Long before it became a place for "I do," this land was rooted in love and hard work. Once a working dairy farm dating back to 1945, the property has always been a gathering place where people came together to celebrate life, music, and milestones. When the farm was purchased in 2001 and a home was built in 2004, the vision began to take shape, honoring the past while welcoming something new. In its early days, the property echoed with music and energy, hosting unforgettable concerts featuring legends like Willie Nelson, Eddie Money, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with the area's first ever bull riding events. It was a place alive with spirit, connection, and unforgettable memories. Then in 2008, something unexpected happened. A wedding planned almost by accident sparked a new chapter. What followed was a natural and beautiful evolution. Love stories began to unfold here, one after another, as couples were drawn to the warmth, charm, and authenticity of the space. With thoughtful renovations year after year, and under Jack's vision, the barn wedding era truly flourished, transforming the property into a sought after wedding destination while preserving its rustic soul. Today, with 25 years of excellence, this venue stands as a place where history meets romance where generations of memories linger, and where couples begin their forever surrounded by timeless beauty, heartfelt moments, and the magic of a place that was always meant to bring people together.
The Daniel Barden Mudfest was created in memory of Daniel Barden, one of the first grade students whose life was taken during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012. Daniel Barden Mud fest began with a moment that changed everything. Here is a story from Dan Williams below
After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, my niece Maggie was just a few rooms away from where her best friend, Daniel Barden, was taken from this world. At Daniel's funeral, a vision became impossible to ignore the course, the obstacles, the fire, the music, the energy. I knew something had to be built. I made one phone call. I called Jack Buschman, owner of MKJ, and asked if we could bring this to life on his farm. Jack had already spent years uniting people there the first wedding barn in our region, built on gathering, connection, and purpose. His answer was immediate: "Hell yes." That yes turned vision into action. From the start, there was only one mission: help the Barden family stand back up and do it in a way that honored Daniel's spirit, not the tragedy that took him. Mud fest began as a single act of purpose. It became a movement. For more than 14 years, Mud fest has raised funds, brought people together, and helped revive a small town that needed something to believe in. Along the way, it shaped something deeper too a responsibility to this land and the people who show up for it. What started as a fundraiser became a long term commitment. Through Mud fest, we invested in this property year after year. Today, we are proud to own the farm allowing us to protect it, grow it, and build on it with intention. Not just for one event, but for generations. This land has always been a place where people gather to work, to celebrate, to push themselves, and to heal. Mud fest didn't change that. It revealed it. Mudfest is the heart of MMR. This is home. We're building something that lasts for the Barden family, for Deansboro, and for everyone willing to do something hard for something that matters. This is legacy, built with grit. — Dan Williams
Stephanie is the Event Sales & Experience Manager at Marshall Mountain Resort, with over a decade of experience in weddings, private events, and high-end hospitality. She is known for crafting elevated, seamless celebrations that feel both intentional and effortless, whether an intimate single-day gathering or a fully immersive destination wedding weekend.From initial vision through on-site execution, Stephanie oversees every detail with precision, discretion, and care. Her calm, experience-driven approach ensures a smooth flow for guests and a refined, stress-free experience for couples and clients allowing them to remain fully present in a celebration that is thoughtfully curated and unmistakably their own.
6844 W Hughes Rd,
Deansboro, NY 13328
(518) 577-7709
Stephanie@marshallmountainresort.com
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