Exploring Life & Business with Courtney Kelly of The Delaware Wedding and Event Space

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Kelly

Hi Courtney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was in college, I unexpectedly lost my father and took a year off from school. I had always dreamed of being a wedding coordinator and creating events that felt welcoming and loving. I’m a type-a personality and passionate about hospitality. During my time away, I was able to shadow with a local Kansas City Wedding Coordinator, Stephanie who owns Pretty + Planned. I learned in this experience that I love coordinating and also dreamed to have an event space one day. After coming back to school, I transitioned from majoring in education to business. While still in school in 2015, my family who owned a building on the Historic Independence Square began looking to reimagine the space. My husband and I approached with the idea of creating a historic wedding and event space where we could offer coordinating services. Two years later after many renovations, we opened as The Delaware Event Space!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth, but I could not be more grateful for the opportunities we have experienced and what we’ve learned along the way. After gaining substantial traction and hustling for three years, we experienced COVID and a major loss in business. We are thankful to have survived and are relearning the ever evolving wedding industry this many years past. Another major struggle of small business is growth and staffing, especially with the industry being somewhat seasonal. Mentally, it can be draining to swap back and forth between all of the different roles and hats small business owners wear. It’s also fun that every day is its own adventure!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Standing at the vibrant crossroads of The Historic Independence Square, The Delaware Event Space redefines elegance with its raw and industrial charm for your dream wedding.

This renovated auto shop, circa 1920s, has been expertly reimagined into a striking venue for weddings and receptions, where vintage character harmonizes with industrial sophistication. The space features exposed beams and sleek concrete floors, capturing a sense of authenticity that honors its rich heritage.

Throughout the venue, every nook resonates with history, allowing couples to infuse their own stories into its legacy. With generous areas designed for both ceremonies and celebrations, The Delaware stands out as a compelling choice for those in search of a unique setting. Here, the marriage of traditional essence and modern aesthetics inspires creativity, transforming every occasion into a memorable and extraordinary experience.

What matters most to you? Why?
Offering excellence in everything that we do. A wedding or special event can be a once in a lifetime experience, and we hope to create the most welcoming, loving and inviting environment for each and every event through aesthetic and also client relationship.

Pricing:

• Standard Rental Package: Apr – Oct: Sat $6850 | Fri $5750
• Mid-Level Rental Package: Apr – Oct: Sat $7250 | Fri $6150
• Premium Rental Package: Apr – Oct: Sat $7850 | Fri $6750
• Full Service Coordination: $3,750
• Bar services available in-house; pricing varies

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedelawarekc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedelaware.kc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedelawarekc/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TheDelaware_EventSpace/