IYN Spotlight – Lazy S Hacienda

We’re back with a new venue that we’re featuring in our IYN Spotlight series! Lazy S Hacienda is one of the newest venues in the DFW Metroplex and it is filled with beautiful, Mexican details and unique features around every corner. We had the honor of getting to know venue owner, Mamie Slaughter Hudson and hearing about her stunning new space.

We’re so excited to chat with you, Mamie! Tell us a little about you and how you go into this business.

I was born in Fort Worth and moved to Weatherford in the 1980’s. After school and some time out in Los Angeles, I made my way back to Fort Worth where I worked in the buying office for Neiman Marcus, furthering my love for design and luxury goods. I have always been an entrepreneur and when my father moved from this property to Oklahoma, he let my husband and I take it over. I knew I wanted to be in a joyful business and work with people, and as I learned more and more about the event and venue business, I knew it was perfect for this beautiful piece of property and my family.

The Lazy S Hacienda is unique for many reasons, but the most obvious is the modern Mexican aesthetic. We brought in gorgeous authentic Saltillo and hand painted Talavera tile from Mexico and supported craftsmen and artists wherever we could. Our indoor and outdoor sconces were all hand made in Coyote, New Mexico and our gorgeous contemporary farm style tables and custom ceremony benches were handmade here in Weatherford by an incredibly talented craftswomen. These luxury upgrades are included in our rental price and elevate every event without the added cost and hassle of delivery and rental costs. Our bluff side location provides an incredible view and breeze that can not be replicated.

What is your favorite fun fact or hidden feature of Lazy S Hacienda?

Here is something fun, we just added an all electric Porsche Taycan to our services as an exclusive “getaway car” option. The couple or special guests can be chauffeured in the Taycan after the event. We also house another incredible historical vehicle here – a 1961 Presidential Edition Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine that was used by JFK and Jackie Kennedy! It was a secret service vehicle that has technology that was not known to have been invented during that time. Right now it’s not road safe, so we are using it as a set piece for one of a kind photos. And keeping with the transportation theme, we also have a helipad that can be utilized for exciting entrances and exits.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When the client’s big day arrives and I see the smiling faces of the couple and their families, I get lots of hugs and we often shed a few happy tears. At one wedding as we were coming out of quarantine, the bride had family in from several states, including Alaska! She hugged me at the reception and told me that her mom had been in a coma just two weeks prior and she didn’t know if she would even be alive, much less out on the dance floor at her wedding reception. I had no idea. Sometimes we don’t realize how “good for the soul” it is to get together with the people that we love. Being in the same room, laughing, talking and dancing is more important than we realize, especially after the year that this world has experienced. At the Lazy S Hacienda, our goal is to provide a beautiful place where people can gather while enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature and feeling like they are away from the “rat race” so they can just be present with the ones they love and make tons of memories to share over and over through the years.

What trends are you loving right now in the industry?

I just love that weddings are now less about stuffy traditions and more about showing your friends and family who they are as a couple. From food choices and decor, to surprise dances and including pets.

If you could give your couples just 1 important piece of advice while planning, what would that be?

The guest list is key. Ask yourself, would I want to take this person out to dinner and drinks on a normal day? Only invite people who will be present with you and sending you love every minute of the event. Do not waste your time and money on people you feel you have to invite. It is your day and your time!

What do you like to to with your free time?

Travel to beaches with my family and meet friends at music festivals! The less exciting answer – I love to read, ride horses and see movies.

Are there any fun facts that you’d like to share with us?

Well since you guys are into music. A fun fact is that I dated a musician for several years after college and our break up album went platinum! The songs about our relationship that you may know would be “Calling You” from History for Sale and then “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me” from Foiled by Blue October.

How can couples get in contact with you?

Thank you, Mamie!