Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenna Gray.
Hi Makenna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, my family was greatly blessed with purchasing Lake Paradise Resort. We camped there for many years and have always seen the potential that it held. Lake Paradise has slowly become the place of our dreams. We have continued to pour our hearts into creating the best campground in Missouri.
There have been many wonderful weddings and celebrations held out at Lake Paradise. Each one unique in its own way. Our first wedding after we acquired Lake Paradise was my older brothers. His lakeside ceremony and reception showed how perfect Lake Paradise was for weddings. It was magical.
This year I was recently blessed with the opportunity to create a wedding and event branding for Lake Paradise. I came up with Our Paradise Weddings and Events. My family has given me the chance to expand Our Paradise using my own creativity and passion for anything wedding related. To put it simply, I love love. Ever since I was little I was all about the princesses, happy endings, and romances. I began planning and dreaming up my wedding at a young age. In fact, I get to have my dream wedding here this October. Working for Our Paradise gives me the perfect opportunity to witness those fairy tale moments. It is my passion to make people’s dream wedding and celebrations come to life through Our Paradise.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first few months of Our Paradise has been exceptionally smooth. The only struggle we could complain about is the growth. This was expected! We are in our networking phase. I am working on getting our venue out there to all the engaged couples of Missouri. Or to anyone who is looking for the perfect place to throw their next party! Challenges and struggles are the perfect opportunity to help us grow! Our venue is only going to keep getting more successful. The Lord has blessed us to already be apart of such a large group of society, with those who love and adore Lake Paradise for its campground.
We’ve been impressed with Our Paradise Weddings and Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Paradise Weddings and Events is how we separated our venue and event planning services. We are a faith based venue and planning business that believes in the definition of marriage. Not only are we a gorgeous lakeside venue. We are here to make your wedding and event as stress free as possible. Parties are supposed to be fun! It is way too normalized these days that brides are supposed to be stressed out. Our day-of-coordination and event planning services prevent stress from affecting you.
Our Paradise Weddings and Events are known for our affordable and inclusive event packages. Many venues are charging +$10k just for rental space. It takes large chunks out of people’s party planning budgets! At Our Paradise all of our packages and pricing are under $10k. These are flexible, we are willing to work with you on your dream event. We also offer payment plans to help people save even more money.
Our Paradise is also known for it unique ceremony and venue spaces. They can all be changed and catered to your aesthetic as well! Our flagpole altar is and amazing outdoor area that over looks one of our lakes. Our most popular and unique altar is our lakeside amphitheater. This rustic and elegant structure is what we are known for. We have indoor event spaces for up to 200 guests. If you want a more intimate gathering, we have the perfect place for that as well.
Our Paradise’s main goal is to provide the perfect atmosphere and opportunity for your next celebration. Whether thats providing day-of-coordination or just providing you space to do your thing, Our Paradise wants to offer help every step of the way.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Our industry is mainly focused on hosting one event at the time. Over the next 5-10 years I see us adding more spaces such as a chapel or another outdoor venue space. We also plan on placing more focus on our event planning services. We want to get to a place where we have 30+ weddings and events booked for the year! Our Paradise wants to stay current with all the changes and trends. Yet, we never plan to shift away from whats important, the bride and the groom! I want to be bride and groom focused when it comes to weddings. Their opinion is the most important, I want them to feel valued, seen and loved.
Pricing:
- $1500 Elopement Package
- $3000 Bronze Package
- $4800 Silver Package
- $8200 Gold Package
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourparadiseevents.com/
- Instagram: Our.paradise.weddings
- Facebook: Our Paradise Weddings and Events







