Our
Story
The Journey Begins
Every great story has a beginning, and ours starts with two remarkable people.
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In 1942, two hardworking tenant farmers, along with their two young children, purchased the farm they had long dreamed of owning. It was more than just a piece of land—it was the foundation of a family's future. As the years passed, they welcomed three more children, all of whom grew up working alongside their parents in the fields.
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For decades, the farm flourished with tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, and a variety of fresh produce. Through dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work, the land became more than a livelihood—it became a legacy.
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Today, over 80 years later, the third and fourth generation continues to work the same soil their grandparents and great grandparents once cultivated, carrying forward the traditions and values that have been passed down through the years.
From Family Farm to Community Gathering Place
While farming remains at the heart of who we are, our family's journey has grown into something much bigger.
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In 2010, we launched Broken Plow Farm as a way to share our family's love of the land with the community that has supported us for generations. What began with hosting small birthday parties soon grew into cherished seasonal traditions. Families returned year after year to enjoy our Easter egg hunts, Halloween hayrides, and Christmas hayrides, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime.
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As our passion for welcoming others to the farm continued to grow, we partnered with local schools to offer educational field trips. These visits gave students the opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand, learn where their food comes from, and gain an appreciation for the hard work that goes into farming. We also believed that every lesson should come with plenty of laughter, adventure, and hands-on fun.
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Although we no longer host hayrides or school field trips, those years remain a special part of our story. We are incredibly grateful to the countless families, students, and teachers who visited Broken Plow Farm and became part of our extended farm family. The friendships, smiles, and memories created during those seasons will always hold a special place in our hearts.
The Birth of Daniel's Ridge
After years of dreaming, planning, and family discussions, another exciting chapter began in 2019 with the opening of Daniel's Ridge at Broken Plow Farm.
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From the very beginning, we wanted to create more than just a beautiful wedding and event venue—we wanted to build a place where families and friends could celebrate life's most meaningful moments. Every detail was thoughtfully planned to blend timeless elegance with the warmth and authenticity of our family's farm.
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This venue truly was a family project. Together we designed spaces, painted walls, installed shiplap, landscaped the grounds, and poured countless hours of love into every corner of the property. Our hands built what our hearts envisioned.
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When you celebrate at Daniel's Ridge, you're never just another reservation on our calendar. We believe in treating every couple, family, and guest like one of our own. Our hope is that when your event comes to an end, you'll leave feeling like you've become part of the Daniel's Ridge family.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
One of the questions we're asked most often is, "Where did the name Daniel's Ridge come from?"
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Daniel's Ridge is proudly named in honor of Daniel Gillis—The son of Richard & Debra Gillis, and brother to Amanda. Daniel touched the lives of so many with his kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit. Although we lost him in 2015, his memory continues to inspire us every single day.
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Naming our venue after Daniel is our way of honoring the incredible person he was. We believe he would be humbled to know that a place dedicated to celebrating love, family, and life's happiest moments carries his name.
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Every wedding, celebration, and gathering held here continues his legacy by creating joy, bringing people together, and making memories that last a lifetime.
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We are honored to share our family's story with you, and we can't wait to become a small part of yours.
