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# Porch Chit Chat: Cabarrus Magazine {The New Kid on the Block}

April 1, 2015 Jessica Eudy

By: Kim Cassell

### There are a number of wedding/reception venues in Cabarrus County Suited to just about every taste – whether it be upscale and formal or outdoors and rustic.

Ritchie Hill is an impressive Queen Anne Victorian home located at 391 Union Street S., in historic downtown Concord; it truly cannot be missed by the passer-by. It’s also the newest event venue in Concord. According to Peter Kaplan, author of The Historic Architecture of Cabarrus County North Carolina, the Caldwell-Ritchie house was built circa 1902. Heath Ritchie says Charles F. Ritchie purchased the home and 11 acres of adjacent land between 1906 and 1913. His additions included a deep wrap-around porch, a porte-cochere (coach gate or carriage porch) and sleeping porches for two upstairs bedrooms. Electricity and plumbing were most likely added at that time as well.

The land was farmed until Ritchie’s death in 1941 and subsequent generations of family members continued living in the home until Heath and wife Carolyn moved out in 2008. By that point, the home was in need of extensive renovations, but no one in the family was up to the task. “The family, begrudgingly, decided to list the home for sale,” Elizabeth Ritchie Sherrill says. “A few people looked at it as a possible B&B, and a few more as a home, but no one seemed to like the 4,000-square-foot house with the 1,800-square-foot porch with the four-plus acres, every inch of which needed some TLC.”

The idea of transforming the family home into a wedding venue came from the most unlikely of places. In 2011 – around the time she was, herself, getting married – Sherrill had been given the first book in The Bride Quartet series by her mother, Carolyn. The books chronicle four friends who create a wedding venue from a family estate and operate it themselves.

“A few of my friends and I read it together,” Sherrill says. “From there, I casually mentioned it to family as a ‘what-if’ idea and everyone fell in love. We began discussing it as a dream, which turned into an opportunity. We are so lucky to have a very talented family, which includes both business and artistic minds.”

Before any renovating could take place, however, legal matters had to be attended to.

“Not only is the home in a residential neighborhood, it is considered a ‘pivotal structure’ in the South Union Street Historic District, the highest level of architectural importance,” Heath Ritchie says. “We first informed the Historic Preservation Commission of our intent in hopes they would be receptive to the concept. Next step was to petition the Planning and Zoning Commission to write legal statutes to allow such a project. Public hearings were held, and laws were written and sent to City Council to be discussed. After debate and more public hearings, ordinances were enacted to allow ‘banquet homes’ as a conditional use in the city limits, with many restrictions.”

What followed? A trip back to the Historic Preservation Commission to apply for a certificate of approp-riateness; another public hearing and debate; approval from the Historic Preservation Commission; and back to Planning and Zoning for a conditional use permit under the new laws.

“The process takes time, but between Commission meetings we completed designs, arranged financing, selected our contractor, etc., so we would be ready to start,” Ritchie says.

The Ritchies’ plan from the very beginning was to bring their home back to its original glory. “The house had two kitchens, so we combined them to form a large catering kitchen and prep area,” Sherrill says. “We graded a portion of the back yard to form a 60-foot by 80-foot grass pad for tenting or overflow parking. The majority of the house and porch have just been brought to new again with fresh paint, refinished floors, new crown molding, etc.”

“The home has, for over 100 years, proven itself to be a welcoming place for extended family and friends,” Heath Ritchie adds. “Very few changes were necessary or desired to allow us to share it with others. Floor supports were added to allow for larger groups of guests, electrical wiring – some 90 years old – was replaced to meet code, new paint inside and out, handicapped bathroom and accessibility were added, and wider driveways and more formal landscaping were required for wedding options.”

Potential clients are being given tours of the facility, projected to be completed by the 15th of this month. “The first floor of the home has a music room, living room, library and formal dining room, all of which are open for interior event space,” Sherrill explains. “For brides and grooms who rent the space, the home features a groom’s lounge, bridal suite with private bath, separate upstairs changing room, two interior guest restrooms, a fire pit and a butler’s pantry bar.”

The Ritchies have developed a pricing structure, with various packages available. “For Friday and Saturday events, we do include a table and chair rental package,” Sherrill says. “While we plan to acquire many décor items and additional perks as we go along, our main purpose is to provide a classic, timeless location for a Southern wedding. We want our brides and grooms to add their own touch as they see fit. We allow outside caterers, DJs, coordinators, etc.”

Depending on how much of the facility one needs to rent, prices vary from $250 per hour (minimum of two hours) for the first floor of the house and front porch on a Friday morning, to $6,500 for use of the whole estate for a full-on Friday and Saturday wedding event.

“Whether it’s spending a relaxing afternoon on the front porch for a book club or sitting conference-style at our family’s dining room table reviewing a presentation, we are ready for it all! Since the home has been empty for so long, we can’t wait to have it used as much as possible,” Sherrill adds.

What has made this endeavor a little easier is that every family member has jumped in with both feet, taking on tasks and managing projects. “The only missing link was our director of operations to run the venue. We could not have asked for anyone better than Jessica Eudy (704-975-5088 or Jessica@ritchiehill.com), who is a recent bride herself and has years of experience in various aspects of the wedding and event industry,” Sherrill says.

She adds, “As a family member who has personally lived in the house, I know first-hand that we could not be more blessed to have the neighbors and community that we do. Everyone has been so positive and receptive to our dream. We are so excited for the relationships we have already formed with local vendors in downtown Concord and around Cabarrus County, and cannot wait to see what our first year of events holds!”

Original article published in Cabarrus Magazine, February 2015. Online article here.

# Make it Classic!

March 20, 2015 Jessica Eudy

When we first began envisioning Ritchie Hill, before all else, we dreamed of the events that would take place there. Everyone has their own style and we wanted that to be reflected in each event. When we started exploring rental options we didn’t have to look far. We fell in love with Classic Party Rentals in Charlotte. Their customer service, love for events, and variety of rental options blew us away. They had a solution for every situation we threw at them!

CPR is the nation’s leading provider of special events rentals. They have even provided rentals for the Oscars! They specialize in large-scale events; everything from corporate occasions and fundraisers to back yard BBQs and weddings. Aside from tenting, CPR’s showroom also features linens, chairs, place settings, and anything else you might need for your event. The Charlotte branch alone holds over 100 years of experience in working in the event industry!

Meet Amanda and Andrew, our amazing representatives from Classic Party Rentals. Amanda is an Account Executive at the Charlotte location. Andrew is the General Manager of the Charlotte branch and previously owned a catering company. He, along with his entire Events Team, understands the challenges a wedding can create.

We asked them a few questions to help you plan your wedding and get to know your local CPR team:

Q: What is your favorite part of the wedding day?

Amanda: I am a big fan of color. Linens are a wonderful way to add shimmer and vibrancy to any wedding. If you plan to have catering tables, gift tables, a cake table, etc.; considering adding specialty linens to those areas to tie in all your flowers, décor & colors.

Andrew: When the bride walks down the aisle. I have over 20 years working in special events and I still tear up watching every wedding.

Q: If you could offer up one piece of advice to a bride planning her wedding, what would it be?

Amanda: Pay attention to details you like and/or your wedding planner suggests. It can really enhance your event & make it extra special in some creative & memorable ways. Remember the day is about you and your fiancé, enjoy it!

Andrew: Be realistic about your budget. Don’t leave yourself with buyer’s remorse after the Big Day. Work with your vendors to select items you love that will not break the bank. The bills should not overshadow the memories.

Q: What are some rental items clients commonly overlook?

Amanda: Lighting: creating ambiance can enhance your event. Whether you look into adding dim lights, up lights, rope lights, Tuscan lights and/or votives; changing the lighting can help you create a wonderful atmosphere. Up lights with color gels can be your most powerful pop to get the ooh’s and ah’s you are looking for. If you put the right lighting in your space the rest will be easy.

Andrew: Coat racks, power supply (generators), and trash cans.

Q: What are some ways to spruce up the inside of a reception tent?

Amanda: Swaging the tent ceiling with colored crystal organza or imperial taffeta. Swagging adds just the right amount of texture to your ceiling to excite your guests and lift their eyes. Colored trays for butler passed hors d’eouvres can help highlight your menu selection. Furniture placed in areas to give guest lounge seating. Look into using various styles & colors with accents.

Andrew: Swaging the interior roof with taffeta, organza or velon makes a bold statement. Lighting is also a great way to add drama to a tent – up-lights in particular. And, cover up those tent poles! Draping for tent legs is a must!

Q: And lastly, what is your favorite Southern tradition?

Amanda: I look forward to my “Supper Club” every month. I call it my favorite day of the month because it gives me the opportunity to have fun planning a get together with my dear friends.

Andrew: Taking a caramel cake to a funeral. You’ve been here for generations if you know to do that (and even longer if you know how to make one!)

Want to learn more? Visit their website or give them a shout! And be sure to attend our grand opening on Ritchie Hill March 28th & 29th to check out some of the amazing rental items they have available!

XOXO, Liz

# Where Old Meets New

March 12, 2015 Jessica Eudy

I am lucky enough to have grown up on Ritchie Hill. It started out as my grandmother’s house: a holiday destination, the go-to for family gatherings, and the beholder of my great childhood memories. Then, in my teenage years, my family moved to Concord and lived in the home. I spent summers on the front porch and winters by the fireplace. Now, not only will the Ritchie family continue making memories in this home we love so much, but we have opened our doors to other families who will write their own stories on Ritchie Hill.

I love Ritchie Hill for many reasons, most of which are from memories shared in the house. But what I love most is something new. Across state lines and phone lines, our immediate family has been intensively involved in this project from start to finish. We have watched the home be stripped down and then picked back up again. We feel as if this were meant to be, each a piece of the puzzle in bringing the home back to life. Watching the reaction across generations of family members as they see the home’s transformation has created memories I will always cherish.

As our renovation comes to an end, our grand opening weekend grows ever closer. Boxes are arriving daily and finishing details are being put in place. We wanted to recreate photos taken at the start of construction and come full circle to document the end of renovation. Thanks to Concord NC Wedding Photographer Carolina Portrait Designs for making this happen! We emerged with some wonderful images, and cannot wait to FINALLY reveal the home at our grand opening weekend, March 27th-29th! Another big thank you to Reliable Woodworks and their crew for the blood, sweat, and tears poured into this revitalization.

We hope to see you all up on Ritchie Hill!

XOXO,

Liz

# Get Planning!

March 6, 2015 Jessica Eudy

When you first begin to plan your wedding, you start with the fun stuff: Where will it be? What will my dress look like? Who will make up my bridal party? You go buy wedding magazines and fold down pages with your bridesmaids, while simultaneously pinning more things than you have in, well…ever! You see potential wedding color schemes on your cereal box, make note of every hair style (good and bad) on your evening TV shows, and start purchasing notebooks like mad woman to list everything you could possibly list. While the entirety of the planning process should be fun, it doesn’t always work out that way. If you’re anything like me, you quickly find out how much you do NOT know about planning a wedding. So, one of those first questions should be, “Do I want a wedding planner?”

There are limitless positives to hiring a wedding planner. The only question is how it will fit into your wedding budget. But trust me, it is well worth it! When you are talking about a once in a lifetime event, it can be worth a little extra to make sure you actually enjoy it.

Read Lauren’s breakdown to help decide which planning services might be best for your big day!

Hi! I’m Lauren, Executive Planner and Lead Designer at Southern Savvy Events. Since no two brides are the same, there are a variety of planning and coordination services. The most common are Full Planning, Partial Planning and Coordination. Additionally, there are design packages, hourly consultations and A La Carte items often available to fit your needs. Though the package descriptions may vary from planner to planner, each service has unique characteristics and it is important to have an understanding of those to find your best fit!

Full Planning - I like to refer to this package as “all inclusive”. When you book a full planning package it includes design, as well as all aspects involved in wedding planning (venue scouting, vendor referrals, budgeting, timelines, etc.). Your planner is in constant contact with you and your vendors. Think of it as a personal assistant - you will most likely see your planner as often as your Maid of Honor! There are no maximum amount of hours or meetings and no part of the planning process we are not a part of. When you book full planning you are gifting yourself with a full time wedding assistant throughout your engagement. Now, go pour that glass of wine and relax!

Coordination - This service acts as a guide to finalize details for wedding day. It is for the bride who has booked almost all of her vendors and has plenty of time to maintain her budget, design/decor and vendor details. Your coordinator’s main role leading up to wedding day is tying up all the loose ends. We handle scheduling for your vendors and wedding party, setup and decor and ensuring that the entire day runs smoothly. The lead time on this package can vary from “30 days”, “60 days” or a set amount of hours.

Partial Planning - If you feel like you don’t quite need Full Planning, but Coordination isn’t hands on enough for you, Partial would be a good fit. Differing from Full Planning, Partial is based around a set amount of planning hours. For example, with this package I normally attend about 75% of my clients’ vendor meetings. This would be a good fit if you have a vision for your day in mind, but need assistance bringing it to life.

The most important thing to remember when selecting a planning package - everything can be customized to fit you needs.

Cheers!

To reach Lauren and learn more about Southern Savvy Events, visit her website!

Happy planning Ritchie Hill brides!
XOXO Liz

# Our First Appearance at the Carolina Bridal Fair

January 26, 2015 Jessica Eudy

Last Sunday, Ritchie Hill made its first appearance at the Carolina Bridal Fair. Liz and I have both attended the fair as brides, but were especially exciting to attend as a new vendor. The tables have turned! Here’s a quick recap from the show:

First, we’d like to say a big congratulations to the winners of our drawing: Jamie and Antwaine, who will be saying their vows up on Ritchie Hill this August! The lucky couple won a free two-hour event complimenting their other wedding festivities. Jamie and Antwaine, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

In addition, we’d like to say a special thanks to to Chelish Moore flowers for providing linens, flowers, props and furniture for our booth; as well as Karen Goforth of Irresistible Portraits for providing furniture. The biggest challenge of exhibiting this year was showing a home that’s undergoing renovation. Even though we’re nearing completion, we weren’t quite ready to make the big reveal. Instead, we wanted to give couples a feeling for the style and atmosphere of the home. These wonderful vendors helped us assemble a booth that perfectly portrayed our vision of Ritchie Hill!

We chose old, white furniture paired with a modern rug and pillows and touches of flowers in antique tea pitchers to show our formula of mixing old with new. Ritchie Hill may be an antique home, but the clean, modern interior mixed with the original architecture, fireplaces, and doors is what makes it such a special, fresh, and beautiful place.

Ritchie Hill also has a long family history that we wanted to share. To do that, we filled the panes of an antique window with all of the original wallpaper. The colors and textures made for an interesting display and great conversation. We also had a few Ritchie family pictures on display – like one of Margaret Ritchie enjoying her wrap around porch years ago. I think it’s neat to make the connection between upcoming events, and the history of the home.

In closing, the show was a huge success. We’ve had a great time this past week giving couples a tour of the property, and our fall dates are disappearing fast - with Spring 2016 not far behind. I hope you were able to stop by our booth and get a Ritchie Hill koozie and some delicious cheese straws (courtesy of Ritchie Hill Bakery)!

If you’re like me, you probably came home, picked out the goodies from the cute bag they gave you and ignored the massive pile of business cards you received at the show. Overwhelmed, to say the least! Not to worry, over the next couple weeks, we’ll be sending along some tips and tricks for finding the right vendors, and planning the perfect day. Stay tuned for our next bit of news from up on Ritchie Hill.

Happy Planning!

Jessica