Our Family
We are a multi-generational family who bought this historic 215 acre tobacco farm in 2022 from George & Stacey Rasky. The original tobacco farm was part of over a thousand acres owned by Potter Woodbery, the farm's namesake, although the spelling was changed somewhere along the way over the years. The town of Havana was once known as the "Shade Tobacco Capital of the World" and was named due to the large amount of tobacco trade with Havana, Cuba. Large tobacco leaves, that were used to wrap cigars, were dried right here in the rafters of the original barn, which is now used for wedding ceremonies and receptions. When Mr. Woodbery's farm was divided, 500 acres were purchased by Dr. Hill and placed under a conservation easement that will ensure its preservation for years to come. He later divided the property into the 215 acres that was sold to the Rasky's in 2014. Over the 8 years that the Rasky's owned Woodberry, they did an amazing job renovating several of the old tobacco barns to be used for weddings and events and we are thankful to be able to continue sharing it with members of our community as we raise our family on the farm.
We are not a commercial venue. This is our home and a true working farm that is maintained by our family. We realize that your wedding will be one of the most important events in your life, and we welcome the opportunity to share our beautiful and historical space with you and your guests, to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reese & Joelle Norris are married and have 3 children. Joelle manages the venue and is the main point of contact for our clients. Reese helps with the venue maintenance and owns a custom woodworking business, The Conductor's Woodshop. The live edge cedar bar countertop and several of the tables at the venue were built by him. For more information about his work, find him on social media or visit his website.
Reese & Joelle
Isabelle is Reese and Joelle's daughter and owns Belle's Bakery. She is available to make wedding cakes or other sweet treats for your wedding or rehearsal dinner. Check out more of her work on Instagram or Facebook.
Isabelle
Keith and Fay Jenkins (Joelle's parents) are married and have been farming together for over 40 years. They are the only "real" farmers here at Woodberry- the rest of us are new to this lifestyle and trying learn as much as we can! Over time, you can look to purchase fresh veggies, honey, eggs, and other farm fresh products from them.
Donna is Reese's mom. She helps process food from the gardens and keeps the grandkids busy with various creative projects, squirrel and dove hunting adventures, and the most snacks.