A True Labor of Love: From Building Sorella farms to Saying ‘I Do’
INSPO / REAL WEDDINGS
Some weddings feel like they were written in the stars. For the owners of Sorella 1881, their love story is quite literally built into the walls, vineyards, and soul of the venue itself. What began as a family farm passed down for six generations eventually blossomed into one of the most romantic wedding estates in the region… a place where history and heart meet, and where they themselves would one day say “I do.”
Hayley and Jason – the beautiful couple behind Sorella Farms, share what it was really like to get married at the very venue they poured so much love into creating.
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
the Venue
Sorella 1881 has deep roots. “It’s our family farm, passed down for six generations,” the bride shares. “The name Sorella, means ‘sister’ in Italian, to honor my sister Katelyn, who passed away when we were little. My family was devastated when their vineyards died to bad winter weather. One day, I had this vision of weddings on the property. I called my now-husband and told him my idea, and he said, ‘Okay, how do we get it done?’”
That vision has since flourished into a breathtaking blend of old and new: a working farm, a newly planted vineyard, a retreat, and most importantly, a place for couples to begin their forever.
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
The idea of starting a wedding venue could have felt overwhelming, but for Hayley, it was born from something simple and true – “I’ve always loved hosting and bringing people together,” she explains. “But I was tired of venues that felt too impersonal. I wanted to create a space where couples could breathe, be themselves, and celebrate surrounded by nature and history. The farm already had so much soul—we just needed to uncover it and share it.”
from owner to bride
Hayley admits she never imagined herself getting married on the farm. “I never pictured myself getting married on a rustic-looking farm. But over time, I transformed the property into the luxurious, European-inspired estate I had always dreamed of. It became the perfect place for us.”
Hosting their wedding at Sorella was both “surreal and emotional – like watching two dreams come true at once.”
And while the lead-up made it hard to switch from owner mode to bride mode, the day itself brought a shift. “Once it started, I let go and allowed myself to enjoy it fully. My planner (MUSE Event Co., Laura Atendido) told me, ‘We want you to feel like a bride,’ and everyone around me made that happen. I couldn’t have done it without our team and vendors.”
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
MAKING It Their Own
For Hayley, the biggest challenge of hosting her wedding at Sorella was learning to release control. “Letting go of control and trusting my team to take over. And I wouldn’t change a thing,” she shares.
That trust allowed her to design a day that still felt deeply personal and unique to her and Jason.
“We personalized everything—from the yellow bridesmaid dresses to the music to the guest experience. We also reimagined Sorella with help from MUSE Event Co. I knew they’d see the property with fresh eyes. I’ll never forget when my planner said, ‘If you want an Italian-inspired wedding, let’s do al fresco dining in the courtyard.’ and it was incredible.”
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
vows like no other
To make the day even more meaningful, Hayley and Jason chose to exchange vows in a brand-new ceremony space on the property – one that had never been used before. It was a bold choice that gave their wedding a sense of discovery and intimacy, while also weaving their love story into the very fabric of Sorella’s future.
By saying “I do” in that space first, they made their day feel one-of-a-kind, while also setting the stage for future couples to experience something entirely new at Sorella.
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
Among the many beautiful memories of the day, one moment stands out most vividly for Hayley. “After the reception reveal, Jason and I were told we could head back to cocktail hour… but we didn’t want to leave the space. We sat down together, and I was overcome with emotion. I couldn’t stop the tears. Jason just smiled and let out this big sigh of relief. It was unplanned, unstaged, and the moment I watch over and over again. I felt proud.”
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
wedding planning ADVICE
FOR OTHERS IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY WHO ARE GETTING MARRIED
Reflecting on their wedding, Hayley shares wisdom for other wedding professionals planning their own big day: “Hire the best vendors around you. Be the couple, not the owner. Soak it in and appreciate what you’ve created.”
A NOTE TO COUPLES PLANNING THEIR DAY
One choice Hayley made that differed from what she typically advises couples was to prioritize the guest experience over perfect photo ops. “Don’t choose a location just because it’s the prettiest. Think about the guest’s perspective: Will there be shade? What will they hear? How will they feel in that moment? Guests won’t remember your photos – they’ll remember how you made them feel. And since our guests were happy and enjoying it, Jason and I were happy and at peace.”
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
A Love Story Rooted in Place
For the couple behind Sorella Farms, their wedding was more than a celebration – it was the ultimate expression of their labor of love. To be married at the very place they dreamt, built, and brought to life was nothing short of magical.
And while Sorella 1881 will welcome many couples in the years ahead, Hayley and Jason’s wedding remains uniquely theirs – a day where their vision, love, and dreams became part of the very fabric of the venue!
PHOTO: 515 Photo co.
VENDORS
Venue @sorella1881
Planning @museeventco
Photo @515photoco
Video @modern.frame.media
Content Creation @hypegalmedia
Same-Day Socials @daniellewillmsphotography
Glam @badcarlymakeup @bloombeautyco @by.carlie.lynch @hairbychambers
DJ @mlzone Band @xprimetheband
First Dance Song @carlyschwenker
Florals @bloom_and_co
Rentals @simplybeautifuldecor
Photo Studio @bettyloophotobooth
Live Cannoli Bar @cannolicartelniagara
Catering @lacasetta Cake @thecravingcorner
Mobile Pizzeria @fratellibroccolo
