ETRE FARMS
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Barn Weddings Enter A New Era
Gone are the days of conventional, rustic weddings. At Être Farms, you’ll find that we have elevated the concept of a “Barn Wedding” to align with the expectations of modern brides and grooms. Within our luxury venue, you’ll find a sweeping event space that maintains a clean, crisp, and contemporary aesthetic.
Located in the resort town of St. Joseph, Michigan, Être farms is just a one hour drive from Chicago and only two hours from Ann Arbor. We like to consider ourselves a “Local Destination” - meaning you get the carefree atmosphere of an elopement with the elevated touches of a grand wedding celebration.
The perfect combination of cozy and lavish, our grounds feel more like those of a modern estate than a typical rustic barn venue. The venue’s opulence is only enhanced by our on-site, speakeasy-inspired bars -“Seven XVI'' and “Spirits + Soul”.
With space to accommodate over 250 guests, Être Farms is a wedding venue beyond compare.
Our Mission
Our vision for Être Farms was born from a dream. This dream was to not only give you and your partner a special day, but also to inspire the eye to beauty in its rare form. Our barn only blossoms with your love.
We created Être Farms with our couples in mind. With the development of our services, we believed it was of utmost importance for our couples to have an all-inclusive and upscale experience. At Être Farms, you are accompanied by a team of experts who will lead the way through your event planning.
From invitations, florals, and exquisite cuisine, we will manage it all. It is our priority to see that you worry less about the details and more about creating beautiful memories. We go beyond designing a visually stunning event. We want a connection with our couples that will withstand the test of time. We want to continue the story beyond your big day.
Our story begins here with you.
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Être Farms Family
MEET YOUR DREAM TEAM
Nicole VanLente
I have had a diverse career path, showcasing my skills in both business and design. Starting in a HR role for contractors at Whirlpool Corp, I discovered my passion for working with people. After some time, I transitioned to an Operations Manager position at a prestigious men's clothing catalog. I later ventured into growing my husband's automotive business with a focus on sales and marketing. Despite its success, we wisely decided to explore new ventures due to the anticipated challenges in the automotive industry.
It was during a trip to Traverse City MI, that I was captivated by the picturesque landscape. On the journey back, I proposed the idea of a white wedding barn to my husband, Mark. This marked the beginning of our new venture. I now use my combined skills to run Etre Farms as the owner, designer, florist, and so much more!
CEO & Founder
Mark VanLente
With a foundation in aviation (AA) and accounting (BA), I've built my career as a seasoned entrepreneur who transforms industries through strategic vision and hands-on leadership. After working as a Public Accountant, I founded a successful Automotive Recycling company in 1995, which I grew and operated for 25 years before selling in 2020.
Drawing on my construction background, I established a specialized construction company in 2019 to build Etre Farms.
Today, I divide my time between operations at Etre Farms and leading the construction company that develops new properties under the expanding Etre Farms brand. My diverse experience in accounting, automotive recycling, and construction has equipped me with a unique perspective on business development and sustainable growth strategies
CEO & Founder
Morgan Newman
I graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2020 with a degree in supply chain management and a focus on entrepreneurship. Originally born in East Tennessee, I spent my formative years in Southwest Michigan, giving me insight into the best local spots in the area. I am obviously a huge University of Tennessee fan!
I play a crucial role in keeping client operations running smoothly with my organizational and logistical skills. I serve as the primary point of contact between the venue and clients, forging strong connections with couples who become part of the Être Family. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am a proud mother to Louis, a one-year-old Westie, who keeps me active with daily walks around downtown St. Joe, often ending with a matcha latte or a visit to the lake.
Director of Operations & Event Coordinator
Elliana Harig
As an artist born and raised in Holland, MI, I've found my true calling at Être Farms. My extensive background in graphic design and print production has honed my eye for visual aesthetics that enhances everything I create. My journey here began in 2020 with my calligraphy and custom signage business. Working alongside the Être team sparked my passion for wedding design, naturally evolving into my role as Head Designer and Client Liaison.
I now combine artistic talent with professional experience to create unforgettable weddings, working directly with couples to transform their dreams into reality. When not designing, I'm with my husband Logan and our pomeranians, or exploring new creative outlets from crocheting to painting murals around my home!
Head Designer & Client Liason
Josh Stahlheber
Raised in Chester, Illinois (Home of Popeye), I began my culinary journey rolling dumplings at my Great Aunt Frances' Sunday dinners. I've been cooking professionally since 19 years old, running everything from bustling smorgasbords to refined Italian restaurants and classic American steak houses.
My cooking blends traditional French techniques with Southern comfort food—creating dishes that are sophisticated yet familiar. Since moving to St. Joseph in 2020, I find inspiration in Michigan's local bounty and in quality time with my wife Allie and our children, Jonah and Gracie—whether we're walking our dog Odin or swimming in Lake Michigan.
When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll find me exploring wineries with Allie, playing pool, or cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm passionate about creating custom menus with fresh, local ingredients that bring people together around the table.
Executive Chef
Allie Batson
With 19 years in the hospitality industry and a Level One Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, I've turned my passion for food and wine into a fulfilling career. A proud graduate of Western Michigan University, I bring both academic knowledge and extensive hands-on experience to my role. When I'm not creating exceptional experiences for our couples at the venue or helping navigate their personal concierge experience on their special day, I'm constantly exploring the world of flavors and pairings.
At home in Stevensville, MI, life revolves around family—my husband Josh (Executive Chef at Être who definitely inspires my culinary adventures), our two amazing kids, Jonah and Gracie, and our beloved dog Odie, who joins us for our favorite family walks. Summer days are perfect for beach trips along Lake Michigan, creating memories with those I love most.
In my quiet moments, you'll find me lost in a good book or expressing my creativity through painting. Though wine tasting, exploring new cuisines, reading, art, and beachgoing are all passions of mine, nothing quite compares to the joy of family time—whether we're cooking together in the kitchen or simply enjoying the outdoors with our four-legged friend.
Bar Manager & Head Personal Concierge
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Brycen VanLente
I have been integrally involved in the development of Etre Farms since its founding in 2020, focused on creating immersive and seamless experiences for all our clients. Drawing from my extensive background as a club DJ, I bring specialized expertise in music curation and event atmosphere design.
My approach to playlist development is both methodical and creative—I carefully analyze client preferences while incorporating a diverse range of genres to craft unique soundscapes for each event. I continuously research emerging artists and trends to ensure our musical offerings remain fresh and innovative.
Outside of Etre Farms, I dedicate time to automotive projects and enjoying life with my fiancée Lexie and our three dogs. We recently celebrated our engagement and are planning our own wedding for 2026—an experience that further deepens my understanding of our clients' journey.
In-House DJ
Anna Weber
I am a junior at Iowa State University pursuing dual degrees in Apparel Merchandising and Design and Event Management, with graduation on the horizon in May 2026. Originally from St. Joseph, Michigan, I currently serve as Assistant Events Coordinator and Social Media Manager, overseeing all our social accounts—from content creation to engaging with our followers.
My passion for events ignited when I worked as a server at Être during Summer 2023, which inspired me to add Event Management as my second degree. When I'm not planning events or crafting social media content, you'll find me thrifting, hunting for treasures at garage sales, experimenting with film photography, going for runs, or trying new recipes in the kitchen. I love seeking out new experiences—I even completed the inaugural Rome Half Marathon during my study abroad in Fall 2024!
Assistant Event Coordinator & Social Media Manager
Drew VanLente
As a mechanical engineering student at Michigan Tech with a business minor, my journey to where I am today has followed an unexpected path. My engineering studies provide me with strong analytical skills and attention to detail, while my business background offers valuable perspective on client needs and operational efficiency.
During a summer position at Etre, I discovered my passion for the event industry, which ultimately led me to add a business minor to my academic pursuits. My experience at Etre has been wonderfully diverse – from creating floral arrangements to developing designs and supporting Nicole and Morgan with various aspects of event execution.
I take pride in handling the small but crucial details that ensure wedding days run smoothly and become truly memorable experiences for couples. My technical background combined with my creative abilities allows me to approach each event with both precision and imagination.
Assistant Event Coordinator
Savannah Overton
Born and raised in St. Joseph with a creative spirit, I discovered my true calling in the wedding industry after exploring various artistic paths. With a strong background in art, including AP and college-level courses, I initially focused on graphic design, creating logos and promotional materials for local businesses while still in high school.
After taking time to explore different creative outlets—including studying herbology and homeopathic medicine—I joined Etre in January 2023. The supportive environment allowed me to quickly advance from event setup to head server, taking on additional responsibilities along the way.
When given the opportunity to assist with floral arrangements, I found my passion. Working with florals perfectly blends creative expression with meaningful contribution to special occasions. The design aspect of the wedding industry fulfills me completely, allowing me to craft beautiful experiences for couples on their most important day. I continue to develop my skills in this creative and rewarding field, excited about future growth and possibilities.
Head Florist
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