Friday Feature: Water's Edge at Tart Farms
Have you heard about Johnston County's newest wedding and event venue? It is five miles + a few turns off Interstate 95 or 40. Water's Edge at Tart Farms is conveniently located between Fayetteville + Raleigh, in Benson, North Carolina. Family-owned + operated, owners Ronnie + Marla Tart and Steven + Erica Tart will treat you like family when hosting your event at their venue.
Paige Cavanaugh, Southern Pose Photography
A Warm Southern Welcome
From the road, all I could see were roofs of two structures peeking over the hay. It's a property with a hayfield that the Tart family tends - which now doubles as a wedding and event venue. I was welcomed by Ronnie, Marla, Erica + Shelby Tart in June when visiting their property.
The Tarts were eager to tell me about "the pond," which is what they humbly call Water's Edge at Tart Farms. While touring the property, Ronnie tells me it was a casual conversation over dinner that sparked the family's adventure to owning a venue. I could certainly feel the love, blood, sweat + tears this sweet family has poured into the slice of heaven on earth that they are sharing with others.
"As a family, one of the things we look forward to each time we meet a new couple is getting to know them on an individual basis. We love to get to know their story. We look forward to take what we’ve learned about them and help make each day special in any way we can."
- The Tart Family
Family First
The first event at Water's Edge was in October 2018. Ronnie + Marla's daughter, Shelby (who assist with venue operations) and husband, Kendall held their wedding reception at the venue. I asked Shelby if there was anything she would have changed about her + Kendall's wedding day.
"Our wedding day, with the reception at Water’s Edge was perfect in my eyes, but preparing for our special day on site, would have been the icing on the cake!"
Although the suites weren't quite ready for the first wedding, the finished product was well worth the sacrifice. The suites offer natural lighting for great portraits + overlook the beautiful property.
Less than a year ago, the family was planning Shelby + Kendall's wedding. They understand the importance of making sure their clients have a memorable day. It is evident, they are willing to go above + beyond for their couples. Marla shared her favorite moment at the venue.
"Steven hung the chandelier of a bride’s grandparents, in their memory, in the barn for her special day. This allowed her to have a special touch of her grandparents, who were unable to be with her on her wedding day. Our family is so important to us, so making this happen for our bride was a must."
Steven, Ronnie’s nephew + part owner, couldn’t join us at the property when I toured, but the family agreed, taking on this project, would not have been possible without him. Alongside of Ronnie, Steven made sure the structural details were well thought out and even had a hand in the woodwork on the interior of both barns. Only a couple of days before the wedding, the power was turned on. Much of that success was due to all the efforts Steven contributed. He worked tirelessly in the building to ensure the electrical work was done properly.
About the Property
Situated on 23 acres, two large barns stand perpendicular amid a hay farm on Benson-Hardee Road. Accompanied by a 7-acre pond, this charming property is a must-see. This venue boasts many sought-after features, especially for couples searching for a wedding venue to host both ceremony + reception.
"It’s so hard to say what my favorite feature is about Water’s Edge. I think it has so many wonderful things to offer that would make a couple’s day special. From the two barns and two suites to the peacefulness of the country..."
-Erica Tart
Venue Highlights
Two buildings available with a capacity of 250 guests seated indoor
Spacious get-ready suites for bride + groom's bridal party
Tables + chairs included (set up/arrangement + breakdown included)
No mandatory-use vendors
Full bathrooms + kitchenette in each suite
Prep kitchen for licensed caterer use
Covered patio for additional seating outdoors
Limited decorative items available
Picturesque location for portraits
Discounted option for a multi-day weekend rental
Post-event clean up included in rental
Whether traveling from I-40 or I-95, Water's Edge is located only 5 miles off the interstate. For out of town guests, there is a new Hampton Inn within 5 minutes and other hotel or bed + breakfast options with-in 20 minutes. For couples getting married at Butler Chapel at Campbell University, this venue is less than 20 minutes away.
Special thanks to Sampson County-based photographer, Paige Cavanaugh of Southern Pose Photography for the photos of the venue visit with the Tart family. Paige is available locally + for travel for wedding, lifestyle + family portraits. Check Southern Pose Photography on Facebook + Instagram.
