Learning, Connecting, and Growing: My Experience at the Nashville Working Vacation with Didi Russell
Leadership, honesty, and a heart for small-business venues - Didi Russell of Wedding Venue Owners
Arriving at any conferences I expect education. What I didn’t expect was that the true value would extend far beyond the hotel conference room — unfolding into inspiration, lasting friendships, new perspective, and ideas that rippled into something extraordinary. My experience at the Nashville Working Vacation with Wedding Venue Owners in May of 2025, led by Didi Russell, became a journey that unfolded into so much more than education.
It was an experience intentionally designed for locally owned wedding venue owners, blending:
✨ Education
✨ Collaboration
✨ Venue tours
✨ Strategy discussions
✨ Honest conversations
✨ Genuine connection
And it was refreshing. Because venue ownership can sometimes feel isolating.
You wear every hat.
You try to solve every problem - some successfully and some not so much.
You carry enormous responsibility.
Being surrounded by others who truly understand that world was energizing in a way that’s hard to describe.
Touring Beautiful Locally Owned Wedding Venues in the Nashville Area
One of the most impactful parts of the Working Vacation was touring other locally owned venues. Walking through beautiful properties, hearing their stories, exchanging ideas, and seeing how others approach design and operations was incredibly valuable. It wasn’t competitive. It was collaborative… And deeply inspiring.
The Friendships I Never Expected
One of the most meaningful parts of Nashville wasn’t something listed on the agenda. It was the connections. And my friendship with Kris began in the most perfectly imperfect way.
A Slightly Chaotic Entrance 😉
I arrived late that morning — thanks to parking and locked back hotel entrances.
Flustered, slightly stressed, and trying not to draw attention to myself, I slipped into the filled room hoping to quietly find a seat. Kris, seated near the back, immediately began gathering her things to make space for me. Without hesitation. Without annoyance. Just kindness. (that Tennessee charm!)
Technology… Not My Finest Moment 😄
Then came my attempt to get settled. While many attendees carried sleek tablets and ultra-slim laptops… I (literally) rolled in what could only be described as my traveling office:
✨ A well-loved laptop
✨ A computer mouse
✨ Extra cords
✨ Chargers
✨ Backup cables
Yes… in a rolling case. Except… My laptop wouldn’t charge. Ughhhhhhh.
A Humbling (and Slightly Funny) Realization 😄
Looking around the room, I couldn’t help but notice the sea of sleek tablets, minimalist setups, and effortlessly modern tech. And then there was me… Managing cords, a mouse, chargers — essentially my entire mobile workstation. In that moment, I laughed at myself. Technology has never exactly been my strong suit (although between Didi and ChatGPT I’m becoming well versed), and I suddenly felt just a tiny bit out of sync. But Kris? She completely understood. With humor, patience, and reassurance, she was right there helping me navigate outlets, adjust tables, and troubleshoot connections. What could have felt awkward instead became one of the most genuine and human moments of the entire experience. And honestly… That’s exactly where our friendship began.
The Quiet Table Shuffle
With gentle teamwork and shared laughter, Kris and I quietly shifted the table so I could reach a nearby outlet. Problem solved. Or so we thought… Because next, I couldn’t connect. Couldn’t follow. Couldn’t sync … And Kris leaned over whispering through laughter: “This is usually me.”
Where Friendship Took Root
By the end of that day:
✨ We were sharing stories
✨ Laughing over dinner
✨ And Kris introduced me to Elisabeth
Elisabeth, who is wonderfully committed to getting 10,000 steps every single day, quickly became our unofficial walking motivator. So we walked. Everywhere. Through Nashville, between conversations, after dinner — happily chasing steps while continuing to talk, laugh, and connect. What began as a conference day had effortlessly turned into genuine friendship. And what started with cords and outlets became an instant connection.
A Connection That Lasted Beyond Nashville
Kris, Elisabeth, and I still text almost daily — checking in, sharing ideas, celebrating wins, and navigating venue ownership together. We’ve even made it a goal to connect regularly through Zoom, continuing to learn from one another and support each other’s growth. Because the Nashville Working Vacation didn’t just create business connections. It created genuine friendships.
The Ripple Effect of Something Extraordinary
What I didn’t expect from the Nashville Working Vacation was that its impact wouldn’t end when I returned home. Because sometimes growth doesn’t happen only through formal education. Sometimes it happens through conversations. Through shared experiences. Through one simple idea that quietly takes root. And for me, that ripple effect became something truly extraordinary.
The Conversation That Sparked Operation Hitch
During one of our Nashville conversations, Kris shared something that deeply resonated with me. She told me about Operation Hitch, a military wedding giveaway created at The Barn of Drewia Hill. Coming from a proud military family, Kris spoke about the heart behind the initiative — honoring love, sacrifice, and service. I absolutely loved the idea. When I told Kris how inspiring it was, she graciously said: “Use it. I would love for this to spread to venues across the country.” And so, with gratitude and permission, we carried that beautiful vision forward at Berkshire Ridge.
Operation Hitch — A Dream We Were Honored to Carry Forward
Inspired by Drewia Hill’s heartfelt initiative, we launched our own Operation Hitch giveaway.
A celebration of love.
A thank you to those who serve.
A reflection of gratitude and community.
I am beyond honored to share:
✨ A deserving couple was selected
✨ They are a wonderful local couple- Jazmine and Kaleb
✨ The groom proudly serves in the United States Navy
✨ Their wedding is scheduled for January 9, 2027
A Community of Vendors Stepped Forward With Incredible Generosity
Because extraordinary professionals chose to give back alongside us:
🤍 Andres’ Banquet Center — Catering & bar
🤍 Ashley’s Portrait Co — Photography
🤍 DJ Chris – ABEL DJ Service — Entertainment
🤍 Mia Grace Bridal — Wedding gown
🤍 Style by Rylee — Hair & makeup
🤍 Drummond’s Florist — Bridal bouquet
✨ Every service provided completely FREE.
Not discounted. Not sponsored. Freely gifted. This was not just collaboration. This was heart.
None of this would have happened without Wedding Venue Owners and Didi Russell.
Yes — experiences like the Working Vacation require investment.
But what continues to amaze me is this:
So much of what Didi offers is FREE.
✨ Free Zoom sessions
✨ Free education
✨ Free marketing insight
✨ Free strategy
✨ Free guidance
✨ Free community-building
Honest Advice — “Said With Love”
Didi is also known for her honesty.
She tells venue owners what we need to hear — even when it’s tough.
Within the community, we jokingly say:
✨ “Said With Love”
And affectionately…
✨ “Salty D.”
Because growth doesn’t come from sugarcoating. It comes from clarity, truth, and experience-based guidance. And that honesty is one of the things I value most.
Working Vacations Across the Country
What makes this experience even more remarkable is that Nashville is just one destination.
Didi hosts Working Vacations across the country, creating opportunities for venue owners nationwide to:
✨ Learn
✨ Connect
✨ Collaborate
✨ Tour venues
✨ Exchange ideas
✨ Build lasting relationships
Final Thoughts
The Nashville Working Vacation was not just about business education.
It became:
✨ Inspiration
✨ Perspective
✨ Friendship
✨ Community
✨ And the ripple effect of something extraordinary
For that, I am sincerely grateful.
With so much appreciation,
Kim
Berkshire Ridge of St. Louis, Missouri
Me - Berkshire Ridge (St. Louis), Kris of The Barn of Drewia Hill (Chatanooga) and Elisabeth of Bella Sera (Denver)
Looking for a St. Louis area wedding venue?
Berkshire Ridge is located in Blackwell, Missouri, just outside St. Louis, and serves couples throughout St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Farmington, De Soto, Fenton, Crystal City, Festus, Arnold, Hillsboro, and Southeast Missouri.
Our venue offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, scenic countryside views, and a welcoming space designed for unforgettable celebrations.
To learn more or schedule a tour, call or text Kim at 314-605-2265.
And don’t forget to browse our blog for wedding traditions, planning tips, and inspiration for couples planning weddings near St. Louis.Other Venue Blogs about Working Vacations with Didi Russell
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