50 by 50: House of Joy on the Move
When I first started my business - long before House of Joy had a name - I had what I lovingly call big loft goals. A creative office filled with collaboration, the freedom to design boldly, and the chance to build a life around meaningful, well-crafted events. I’ve always been deeply goal-oriented. I write things down, revisit them often, and quietly work toward them year after year.
One goal, in particular, felt ambitious when I first put pen to paper.
To produce events in all 50 states.
Not just to travel, but to truly work - to plan, design, direct, and support events across the country. Weddings, corporate gatherings, brand activations, workshops, and celebrations of all kinds. If people are gathering with intention, I want House of Joy to be part of it.
Years later, this goal is still unfolding - and it continues to shape the way I approach my work.
Photograph by Chelsea Barhorst
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Why Producing Events Nationwide Matters
The 50 by 50 goal has never been about checking boxes. It’s about learning.
I’m endlessly fascinated by how geography, culture, and community influence the way people celebrate. The way events unfold in the Midwest feels different than on the West Coast. Coastal light, Southern hospitality, mountain towns, urban centers - every market teaches me something new about design, logistics, and human connection.
Producing events in new locations pushes House of Joy creatively. It challenges us to adapt, listen, and collaborate with local vendor teams while honoring what makes each place unique. That curiosity - and respect for place - has always been at the heart of our work.
Photograph by Amanda Watson
Photograph by Amanda Watson
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Where the 50 by 50 Goal Stands Now
Since first sharing this goal publicly in 2020, House of Joy has continued to grow beyond Ohio, often through word-of-mouth referrals and trusted creative partnerships.
Recent and upcoming milestones include:
California officially checked off with Kinetic 2025
Texas added after assisting with an event at the Commodore Property
Maryland coming soon in 2026 - and one I’m especially excited about
New Mexico also joining the list in 2026
Michigan already holds a special place, with Mackinac Island planned for 2026
Producing events in Illinois, particularly Chicago, always carries a sense of coming home
Some states will likely take extra persistence - Alaska, Idaho, and the Dakotas come to mind - while others sit high on my wish list, including Maine, Maryland, and Vermont.
Photograph by Chelsea Barhorst
Photograph by Amanda Watson
A Goal That Requires Community
For a long time, I worked toward this goal quietly and independently. But what’s become clear is that I can’t complete it alone.
Many of the states we’ve crossed off are thanks to clients, planners, photographers, and fellow creatives who shared my work, made introductions, and trusted House of Joy in new markets. That generosity - and belief - is one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.
My hope has always been to complete this goal by the time I’m 50. And while I don’t know exactly when the final state will be checked off, I do know this: I won’t stop until it is.
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Photograph by Amanda Watson
Help House of Joy Reach All 50 States
So I’m putting this goal back into the world - not tucked into a planner, but right here.
If you’re planning a wedding or event in a state House of Joy hasn’t reached yet, if you’re a creative partner who values collaboration, or if you know someone looking for an experienced planning and design team - I would love to connect.
Fifty states. One thoughtfully produced event at a time.
Photograph by Chelsea Barhorst
Photograph by Erika Aileen
Photograph by Chelsea Barhorst
Where House of Joy Has Produced Events
California
– Kinetic, Santa Barbara (2025)
Colorado
– Mariellen & Jason’s Wedding, Granby Ranch
– Emergence Event, Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Illinois
– Shannon & Brian’s Wedding, Patrick Haley Mansion
– Rhombus & Caitlin’s Wedding, Gallery 1028
– Outdoor Rehearsal Dinner
– University Club of Chicago
– Ongoing work in Chicago (feels like home)
Indiana
– Liz’s Lick Resort Calligraphy
– Jenny Haas Workshop Design, Laurel Hall
Kentucky
– Leah & Alex’s Wedding, Hotel Covington
– Editorial, Speed Art Museum
Louisiana
– Erin & Ben’s Elopement, New Orleans
– Emergence Event
Maryland
– Coming in 2026
Massachusetts
– Kylie & Andrew’s Wedding, The Mount, Lenox
Michigan
– Nicole & Tate
– Mackinac Island (coming 2026)
Missouri
– Maria & Fade’s Wedding, Powell Hall
New Jersey
– Mary & Justin’s Wedding
New Mexico
– Coming in 2026
North Carolina
– Emergence Event, Flat Mountain Farm
Ohio
– Home base (numerous weddings and events across the state)
Pennsylvania
– Kate & Taylor’s Wedding, Heinz History Museum
– Hillary & Davis’s Wedding, Longue Vue Club
Texas
– Event support at the Commodore Property
West Virginia
– Kate & Victoria’s Wedding
Wisconsin
– Katie & Jason’s Wedding, Riviera Ballroom
Mexico
– Corporate Sales Trip, Riviera Maya
High on the Wish List
Maine • Vermont • Alaska • Idaho • North Dakota • South Dakota
(And always open to wherever this goal leads next.)
