It’s Spotlight Day! Where we introduce you to incredible Orlando wedding venues and vendors, and the stories behind their companies who help Wedding Venue Map couples have their best wedding day.
It gives us great pleasure to introduce Carrigan Franks from Dragonfly Farms FL.
When people ask “what do you do”, how do you answer?
We make wedding days an amazing experience. We work hard to ensure your wedding day is a stress free as possible and a day you will never forget for all good reasons.
What did you do before this?
I was a figure skating coach for 5 years while attending college at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. I enjoyed teaching kids how to skate and valued their same passion that I had in a sport that’s treated me well for many years.
Having that structure and ability to connect with people is a great asset in managing a wedding venue. Plus compassion is always appreciated and needed on such an emotional and wonderful day.
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
I was looking for an internship and I have always had an interest in weddings. So when I stumbled across the beautiful Dragonfly Farms FL, I knew instantly I wanted to be a part of the Dragonfly family and the industry that the founders have built.
What is your favorite thing about what you do? And what is your why?
Here at Dragonfly Farms we have an amazing team that works so hard for the couple. Fulfilling their vision of their perfect day is important to our team. We absolutely love seeing their smiles right before they walk down the aisle and soaking in their true happiness.
What motivates you to do this every day?
We are motivated by new beginnings and hope for the future. We care about our couple’s wedding day as much as they do and we work really hard to exceed their expectations.
What is the best compliment you have received from your clients?
When someone was a guest at a wedding here, or in a wedding at Dragonfly Farms FL, and they come back and book their wedding. That is the BEST!
Share the details of your most memorable event and why.
All events have something special! We love seeing fun and quirky introductions from the bridal party and always the first dance of the new married couple- so sweet!
What fun fact would clients be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a professional figure skater in sunny Florida and loved to entertain crowds while on the ice
What gets you most excited about the wedding day?
Seeing someone’s dream day become their best day ever!
What’s your favorite wedding tradition?
The wedding anniversary dance – I love seeing the longest lasting couple on the dance floor. It makes everyone see that true love can go the distance!
What’s your favorite wedding color combination?
I love seeing white florals with greenery and champagne accents! It is timeless and always will look great in photos!
How do you spend your time away from work?
Always with family! Every day matters in this life and making the most of it with my family is something I will always cherish.
How did you decide on the name of your company?
I love this question! A new beginning, some say, is what dragonflies exemplify. Others say dragonflies are your lost loved ones visiting you. I was chatting with the founder of Dragonfly Farms one day and wanted to hear about how Dragonfly Farms received the name.
The founders, Brandy and Troy Douglas had such a special story explaining that she was mowing the lawn one day, trying to figure out what to name this venue. She mentioned that at the time she craved a visit from her loved ones and the dragonflies didn’t disappoint. They would show up and follow her as she mowed, darting around, levitating right in front of her. This went on for months and months. It became a game of sorts.
Then one day it happened…it was March 19th and she was doing her weekly task of mowing, it was a beautiful day, and she was several hours into mowing when it happened. Many will call it coincidence or a fluke but not her, she called it a sign.
So, as she was mowing she was thinking of her dad who had recently passed away, especially that day because it was his birthday. Suddenly, one dragonfly had the courage to land on the bill of her hat and just rode with her while she mowed. It wasn’t a quick ride either, it was seconds and seconds and seconds.
After what seemed like minutes, the dragonfly simply flew away. It was that day that Dragonfly Farms FL came to be.
What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?
We treat your event like it was our own event. We have guidelines that are in place to make sure your day runs smoothly. They are protect the couple and ensure an amazing day. We provide a well-curated vendors list to make planning easy. Once you are a Dragonfly couple you are family.
What types of events do you specialize in?
Weddings, vow renewals, elopements, and anniversary parties. We do any type of event.
Tell us about your favorite type of engaged couple.
Kind!! We love kind couples, kind vendors, kind guests. It’s the golden rule and we believe in treating others how we want to be treated.
Why do couples hire you?
Because we are upfront, honest and fair. Our venue is a lot of bang for the buck. All climate-controlled inside and beautiful outside areas. Amazing photo opportunities.
What does your most popular package include? What is the price range for your packages?
Our Dragonfly package which is the venue for 10-12 hours, tables, chairs, linens, decor, dessert area, gifts area, signs, facility coordinator, and more.
$6,000-8,500 is average. All the details are on the website under the pricing section.
What is the most unique service/product that you offer?
Champagne Truck for cocktail hour.
What are the most common questions you get asked by brides/grooms?
Budget questions, vendor questions, and how to plan with less stress.
The best piece of advice for brides or grooms.
Select your venue. Once you know the where and the where everything else falls into place.
Tell us the 3 vendors that you enjoy working with and why.
Love working with Patti of Buds Etc.– her passion for florals shows each and every time.
Love working with Jackie of Ardensea Photography – She makes the couple feel so at ease. Very sweet and professional.
Love working with Wild Thyme Catering such simple, good food organized in an inviting way. The staff is fun and professional.
Here is what some previous couples had to say…
“Upscale barn venue, with A/C! Plenty of room to mingle with everyone and not be on top of one another with “sit down” dinner seating. Perfect for any private or corporate event. Separate bride’s room and groom’s room so everyone can be at the same location getting ready for the big event! Outside Pavilion is spacious and covered, Fountain area is beautiful, the grounds are immaculately kept. A real Class Act! Dragonfly Farms FL is a must-see.” – Dawn
“Brandy, Carrigan, and the entire Dragonfly Family was amazing! They truly made our day the best day. Everything ran so smoothly and I did not have to worry about a single thing! All decor is included which helped tremendously with our budget and we got to go pick what we wanted to be displayed. The venue itself is gorgeous and pictures don’t do it justice! I’ve been following this venue since they first opened and so happy that this was the place that I got to marry my best friend. Fun fact: my husband actually proposed to me at the alter during a tour of the venue because I wanted to see it in person that badly” – Lexie
“Working with Dragonfly Farms was amazing! They treated us so well!! The team at Dragonfly Farms exceeding expectations and they were like family!! I highly recommend Dragonfly Farms! Plus it is a beautiful venue!!” – Miranda
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