Words and Interview by Justin Hunter | Images by Al Blanton

Elegant Events Wedding & Event Planning, located at 2200 Gamble Avenue in Jasper, is more than a church sanctuary to exchange “I dos.” It’s an all-inclusive wedding experience.

 Once the home of First Free Will Baptist Church of Jasper, the building is being transformed daily into an elegant and awe-inspiring wedding destination. “Wow” is the first word that will escape your lips when you step through the door of Elegant Events. 

 Check out what venue owner Carolyn Faye Jones has to say about her history in the wedding business and hosting your ceremony, church function, or school dance at Jasper’s newest wedding, reception, and event center. 

 78: How long have you been in the wedding business? How did you get your start?

 CJ: I’ve been in the wedding business for 15 years. Well, I’ve always enjoyed decorating events. Friends and family always wanted me to help them put stuff together for free. Once I obtained my ABC Wedding Planner Certification from Penn Foster College in 2006, I started Elegant Events. 

 78: What made you decide to want to come to Jasper?

 CJ: I came to Jasper in September of 2020 as a solution to a need. During my time of doing weddings, I’ve seen so many brides take money from Walker County and spend it in Jefferson County, simply because they couldn’t find what they were looking for here in Jasper. Sometimes it was the lack of space at a venue or accessibility for the guests. I felt like Jasper needed a space versatile enough for me to give my clients what they want. 

 78: How does Elegant Events differentiate itself from other event venues in the area?

 CJ: Elegant Events is an all-inclusive location. When a client books with us, we take care of it all, from setting up decorations, photography, and the list goes on. We can handle every aspect of the wedding to create a stress-free wedding experience. We provide a curated list of local vendors and a list of packages that will work with any budget in order to minimize the stress on the bridal party. 

 78: Tell us about the venue’s location and what makes it special.

 CJ: The property sits on an entire city block of downtown Jasper. At Elegant Events, once the renovations are complete, our clients will be stepping into a marriage resort. 

 The main chapel is a 4,000 square-foot area that can seat 400-plus individuals. We are constructing a separate bridal suite that will function as a relaxation spa. The bride’s suite will have pedicure and manicure stations, a massage station, hair styling stations, and a makeup area. There will also be a private room for the bride to have her makeup done. 

 The groom’s “man cave,” located in a remodeled house on the property, will be the groom’s final taste of the bachelor life. Aside from being a space for relaxation that day, it will have a barber’s area for a fresh cut. 

  We have a 2,000 square-foot area for smaller parties for kids or for events with 50 to 100 guests. We also have a 10,000 square-foot ballroom, perfect for your larger events, such as receptions, family reunions, and school proms. Lastly, we are constructing an outdoor wedding space.  

 78: Is Elegant Events Wedding and Event Planning open year-round for weddings?

 CJ: Yes, we are open year-round for weddings. 

 78: Can the space be rented for events other than weddings?

 CJ: Yes! We want people to use this space for church services, church events, funerals, concerts, fashion shows, school dances, or anything they want to. We want a space for the community to gather and create lasting memories.  

 78: What’s the first step in planning a wedding at Elegant Events, and how should potential brides get in touch with you?

 CJ: The first step when planning your wedding is booking your venue. You can contact our office at (205) 295-5200, and we will schedule a tour of the property. You can also email us at cfjelegantevents@yahoo.com or visit our website, fjelegantevents.com.