Your wedding day is one of the most significant events you will ever experience - one that will be ingrained in your mind and treasured for decades. On this day, friends and family gather to celebrate the next steps in your life. Photographers run to and fro, snapping what seems to be a million different pictures. Caterers plate the carefully selected foods you've chosen for everyone to enjoy. DJs set the mood for an unforgettable night of celebration and libation while guests, new and old, dance the night away.
And while you and your lifelong partner will undoubtedly be at the center of attention, your wedding venue is the hub for all the exciting activity around you.
The truth is that your wedding venue is an extension of the qualities that make you and your spouse special. It helps capture your uniqueness and is often paramount to an incredible wedding. But without the right wedding location and staff, the biggest moment of your life may be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, at Toccoa House Properties, you'll never have to worry about unremarkable ceremony spots or uncomfortable areas where your wedding party must wait.
Like a hidden gem, Toccoa House Properties lies deep within the mountains of Blue Ridge, GA. Here, soon-to-be-married couples and their guests can enjoy 17 acres of pristine private property in a storybook setting with river views and manicured meadows.
This highly sought-after wedding venue comes with a host of features and amenities, including:
If you've been searching for a wedding venue that epitomizes beauty, relaxation, comfort, and convenience, look no further than Toccoa House Properties.
As a wedding venue in Blue Ridge for couples in Riverview, FL, Toccoa House Properties is simply magical, where the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains meets the country-chic vibes of modern Appalachia. It has a distinctly custom-built feel, and for good reason. Nearly every inch of the property - from the luxurious cabins within walking distance of one another to the heated pool and more - was purpose-built for exceptional events, like weddings in Blue Ridge.
It all started when Oregonian Greg Spencer initially discovered the Blue Ridge area on a backpacking trip to the Cohutta Wilderness in the 1980s. A short time later, enamored of the area, Greg embarked on a land-purchasing mission that led him to 17 acres of undeveloped acreage. Amazed by the beauty of the Toccoa River and the inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, Greg wasted no time in securing what is now known as Toccoa House Properties.
Today, Toccoa House Properties exists as a one-of-a-kind, highly sought-after event space and wedding venue. As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in putting on fairytale weddings for you and your guests. In fact, our unique location and commitment to personalized wedding services are what separate us from other wedding venues in North Georgia.
Simply put, we aren't afraid to go "above and beyond" for wedding clients. If you need assistance or advice, you can rest easy knowing that our team will answer your calls - not an automated answering machine or third-party service.
Here at Toccoa House Properties, we do things a little differently than other wedding venues in North Georgia. Unlike most, we own the land that so many brides and grooms have used for their destination weddings. We designed and built each of the luxury cabins you'll find onsite, where you and your wedding party can rest, relax, and reminisce. Plus, we personally manage the day-to-day needs of our wedding clients.
On your big day, our ultimate goal is to exceed your expectations through personalized service, outstanding amenities, and the peace of mind knowing that your needs are our priority. When your wedding takes place at Toccoa House Properties, you're the apple of our eye, no questions asked.
Here are just a few of the most popular reasons why guests choose Toccoa House Properties as their wedding venue in Georgia, along with some helpful tips from our seasoned wedding venue staff:
When it comes to venue size and versatility, few wedding locations can match Toccoa House Properties. That's because we provide an alluring mix of outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception options spread across 17+ acres of beauty. Whether you want to recite your vows in the tranquility of our chapel or say "I Do" with golden hour river views, we can accommodate you. With more than 1,000 feet of Toccoa River frontage, lush meadows, rustic walking trails, and more, having a storybook wedding in the mountains is easy, like Sunday morning.
Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite teammates from your high school soccer team. Your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Toccoa House Properties is equipped for weddings of various sizes and themes. Whether you want a quaint wedding with only your best friends or a larger ceremony, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.
On your special day, chances are family and friends will be traveling to celebrate with you. These folks will need lodging both during and after your wedding. And if we're being honest, ease of accessibility is an important factor when choosing a wedding venue in Blue Ridge for couples in Riverview, FL. With six custom-built cabins, all within walking distance of one another, getting a good night's rest is easy when your wedding party stays at Toccoa House Properties. Need an offsite hotel or vacation rental? Blue Ridge, GA, is known for its charming and unique lodging options, many of which are only a few miles from our wedding space.
When you contact our wedding coordinator to schedule a tour, make sure to ask about the fun and exciting cabin amenities we have. From pool tables to hot tubs and more, your wedding will be more than just memorable: it'll be downright fun!
Toccoa House Properties takes pride in having one of the friendliest and most accessible teams in the industry. We assign a dedicated point of contact who can assist you with any queries regarding timelines, preferred vendors, or any other aspect of your wedding. Our goal is for you to feel fully informed and confident when you visit our Blue Ridge wedding venue for the first time so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
When you and your spouse celebrate your anniversary a decade from now, you will look back at your wedding photos and reminisce about the wonderful moments you shared at Toccoa House Properties. We understand the importance of preserving these memories, and as such, work closely with you and your photographer to suggest unique and beautiful photo locations on our grounds. From waterfront walks along the Toccoa River to poses in front of our lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from.
Need a little help choosing a local photographer for your wedding? As a popular wedding destination, we have had the pleasure of working with many talented photographers over the years. Through our experience, we have curated a list of preferred photographers who are familiar with our venue and have the skills to capture your special day beautifully.
We encourage you to check us out on Instagram and Facebook to see the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.
When it comes to the decor for your wedding, it's likely that you have some ideas already in mind. We're thrilled when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because we take joy in bringing that vision to life. At Toccoa House Properties, we're happy to assist you and your decorator accent, fit, and accommodate your dream wedding. Looking for some artificial floral arrangements? Need a specific type of centerpiece? Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.
If you'd like to supply your own greenery, florals, lighting, and more, we suggest that you discuss your ideas with us when you tour our wedding venue. That way, we can get a head start on accommodating your needs.
When asked to give feedback, guests cite our variety package options as a big reason for choosing our wedding venue in Blue Ridge for couples in Riverview, FL. We know that all couples will have different needs and budgets. That's why we offer a range of choices, from all-inclusive packages with lodging for 50 guests and complete access to Toccoa House Properties to Micro Packages with Vegas-inspired ceremonies that last an hour.
While we would be honored if you chose Toccoa House Properties as your wedding venue in Blue Ridge, we must admit that we're true romantics at heart. At the end of the day, we want your wedding to be the very best that it can be - which is why we're happy to provide some time-tested tips for selecting a location for your wedding.
When selecting a venue for your wedding, it's important to take into account the overall look and atmosphere you wish to achieve. Your chosen wedding style will determine which venues are most suitable for you and your partner.
What time of the year do you want to get married? Once you have an idea of a season, like fall or spring, come up with a list of potential of wedding venues in Blue Ridge, GA, like Toccoa House Properties.
One of the most important steps involved in choosing a wedding venue is to tour the space. Don't be afraid to ask pertinent questions. If the venue manager seems like they have better things to do than answer your questions, look elsewhere.
Once you narrow down your wedding venue choices, consider the amenities and services the venue offers. Be sure to weigh what they offer against your needs and budget to further narrow down your choices.
If you think your guests will hate a particular wedding venue location, why consider it in the first place? Choosing a destination - like Toccoa House Properties - that is within a short driving distance of grocery stores and restaurants is almost always better than a hard-to-access venue.
Do yourself a favor and check out the wedding venue's Google reviews and reviews on other platforms. You can also ask for opinions from people you trust, like friends and family members. Don't be afraid to reach out directly to people who have used the wedding venue previously. A wedding venue in Blue Ridge for couples in Riverview, FL, should be excited to show you their online reviews. If you notice a disparaging review, try asking the owner of the wedding venue to explain their side of the story before writing them off completely.
Try coming up with a list of pros and cons of each wedding venue that you're considering. Doing so can help you whittle your list down to one or two choices. Remember to trust your gut throughout this process. If you've come down to two choices, and something about one of the venues rubbed you the wrong way, it's probably for a reason.
Once you've settled on a wedding venue, it's time to book! As most wedding venues will tell you, try booking your venue at least a year before your wedding is set to take place. Doing so will give you plenty of time to plan. If you need help preparing, don't be afraid to work with a professional wedding planner to make your life easier.
When it comes to tying the knot with your soon-to-be spouse, there's a lot on your plate to consider. Choosing the right wedding space can mean the difference between the wedding of your dreams and an experience you'd like to forget. With six fully-furnished cabins, 17 acres of natural beauty, an array of outdoor activities, a quarter mile of Toccoa River frontage, and much more, there's no better option than our wedding venue in Blue Ridge for couples in Riverview, FL- Toccoa House Properties.
706-633-0141RIVERVIEW, Fla. - Advent Health is building its newest hospital on Boyette Road in Riverview. They're racing to finish construction and keep up with how fast the U.S. 301 corridor is growing in South Hillsborough County."We chose this specific location, because there are 500,000 people that live in about a 25-minute radius of this facilit...
RIVERVIEW, Fla. - Advent Health is building its newest hospital on Boyette Road in Riverview. They're racing to finish construction and keep up with how fast the U.S. 301 corridor is growing in South Hillsborough County.
"We chose this specific location, because there are 500,000 people that live in about a 25-minute radius of this facility," said Jason Newmyer, the president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth Riverview.
The new hospital is designed to expand with relative ease.
"We're going to start with 82 beds and have the ability to go to 160 beds without having to bring cranes back on the property or seriously impact traffic in any way," said Newmyer.
Riverview will be AdventHealth's 29th hospital in Florida. It's modeled after a hospital in another fast-growing part of our area. It's virtually the same as AdventHealth's Wesley Chapel Hospital, which opened in 2012 with 80 beds.
It's now more than doubled with 180 beds. Newmyer said what they learned in Wesley Chapel will help them grow in Riverview.
"We'll go into space that has already been set up with plumbing and gas ready to go. All we have to do is drywall and bring in beds," Newmyer said.
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It may or may not be a coincidence that a competing hospital company has a billboard along the highway very close by. It advertises Baycare's St. Joseph's Hospital South about 13 minutes away. It opened in 2015 with 90 beds, and it has now grown to more than 220 rooms.
Hosptial companies said they're not just putting up bricks and mortar, they're also bringing in jobs and expertise that helps growing communities.
"We’re recruiting doctors from around the country," said Newmyer. "Urologists, general surgeons, bariatric surgery, and orthopedics."
Advent Health is pouring $160 million into its new Riverview hospital, but with confidence of a good return on the investment.
"This ER is going to take care of folks that live in the Gibsonton, Riverview and South Hillsborough County area," said Newmyer.
In small towns that get big fast, people in the hospital business are building to grow. AdventHealth Riverview Hospital is scheduled to open in October 2024.
Population growth can have a ripple effect throughout a local economy. As people move into an area and families grow, demand for housing, local businesses and infrastructure can be unexpectedly impacted. Examining shifts in populations and their dynamics can help residents understand the greater economic picture and inform their financial decisions.To find where population growth has been most prevalent, SmartAsset examined the most recent U.S. population data across 344 of the largest cities to determine the biggest growth from 2017 ...
Population growth can have a ripple effect throughout a local economy. As people move into an area and families grow, demand for housing, local businesses and infrastructure can be unexpectedly impacted. Examining shifts in populations and their dynamics can help residents understand the greater economic picture and inform their financial decisions.
To find where population growth has been most prevalent, SmartAsset examined the most recent U.S. population data across 344 of the largest cities to determine the biggest growth from 2017 to 2022, including shifts between the balance of men and women.
Here is a closer look at the top 10 cities with the highest population growth from 2017 to 2022:
1. Buckeye, Arizona
Buckeye had the largest population growth of approximately 54.3% over the past five years, with the 2022 population standing at 105,567. The population is made up of 51.2% men and 48.83% women.
2. Enterprise, Nevada
Enterprise just missed the first-place spot, with 37.8% growth in population. By 2022, the city housed 231,446 residents with a slight male majority at 50.40%.
3. Goodyear, Arizona
In Goodyear, the population grew by 32.0% over five years. With a 2022 population of 105,404, the city maintains a balanced gender ratio, with men accounting for 50.19%.
4. Meridian, Idaho
Meridian’s resident base expanded by 29.8% over five years. The city’s population in 2022 registered at 129,730, with a nearly equal distribution between men (50.1%) and women (49.9%).
5. Atascocita, Texas
Atascocita had 27.5% more residents by 2022 when compared to 2017, with the most recent population clocking 107,626. Men marginally outnumber women at 51.4%.
6. San Tan Valley, Arizona
San Tan Valley charted a 26.5% growth in its population over the span of five years. The 2022 population stood at 117,415 with a nearly equal split between men (50.1%) and women (49.9%).
7. Riverview, Florida
This Tampa suburb experienced a population growth of 26.4% since 2017. The city’s most recent population count stands at 114,454, with a female majority at 53.25%.
8. Frisco, Texas
Frisco registered a growth of 23.9% in its population. As of 2022, the city had 219,571 inhabitants, balanced almost evenly between men and women.
9. Sugar Land, Texas
In Sugar Land, the population increased by 23.6% in the last five years. With 109,395 residents in 2022, the female population slightly outweighs its male counterpart at 51.5%.
10. Lewisville, Texas
Lewisville capped the list with a growth of approximately 22.8% since 2017. The city’s population in 2022 was 130,933, with a female majority at 52.8%.
Data and methodology
This study examined the 344 U.S. cities that had a population of 100,000 or higher in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 1-Year American Community Survey. Cities were ranked by five-year population growth between 2022 and 2017. The population of men and women as a percentage of the whole was also examined. Population data includes people of all ages. Changes in population may be due to births, deaths or migrations.
This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — While Tuesday's storm system cleared out of the Tampa Bay region, people living in coastal areas remained on high alert for flooding.People near the immediate bay were facing a possible 2-3 foot water rise.The National Weather Service found evidence that an EF-0 tornado likely touched down Tuesday afternoon just south of Downtown St. Petersburg.Elsewhere,...
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — While Tuesday's storm system cleared out of the Tampa Bay region, people living in coastal areas remained on high alert for flooding.
People near the immediate bay were facing a possible 2-3 foot water rise.
The National Weather Service found evidence that an EF-0 tornado likely touched down Tuesday afternoon just south of Downtown St. Petersburg.
Elsewhere, strong thunderstorms brought down tree branches and tore up a backyard awning in the Eagles neighborhood in northwestern Hillsborough County.
7:06 p.m. A tornado warning was issued for Highlands County through 7:30 p.m.
6:53 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning continues until 7:30 p.m. for parts of DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible.
6:47 p.m.: The squall line continues pushing through portions of DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.
6:16 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7 p.m. for portions of DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible.
5:49 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 6:15 p.m. for parts of DeSoto and Sarasota counties. Wind gusts to 60 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.
5:28 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 6:15 p.m. for parts of DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible. Pea-sized hail is possible, as well.
4:58 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m. for parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible.
4:50 p.m.: Residents in the Eagles neighborhood in northwestern Hillsborough County are assessing the damage after strong to severe storms moved through.
4:45 p.m.: The tornado warning earlier in effect for Hillsborough County has been allowed to expire.
4:36 p.m.: Strong storms are seen from the downtown Tampa area. There are no immediate reports of damage.
4:31 p.m.: A tornado warning is in effect until 4:45 p.m. for parts of Tampa and central Hillsborough County.
4:31 p.m.: Previous tornado warnings in effect for Pinellas County are no longer in effect.
4:22 p.m.: A tornado warning is in effect until 4:45 p.m. for parts of southeastern Pinellas County, including the city of St. Petersburg.
4:12 p.m.: A tornado warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The storm is moving generally east and will effect portions of South Tampa.
4 p.m.: The tornado warning earlier issued for Pinellas County has been allowed to expire.
3:54 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for parts of Pinellas County. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible.
3:43 p.m.: A tornado warning is in effect until 4 p.m. for parts of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
3:41 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m. for parts of Citrus County. Wind gusts to 60 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.
Forecasters warned of a possible tornado, too.
2:43 p.m.: The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners declares a local state of emergency to respond to possible impacts.
2 p.m.: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closes early for the day because of the threat of severe weather. It will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
1:19 p.m.: The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners declares a local state of emergency to respond to possible impacts.
1:15 p.m.: A tornado watch has been issued through 9 p.m. for portions of Central Florida. A few tornadoes and a couple of intense tornadoes are possible, and 70-mph scattered damaging wind gusts are likely.
RIVERVIEW, Fla. - Fifteen-year-old Andrew Papp is a hero, but the sophomore at Riverview High School hardly said a word about it in school.His principal, Brian Spiro, told Andrew’s Junior ROTC class how he saved a woman as others stood and watched.READ: Man accused of attacking woman at Riverview Publix arre...
RIVERVIEW, Fla. - Fifteen-year-old Andrew Papp is a hero, but the sophomore at Riverview High School hardly said a word about it in school.
His principal, Brian Spiro, told Andrew’s Junior ROTC class how he saved a woman as others stood and watched.
"Andrew saw that as an opportunity to step in and protect her, and he did so decisively," Spiro said.
A man was arrested in Riverview on Monday after good samaritans stopped him attacking a 65-year-old woman at a Publix parking lot.
Andrew didn’t pause for an instant when he dashed across a supermarket parking lot to save the woman from a violent carjacker.
"He told me to give him my keys, and I said no and turned away from him, and he was still all over me," 65-year-old Billie Richert told FOX 13 News shortly after the attack.
On Wednesday, Andrew talked about why he went after the attacker.
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"It’s just the right thing to do," he said. "I mean that could be someone's mom, someone's aunt. Like if that was my mom, and someone did that to my mom, and he got away, that's just like, that's terrible."
15-year-old Andrew Papp
Richert wasn’t injured and was in Virginia with family for Christmas when she learned that she was saved by a 15-year-old boy along with a man who came running moments after Andrew intervened.
School officials arranged a FaceTime meeting on Wednesday so that Richert could thank Andrew.
"I want to thank you for helping me when I needed help. Your mama raised a good boy," said Richert.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," said Richert’s granddaughters as they made Christmas cookies, something they might not have had the chance to do had Andrew not come to her rescue.
Robert Moore, 42, was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with robbery by sudden snatching, battery on a victim over 65 and battery.
RIVERVIEW — It was still dark when the waters breached Pam Marshall’s Riverview home at 5:30 a.m.She and husband Jeff Marshall grabbed what valuables and important papers they could and made sure their two dogs and cat were safe.Within 30 minutes, their living room was 6 inches underwater.“Once it started coming in, it was coming in fast,” said Pam Marshall. “I was in a panic.”By 10 a.m., the water had receded to the porch, revealing the damage left behind. Sodden furniture and ...
RIVERVIEW — It was still dark when the waters breached Pam Marshall’s Riverview home at 5:30 a.m.
She and husband Jeff Marshall grabbed what valuables and important papers they could and made sure their two dogs and cat were safe.
Within 30 minutes, their living room was 6 inches underwater.
“Once it started coming in, it was coming in fast,” said Pam Marshall. “I was in a panic.”
By 10 a.m., the water had receded to the porch, revealing the damage left behind. Sodden furniture and soaked dog mattresses lay on floorboards that had warped and detached from the underlay.
The combination of Idalia-fueled storm surge and a high tide raised the Alafia River to a 6.5-foot flood stage in the Riverview area early Wednesday, the highest level this century, according to National Weather Service records.
Tactical search and rescue teams were dispatched to flooded parts of the county, said Earl Brown, deputy operations section chief for the county’s Emergency Management office. There was also flooding in low-lying areas of Gibsonton and areas west of U.S. Highway 41, Brown said. Boats on lifts 6 feet off the ground were unmoored in parts of Apollo Beach.
“Our hearts go out to those who have been affected,” he said.
Parts of the Alafia River near Lithia regularly flood, especially when heavy rains send additional water from the Alafia headwaters in Polk County. Many homes in that area are built on stilts, some as high as 20 feet, and streets are equipped with sirens to warn residents.
But the area hit by Idalia was closer to Tampa Bay, one that floods only rarely.
The Marshalls have lived in their 1970s-style ranch house on Park Drive since 2010. It has never flooded before, Pam Marshall said. It backs onto a tiny spur of the Alafia.
Fearing that floodwaters might return with an afternoon tide, family members arrived with a trailer to try to salvage furniture as granddaughter Callista, 2, ran around the home.
A Hillsborough County code enforcement officer already visited their home and told them to begin the process of making a claim to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The home is in an evacuation zone, but Pam Marshall said it didn’t make sense to evacuate since the winds were not particularly dangerous.
“I’ve gone through Irma and Ian and other storms,” she said.
A few doors down on Park Drive, Victoria Crib and Brandon Lee watched the floodwaters anxiously.
Their home was dry so far, but the couple also feared a king tide on Wednesday afternoon would bring more menace. But the drop in winds as Idalia moved farther north meant less water was pushing into the river from Hillsborough Bay.
Jannette Diaz couldn’t sleep Tuesday night as she heard bands of rain pass over her home on Magnolia Street. At 2 a.m., she turned on her porch lights to discover the river was closing in on her front door.
Her defense line of 10 sandbags held firm. She also lifted furniture off the ground and used breeze blocks to raise her sofa off the floor.
Diaz, 55, said she ignored the evacuation order because the winds were not dangerously high and she wanted to be there to try to protect her home.
“I’m a Floridian; I’ve been here all my life,” she said.
Floodwaters forced Sarah Strickland and her husband to evacuate their home on Casa Loma Drive at 4 a.m.
About 18 inches of floodwater penetrated the home, where she has lived for the past three years. The couple have flood insurance.
“It needs a lot of work,” she said of her home’s interior. “But nobody’s hurt; nobody’s injured.”
• • •
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