For your reception, our spacious, covered Grand Pavilion is embellished with enchanting twinkling lights and comfortably holds 250 + guests. The Charming koi pond for guest enjoyment with available feeding experience is one of a kind. Separate air conditioned bridal & groom suites is an intimate retreat adorned with vintage décor for getting ready & pre-ceremony lounging makes for a great space to wait to say “I DO”.

Air-conditioned, modern & spacious restrooms onsite as well as an indoor staging area for Catering with industrial 3 bay sink, commercial ice machine, prep counters, warming cabinet & refrigeration. We include round dinner tables & white padded chairs for 120 guests, in addition to 7 auxiliary banquet tables for DJ, buffet, appetizer, bar, sign in, sweetheart & cake!

We take away the work and do your set-up & breakdown of your custom designed floor plan. Tasteful classical instrumental music for pre-ceremony & cocktail hour throughout the gardens and Pavilion. 19th century Chandeliers with dimming for intimate setting. Ambient lighting along pathways & grounds with garden up lighting with weather protective transparent roll-down walls. Our password protected live web cameras allow your friends and family all over the world to view your wonderful day!

Convenient, on-site private parking complete your wedding day experience. Don’t forget we offer 5 star Wedding Coordinator and event planners as well as All-Inclusive packages to leave you stress free during the planning process.

Featuring a one of kind home, you can also stay on site at our Mixon Farmhouse Inn or use it for intimate wedding & rehearsal dinners. Our Mixon Farmhouse Inn can hold lodging for 13 people in it’s open floor plan of 4 bedrooms & 1 1/2 baths. It’s newly remodeled with Chicago brick and ship lap with Mixon Family history throughout. A wrap around kitchen, wet bar, porch swings and rocking chairs make this quiet location the perfect place to get ready on your big day! There is no better place than this hidden gem that you have to see to believe.

Take a 360 look around using this link: 360 Degree Video

First thing to consider is the TYPE of guests you have coming. Think of guest list. How many guests are coming?  What percentage are drinkers, beer vs. wine vs. cocktails? Are there more seasoned guests or younger crowd? Are they heaving drinking vs. light drinking crowd? Do they prefer IPA’s and martini’s or a beer is a beer is a beer? Once you determine that you are half way there!  Keep that in mind as you decide the following.

What TYPE of bar do you choose?  Beer and wine only?  Beer , wine and cocktails? Or maybe beer, wine and specialty drinks? Yes, we know SO MANY OPTIONS. So how do you decide? Refer to the above and also your budget. There are many ways like shopping at big box warehouses and large retailers that allow you to return unopened and non-chilled product and also offer a large selection at great prices. Also, consider an open bar, it’s easier, you can control consumption and most people don’t carry cash.

What TYPE of drinks do want to serve? At the Pavilion at Mixon Farms, we give you 1 box of complimentary Mixon Select wine when you book with us within a week of your tour. That is a savings of $180! WOW! Right!  In that you get 12 bottles and you get to pick your wine flavors, so be sure to do the free wine sampling in our café! (you’re welcome!) Here is how the amounts break down so you can better decide quantity of what to have for your guests.

Half Barrel Keg (full keg) = approx. 120 16oz cups of beer
Quarter Barrel (pony keg) = approx. 60 160z cups of beer
Wine = on average 5-5oz glasses in 1 bottle of wine, according to winefolly.com
Liquor = standard 750ml bottle = 16 drinks using 1.5oz per drink

Next, to serve Liquor, Do or Don’t? Again refer to the first point!  Should you choose to do liquor one of the biggest things we find, is the type being brought doesn’t match the mixers. So, we created an add-on, only available at The Pavilion, of all your mixers. We stock all your soda, juices and garnishes. Guests will also make their own concoction with mixers too so it’s best to over plan. Don’t forget the return policy on unopened bottles!

Also, are you offering a signature drink? !  A fun way to serve liquor at your wedding without all the extra hassle, is to do signature drinks! Feature them to match you and your fiancé’s personality or your favorite cocktail. Also keep in mind that signature drinks tend to be the most ordered so you’ll want to double stock because everyone will want one! We love signature drinks, as you can see from a recent wedding here, the bride and groom got super creative! Serving the signature ONLY at cocktail can cut the costs if the ingredients tend to run high for the type of drink you are serving. Keep in mind, how the bartenders will handle the rush of the bar PLUS a couple of signature drinks, so if possible, keep it simple but refreshing OR have some items premade if possible if it doesn’t change the drink look or taste. We are really loving the twist on Pina Colada’s, especially since we do only mixed drinks, this Cîroc Colada sounds amazing!!! If you offer the signature throughout the evening, be sure to provide enough ingredients to last the whole 5 hour event.

IPA’s vs Domestic & Imports?? The new trends in beer are being seen here at the Pavilion, from Growlers being part of centerpieces, to couples bringing in their own beer in them of a special bath beer they made especially for their big day. Whether you prefer, light, or dark, IPA or Domestic, keep in mind your guests as well. We suggest picking a beer that you like, and then also choosing a brand that everyone can enjoy and throw in a pony sized IPA to help people expand their beer palates!

Bar PLUS VISUAL = GREAT IDEA! Last but not least, featuring your bar is really fun way to make sure that your guests get a special experience. Anyone can walk up to a bar and order a drink, however only here at The Pavilion can they walk up to vintage whiskey barrel bar, under twinkling lights, with a waterfall backdrop! So, even if you don’t shake up your drinks game, you can with the right décor rental items!!

At the end of the night and your wedding, your goal is to have fun and enjoy every moment… so don’t sweat the small stuff. We hope that you can hang your hat on a few of the above pointers, ask us any questions you may have and we will be happy talk you through the bar process!! We are so excited to see how your bar gets ROCKED out like a BOSS!!

~ The Dream Team

From a custom designed family signature sign from the groom to his bride to their very sweet children it was a beautiful occasion. Simple white Lamour linens from US Tent Rental & Linens by the Sea, with hints of gold and blush made their look very stately, soft and romantic. We hope you enjoy these moments captured by their photographer Nostalgic Heart Photography of their special wedding day with us here at The Pavilion.

Jennifer & Kenny had an amazing bride & grooms tribe. Her strapless dress paired with a blush pink bouquet were so romantic and made her look complete, alongside his custom blue suit with BMW cufflinks.

Jennifer seeing her surprise from the groom for the first time, a family sign for their home.

Jennifer and Kenny chose to write custom vows to each other.

Romantic setting for two with touches of gold and lace.

A kiss to finish off the most perfect day.

First thing to remember is what kind of vibe are you creating? Is it more formal, casual or a combination? Many couples like to keep their ceremony traditional but set the tone for what’s to come with music that is not. For example, there are some really great instrumental renditions of the top pop hits, and your ceremony entrance song could be one of those. By using music and décor of course, you let your guests know to expect a party later in the evening.

Once you’ve determined how you want the feeling to be, you’ll then decide what elements lend to that to spice things up. For example, a photo booth is always a simple fun way to add to your reception and make an appearance fairly often at weddings. Want to kick it up a notch, check out these fun creative backdrops!! We personally love the this sequins one that you write and draw pictures in from Be Scene Photobooth.

Another way to make your reception a bit unlike any other party, make it interactive! How about lawn games to give your guests something different to do? At The Pavilion, our game area is top notch. Our large sized Chess & Jenga along with Cornhole make for a perfect mix and mingle for the cocktail hour portion of your reception. We love the take these groomsman had on our Citrus train at Mixon Farms!

You may have seen the photo we posted on Instagram of the Donut Wall! Yup, that’s right Donuts on a wall, and here is great DIY from Pinterest on how to create your own wall or better yet, let us handle it! We offer an amazing Donut & Coffee Bar option with lots of toppings, and glazes! You’re welcome! What a better way to sweeten the night! Donuts not your thing, maybe a “make your own S’mores bar?” And spice it up with our very own Mixon fudge! How do flavors like butter pecan and cinnamon bun sound! Again, you’re welcome! Find more foodie ideas here!

Something for the adventurers, how about a wedding photo scavenger hunt! Give guests your hashtag and have them snap away photos to match the list on the card left for them at their place seating. This helps create a mingling atmosphere and lots of creative photos to cherish. Have your DJ encourage it by reminding guests to include the hashtag and complete the list!

There are an extreme amount of ideas out there, yes, we know, because we did a google search so just think about the feeling you want to have for your reception, the type of guests who will be attending and get a little creative with it! Take a traditional idea and put a twist to it and we are sure it will WOW your guest! P.S. Flash Mobs are still super cool!! Just throwing that out there!

Have a great time finishing all your wedding planning and as always find us on our socials, ask us questions or for ideas, we love to help you make your day special and unique!!

Pink Hugs
~The Dream Team at The Pavilion at Mixon Farms!

This week we are featuring one of our Pink List Member DJ’s! We know that one of the main ingredients for a wedding to be GREAT versus good, is the music! A wedding involves so many emotions, happy, nervous, wildly excited and those are all amplified and hit home with music. When choosing your music and DJ entertainment, be sure to follow a few key points such as, is their equipment up to date, are they still using cassette tapes? Do they have video and reviews from a wedding or event they have DJ’ed in the last month? How responsive are they? Lastly, their style of music; do they know the songs you are mentioning or are they trying to steer your choices in a different direction? With that, let us now introduce you to one of our very own 5 Star awarded DJ’s in the Sarasota, Manatee area, TLS Entertainment!!

We interviewed owners Tim & Megan Baers Schlach:

How long have you been in business?
4 years

So Tim,Tell us about you/family
[I] “Married to Megan Baers Schalch on November 10, 2018 – we have two dogs, a corgi mix and a Doberman”

How did you get started in your field?
“TLS Entertainment started from line dancing at clubs, events and weddings. Couples loved my personality and ultimately asked if I could DJ and teach line dancing at their weddings. Thus, TLS Entertainment started and now is a full fledged entertainment company offering DJ, Lighting and Photo Booth services”

Why do you love what you do?
“Seeing people smile… laugh… dance… and ultimately have an awesome time is what drives me to do what I do. Oh, and I happen to be fairly good at it :)”
(We agree, he has taught many of us to line dance at our weddings when we get pulled into the mass on the dance floor)

One tip for our brides?
“Stay in the moment. Be Selfish with your groom and enjoy the evening with him – take a moment and sneak away and take everything in as it flies by. And make sure to eat your dinner!!” (We agree, eating is super important!)

If you could choose a different career what would it be and why?
”Something within Sports – I played college and professional baseball and wanted to continue within the field. Life happened and now I am in marketing and advertising with ABC 7 and own TLS Entertainment… which I’m pretty excited about!”

Favorite Quote
“If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.”

Favorite Wedding Song?
“In the still of the night – Boyz II Men.”

What one thing every couple needs but forgets a lot?
“To eat!!!!”

TLS, we thank you for your candidness. TLS also offers a really fun, open air photo booth, Be Scene Photobooth! At the Pavilion at Mixon Farms, we know we owe a lot to having amazing wedding professionals to work with in the Tampabay Area. Our wedding coordinators jobs are much easier when the DJ is on top of things to help the flow going when they a get pulled in a hundred directions. If you haven’t visited our top rated wedding venue, schedule your tour today and follow TLS on Facebook, Instagram!!!!

When you have your wedding at The Pavilion, your guests are in for treat vacation while they are here. Starting with our very own venue, did you know that you are getting married on historical land!? That’s right! The land that Mixon Fruit Farms, The Pavilion & orange grove sits on, was originally owned by Joseph Braden, who founded & named “Bradentown’, later renamed Bradenton!

Mixon Fruit Farms, the parent company to The Pavilion at Mixon Farms, has been around for 80 years!! Mixon’s is a locally owned company that started out selling oranges at a small fruit stand at the intersection where we are located. We invite you to grab one of our famous Cuban sandwiches or Mixon Orange Swirl ice creams from the Café, catch a tram ride through the grove, visit the Wildlife Rescue Center, Amazing Play place for the kids and the Gift Shoppe!  Indeed a tourist attraction, on our Wildlife Rescue Tram tour, your guests will learn about the various fruits, machinery and history behind the Southern Charm! Also, when you visit for your wedding tour, stop by the wine counter and try Mixon Select Wines. Over 30 selections are offered and are great as welcome gifts for your out of town guests.

Our area also offers many other attractions and things to do which is why we make an all around well rounded choice for your wedding. Downtown Bradenton, just a 10minute drive, offers a fun atmosphere with restaurants such as O’Brick’s and Loaded Barrel, top places to take the after party to for post wedding fun! If a brewery type atmosphere is something you would like we are located just a few blocks from Motorworks Brewing Company!

If you or your guests have never been to the west coast of Florida, you may not know that the Pavilion is located just a short 20 minute drive from Anna Maria Island touted as a best kept secret by many travel blogs and visitors.  Not only that, it’s one of the top best beaches in the world, and was named so by Conde Nast Traveler! Picture having a post wedding day beach day or brunch! Many restaurants such as The Sandbar and Island Creperie serve locally sourced foods for brunch too.

So aside from the amazing reviews from the best couples a venue could ask for, an atmosphere of lush gardens, waterfall, koi pond and orange groves, The Pavilion at Mixon Farms is situated in the heart of a great town that is sure to wow your guests. We welcome you to come see us, take a tour and begin planning the next steps to your I DO with us!

Bride or her family:

• Wedding dress including accessories and alterations
• Ceremony location such as church, venue and anything concerning the ceremony; for example organist, harpist &  programs
• Flowers for the ceremony location, archway and also the bouquets & corsages for the bridesmaids
• Reception is also on the plate of the brides family unless it’s the same location, then it is split equally between both sides. The bride’s family is also responsible for the additional items that go along with the reception, décor, catering and photography
• His wedding band
• Save the Dates & Invitations

Groom or his family:

• Brides Engagement & Wedding Band set, unless passing down from family heirloom
• Bride’s Bouquet, wrist corsage or flowers for mothers and grandmothers on both sides, all boutonnieres for the groomsman, fathers and grandfathers
• Engagement party & Rehearsal Party including planning and hosting
• Music or DJ for the reception
• Honeymoon

Bridesmaids:

• Maid of Honor along with Bridal Party hosts, plan & pay for the Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Attire for the wedding; dress, shoes, hair & makeup

Groomsman:

• Best Man & Host, plan & pay for Bachelor Party
• Wedding day attire rental or purchase and any extra grooming

Bride & Groom:

• Gifts for the Bridal Party, Parents
• Tips for any of the professional services, bar, catering, florist, DJ

Now, all of the above is interchangeable and many couples sit down and make a list of their desires to help balance the budget. For instance, if the food is more important to one of you than the photography, swap those items out. Knowing what your “MUST HAVES” & “WOULD LIKES”, are is a huge to recognize early on in the planning process. Keep in mind, your wedding date, and divide the total cost throughout the months leading up. If you are solely in charge of paying for your wedding, then be sure to plan out far enough to allow yourselves time to pay for it to make your planning less stressful. All in all, it’s about making it YOUR day, not doing it for others. Happy Planning!!!

Pink Hugs!
~ The Dream Team

DO try on your suit! It’s one of the things that will set you apart from everyone else. If you have a specific fun style, be sure to try that suit on, make sure when you sit, reach and bend that it feels good and you feel comfortable. Also be sure to try on the shoes with it; kind of like a dress rehearsal. Put everything together in one place so when the craziness of the day and packing happens you are all set.

DON’T get a fresh shaving of your head on the day before or morning of. If you are prone to having shorter shaved hair, get it done a few days in advance to give your scalp time to tan if you are outside guy. You definitely DON’T want to have a light scalp showing through with a bronze toned face and neck. DO however get a clean cut or trim haircut the day before or morning of and BOOK your appointment in advance, you don’t want to walk in a have to wait a long period time which could throw off arriving to the venue a later than planned time.

DO have fun with the guys the morning of it time permits. An early game of golf, beach volleyball or a good run or workout. It’s always good to do something other than sit around and watch the clock so be sure to have something planned to get out, burn off some steam and wedding day jitters.

DON’T drink too much at the rehearsal dinner! Do stay hydrated. Along with all the getting ready and the excitement of the big day, it can be a very draining day because of the extra energy use due to nervousness, mental thoughts of running through things in your head on where to stand, when to walk and do I have everything. Even if you consume no alcohol the night or morning of the big day, staying hydrated is super important so that you can dance into the night later!

DO send a little gift to your bride to be! Make it something personal, maybe an inside joke with a note. Have a groomsman deliver it to her while she is getting ready and be sure to have someone there to take photos if the photographers haven’t arrived yet!

DON’T make any major changes to plans the week of the wedding! Nothing could make a bride and a planner more nervous than changing something such as adding to the ceremony, changing a timeline, or getting a tattoo!! Yes, that’s happened! The least amount of changes that you make or can control the week of the wedding makes everything run smooth because there is bound to be someone that didn’t get the memo. Certain circumstances can’t be avoided but most can so tread lightly the week of the wedding!

DO spend some quite time with just the two of you the week of the wedding. Plan a day to be alone, a simple day. Maybe go to the beach for dinner, stroll through the park, take in a movie and dinner, or just veg out at home, no phones with take out. Whatever it is, do it and be present in the moment because once family and friends start to arrive, you won’t have a moment alone to just be.

DON’T forget to check all your itineraries, passports, lodging and details for the honeymoon the week before the “I DO”! Be sure nothing has changed in your accommodations, flights, and double check that you are packed everything in seperate suitcases from wedding day items. Mark the luggage with a Mr & Mrs tag or bow to designate, HONEYMOON only. Also be sure to check prescriptions prior as well so you dont’ have an issues running out while out of town.

DO ENJOY every moment, no matter how crazy and hectic it may be, ENJOY! Take everything in and know that no wedding ever goes perfectly however at the end of the beautiful day, you have each other and you’re married! Take time to really look at each other the night of the wedding, and admire her in the moment so you can save it reflect back on.

DON’T sweat the small stuff. and see the above DO!

We hope you enjoy this blog, if so we would love that you share it!

~The Dream Team