Named in honor of a mythical place of mirth and beauty, Fiddler’s Green offers an enchanting backdrop for tying the knot.
As spring unfurls its delicate mantle of color across Jacksonville, Alabama, the charm of Fiddler’s Green provides the perfect backdrop for Haleigh Burrows and Shane Young to say “I do.” The venue, which is owned by Heather and Chris Dempsey, rests upon expansive grounds that have been in the family for seven generations. At its heart is a graceful Southern-style abode surrounded by additional edifices that can be incorporated into celebrations of all kinds. “It looks like a village,” says Chris.
The mill features a well- appointed kitchen and ample room for seating, making it the ideal setting for the couple’s reception. Friends and family gather around rustic farmhouse tables— adorned with a lovely assortment of vintage china and delicate blue and white posies, arranged by event planner Karly Knight—to celebrate the nuptials with a soul-satisfying meal from Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack.
Vows are exchanged in front of the chapel, beneath a natural canopy of blue skies and lush green foliage. Christened Ruby’s Chapel, in honor of the Dempseys’ second daughter, the structure draws upon classic nineteenth-century designs and houses a historic cast iron bell that tolls in honor of the bride’s momentous entrance. Chic bistro chairs and antique pews acquired from a church in Philadelphia, Mississippi, provide seating.
“You can feel the authenticity and romance in every place,” says Chris. “It is a genuine venue for genuine couples.” An Emmy Award–winning musician, he pulls out his violin for the affair, filling the air with the melodic strains of cherished tunes.
Heather and Chris share a passion for history and gracious hospitality that is evident in every corner of Fiddler’s Green, but especially in the stately two-story dwelling that stands at the center of the property. Here, the bride and groom can bask in the warm, nostalgic atmosphere, storing up precious memories for the future.
