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Casa de Phlorez is a brand new outdoor event venue that started welcoming guests for the first time this year. I was able to interview owners Art and Melinda Flores about their vision for their new business, and what locals can expect from their beautiful and newly finished site.
FresYes: Tell us about Casa de Phlorez – what was the vision behind the business and how did it come to be?
Melinda Flores: Casa de Phlorez is a small event venue that my husband and I own and built along with our two sons. I have a master’s degree in Organizational Management with a specialization in project management and my husband, Art Flores, has a bachelor’s degree in Operational Management. We both work full-time jobs and have been working on building our dream venue for the last two years on our days off.
The idea to build an event venue came from a desire I had to write a book about how couples meet and how special that first butterfly feeling is between two people. I know it sounds so cheesy but I’m a total romantic. I mentioned this goal of mine to my husband a few years back and I didn’t realize that he kept that in the back of his mind. One day we were driving around Fresno County’s countryside and we stopped to take a scenic picture, and he said, “Let’s build on your dream and open a wedding venue.” That weekend we put our house up for sale and began our search for the perfect location. As we searched for our new chapter in life everything fell into place as if it was meant to be.
My passion comes from wanting to give people a place where they can live out their dream weddings. I’ve met several couples who are excited to get married and I love it! I have to hold back tears of happiness when I am giving a tour of our dream venue because I have heard them say what we have built is literally their dream wedding location. It’s not a big venue but it’s just right for those looking for an intimate gathering.
We held an open house to kick off the start of our venue on February 6th and look forward to filling our calendar for this year and next.
The spelling for Casa de Phlorez is a play on our last name, Flores.
FY: What makes Casa de Phlorez unique?
MF: Our unique features are barn doors on our black barn. We were looking for a little more of a modern look and took a chance by going with a black barn instead of the traditional red barn.
We are designed for events that are smaller in size — we designed our venue for people who want a more intimate feel to their events.
FY: What types of events are you most looking forward to hosting?
MF: Funny you should ask, my husband and I each have our own ideas of what we envision. I am looking forward to hosting weddings and special occasions. My husband has his own spin on hosting events, and he is looking forward to hosting events where people can come out and have a date night or just a place to hang out. His first event will be on April 10th, he is collaborating with Mega Texas BBQ and will be hosting a ticketed event where people can come out have BBQ under the stars and listen to the Bearded Ukulele play live music.
FY: What can those who book an event look forward to when they choose Casa de Phlorez?
MF: People who book an event at Casa de Phlorez can look forward to a private event surrounded by almond and orange trees. We have beautiful sunsets, and we try our best to provide a safe and clean environment.
FY: While we wait for life to get back to a new normal, what types of precautions will you be taking/recommending for events taking place in the near future? Can guests book events happening soon?
MF: Last year and going into this year have been very difficult for so many due to Covid-19. We understand that people are ready to move forward but may still be cautious so, we are glad that we can provide an outdoor venue that has plenty of space for clients to social distance. We added additional space at the back of the barn to offer an additional seating area to ensure our clients feel safe.
Yes, we are booking events that can take place soon. We are offering micro-events for 50 guests or less for the next few months and booking larger events later in the year.
FY: Are their accommodations for bad weather available?
MF: We are currently working with vendors that can provide clients with canopies for bad weather conditions.
FY: Anything else you’d like FresYes readers to know?
MF: As small business owner’s, we are strong supporters of our community and other local small businesses. We look forward to meeting new people and sharing our space with others.