the event center and are handicapped accessible,” Logan said.

Homestead offers three inclusive wedding packages that can be customized to fit the couple’s needs and budget.

“We strive to help you coordinate your services without researching all the dozens of options yourself,” Logan said. “Your wedding coordinator will guide you through the planning process, manage the logistics, offer advice, and keep you on track and off of the ledge. We also have a preferred vendors list that is available if you choose to plan your wedding a la carte.”

Homestead at Brookhaven Nurseries can be found on Facebook, Instagram, The Knot and on their website, homesteadbrookhavennurseries.com. For more information, call 601-738-4706.

Photo by Johnny Smith

Homestead at Brookhaven Nurseries sits on 20 acres just off Hwy. 51 South in Brookhaven.