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Hello! We are Bill and Julia Whidden, we've been married for 30 years and have been residents of Lake Wales, Florida, for almost 7 years, after raising our three children in the Orlando area. We've been a significant contributor in the event industry for over 25 years, designing and developing event decor used around the world, at major sporting events, award ceremonies, the White House and Disney World.
We purchased the Flying Osceola Ranch in 2005 and have since enjoyed cultivating the land whilst indulging our love of horses, fishing, flying and growing sugarcane for future rum distilling! In 2022 we decided to utilise all our experience and passion for the events industry by designing and building a premier wedding venue on the property. We wanted to create an elegant and unique building whilst staying true to beautiful old Floridian architecture. We hope that you will love the Sugar Barn as much as we do and we can’t wait to meet you!
Venue Manager
A LITTLE ABOUT ME…
I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Sport and Event Management in August of 2023. After graduation, I worked as an Account Executive for the MLB Detroit Tigers at their Spring Training location in Lakeland FL.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB…
What I love most about my work is that every day brings something new. I have the joy of helping couples bring their dream wedding to life. Whether it’s designing floor-plans, curating menus, or managing the smallest details. Being part of that journey and seeing it all come together on the big day is incredibly rewarding and always so much fun.
Executive Chef
A LITTLE ABOUT ME…
Originally born in the Dominican Republic, I played Major League Baseball which brought me to the states! I graduated from the Art Institute of NYC in 2004 and I moved to Florida in 2011. I have worked as a Chef at various restaurants and venues such as Lakeland Yacht Club, Streamsong, and 1961.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB…
When I see people enjoy my food, and they bow their head or glance at someone else to compliment it, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction. It's as if my heart swells with joy, knowing that the time and love I put into cooking has touched their hearts and taste buds. Seeing their reactions – the closed eyes, the nods, the smiles – validates all the effort and care I put into every dish. It's a feeling of connection, knowing that the food I've prepared has brought people together and created a moment of happiness. In those moments, I feel grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and make a difference in others' lives through something as simple yet profound as a meal.
Sales Manager
A LITTLE ABOUT ME…
Originally from the UK, I spent 15 years coordinating weddings at some incredible hotels and venues in London, one of which was the castle-like building that the car flies over in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB…
I love hearing each couple’s story; how they met, fell in love, where and how they got engaged, and what their hopes are for their wedding day. No two stories are the same. I also love seeing how excited people get when they hear about all the fun they can have if they hold their wedding at Sugar Barn! From the Airboat entrances to the Helicopter exits! It’s a real celebration and something that they, their friends, and their family,
will never forget!
Sugar Barn is located just outside the small ‘city’ of Lake Wales, about an hour south of Orlando, 30 minutes from Winter Haven and halfway between Tampa and Orlando airports. We are right next to the heart of the Kissimmee River, surrounded by citrus groves, charming small towns, beautiful lakes, and maybe just a couple of theme parks…. If you are looking for a Wedding destination where your guests can come and enjoy the whole weekend, or even month! - You have found it!
I had my wedding at the Sugar Band November 8th, and it was everything my fiance & i could have dreamed of! The guest raved about the amazing food! Everything went so smoothly and Bill was amazing with accommodating anything we needed and made sure everything ran smoothly! Truly the best night ever !!
The Sugar Barn gave me the wedding of my dreams. Bill and his incredible staff were the best and make me feel like a guest at my own wedding. Forever thankful for the sugar barn
We had our wedding here 03/06/25 and everything was PERFECT! Staff is extremely friendly and easy to work with. We did the elopement package and so happy we chose this venue. Photographer that was included in the package exceeded our expectations. The owners Bill and Julia did such a beautiful job with the venue and are truly very sweet people. Would HIGHLY recommend this venue to everyone! A plus was the dinner they prepared was absolutely DELICIOUS. And the guests couldn't stop talking about how beautiful the venue was set up.
We couldn't have asked for a better experience or to feel so well taken care, down to the last detail. The organization, attention to detail, and professionalism was outstanding! The food was amazing and plentiful, the venue was regal, and the staff was so helpful and kind from day one through the wedding! I highly recommend Bill and his team. The Bennetts / Hawkins March 2025.
I held my wedding here in December 2024 and it was the best decision ever! Our guests described our wedding day as a fairytale and we couldn't agree more. The outdoor ceremony was a dream. We were lucky to have perfect and chilly weather that day and having it outside we were surrounded by the beautiful sounds of nature and the sun coming through the trees all made it a perfect ceremony. The Barn was decorated so beautifully and elegantly. The staff made my vision come to life and even better than I had imagined. The food at this venue is incomparable to any other venue I've been to. All our guests were pleasantly surprised and loved the variety of food we had. I was worried at how the food would come out on such a large scale, but I can confidently say that it tasted the same as it had on the day we came for our tasting. It was so delicious!! Bill, Julia, and the Sugar Barn staff are just divine they made the day even more perfect. Everything was done on schedule and in a timely matter. Their attention to detail and professionalism is unmatched. I wish I could relive this day over and over!!
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