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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

For over a decade, Starwood Farm II in Jemison has hosted weddings and special events. Located off Jemison’s Interstate 65, Exit 219 in the countryside, the rustic and peaceful atmosphere has hosted birthday parties, quinceañeras, family reunions and over 60 weddings.

The 45-acre property was purchased by the late Hugh “Buddy” Stith III in 2005 to accommodate his family for social gatherings.  The property was named “Starwood Farms II” after a Starwood Farms that Stith’s father owned during his adolescence in the 1950s.

After several friends inquired if they could have their wedding at Starwood Farm II, Stith opened the property up to the public to be leased as a wedding, family and corporate event venue.

In 2019, Blair and Emily Foster of Calera, who had previously worked as marketing director for Starwood Farms II, purchased the property from Stith and moved to the location.

“It is magical seeing people start the first day of their lives together as a couple,” said Blair Foster. “Every wedding is different with all kinds of people, social classes and personalities.”

The property features a Muscadine vineyard, barn and a fully-stocked pond where couples frequently “tie the knot.” Three Southern-Living blueprint cabins are also frequently used for the bride and groom to get dressed in.

The tongue and groove cabins, look out across the pond, and the Fosters have announced that Starwood Farms will begin renting the cabins; providing couples the opportunity to reminisce on the memories of their wedding day.

“As soon as we announced that we were opening the cabins to be rented, we had several couples that were married here in the past immediately contact us,” said Blair.

Starwood Farms II is a family-operated property. Emily and Blair maintain the property; provide a golf-cart transport service during events and can provide wedding planning assistance when needed. They also have a list of recommended vendors upon request.

“This is a beautiful place,” said Blair. “We have plenty of space. I keep fishing rods for couples that want to fish during their stay. We are looking forward to seeing couples return.”

Starwood Farms II is located at 15549 County Road 42, Jemison. For more information, contact Blair Foster at Starwoodiivenue@gmail.com.