Today we’d like to introduce you to Rue and Sallie Nijhof.
Rue and Sallie welcome you to Birch Wood Vineyards, their vision accomplished!
Rue was born and raised in Holland, had his very first job in the United States right on this property. Originally, this was a high end restaurant and function room built by Rue’s uncle, his wife and their best friends. Rue worked in all aspects of the business, from bus boy to soux chef and everything in between, learning the hospitality and food industry from the bottom up. From here, he took a job as chef for a major corporation in Boston. While working his way up the corporate ladder, Sallie was doing the very same thing. Her family, originally from the North End of Boston, relocated to Woburn, Massachusetts where her parents raised their five daughters, Sallie being the baby and a twin! Sallie worked as executive assistant to the president of a major software company in Cambridge where she honed her business and administrative skills.
Rue and Sallie were fixed up by a friend and their very first date was here. A few years later they were married and along with a partner decided to open their own successful catering company. In the meantime, Rue’s uncle, aunt and friends decided to convert the restaurant part of the building to another function room and this became the premier wedding facility of the area. As the year’s passed and the owners decided it was time to move on, Rue and Sallie were invited to partner with his cousins and manage this facility. After several very successful years, it was time for Rue and Sallie to start their own venture and Vineyard Events was born.
Vineyard Events has been the event management company for a local vineyard for almost a decade. When the opportunity to purchase this property became available, Rue and Sallie couldn’t pass up the chance to be sole owners of not only the business but the entire venue. They have been involved in the renovation of this property from the very beginning… their design ideas and attention to detail, their knowledge of the industry and what brides, grooms and their families love and their desire to bring this property back to the status of being the premier wedding facility of the area has brought new life to this beautiful venue.
Welcome to Birch Wood Vineyards!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, it has been a smooth road. We purchased the property and event center in October 2015. We assumed the responsibility of executing the events on the books until 2015 year end. Starting January 2016, we shut down for 3 months to do a full remodel/renovation. The construction was quite challenging, however, our General Contractor managed to complete the major renovation in 3 months. We had our first Birch Wood Vineyards Wedding in March 2016!
Birch Wood Vineyards – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Birch Wood Vineyards is a premier Event Center specializing in Wedding Events.
To us there is nothing more rewarding than to see a smiling bride and groom, beaming parents and guests enjoying a reception like no other. We offer a delightful meal from our dedicated, creative and experienced professional kitchen staff. In addition, we have high level event planners to work with our clients offering impeccable and courteous service from our professional event and banquet staff.
Our relationship with the area’s premier wedding professionals is one based on the highest level of respect. As for elegance, creativity and attention to detail, you’ll find that the reputation of Birch Wood Vineyards Event Center is second to none.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Our proudest moment is when our vision/construction came to life. We would wait in the foyer as guests arrived to feel, hear and see their reaction to our newly renovated vineyard and facility.
Contact Info:
- Address: Birch Wood Vineyards, LLC
199 Rockingham Road
Derry, NH 03038 - Website: www.birchwoodvineyards.com
- Phone: 603 965 4359
- Email: birchwoodvineyards@gmail.com
- Instagram: @birchwoodvineyards
- Facebook: facebook/birchwoodvineyards
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