CJ’s Off the Square
Historic Downtown Franklin, TN is known for its’ southern charm, historic roots and friendly people. Many people in the community live by these values and strive to preserve them. Similarly these values are at the foundation of many local businesses. One local business that exemplifies this is CJ’s Off the Square.
The doors opened
Caren Joy (CJ) Dickson spent five years working in the music business in Nashville before she got restless for a change. Her husband recognized this itch and suggested she make a career out of what she loved—parties, pretty things and socializing. She considered careers in the hospitality industry and working for a hotel.
But the stars aligned in October 2004 when a realtor contacted Caren about a house for sale in historic downtown Franklin that would make a great event space. Suddenly CJ’s past career pursuits faded and everything seemed right, her dream job was waiting for her at 218 3rd Avenue North. A month later, she started her own business. The doors at CJ’s Off the Square opened to plan and host special events and weddings.
The Venue
CJ’s Off the Square is undeniably welcoming space with a warm southern charm. It stands apart from other venues because each client makes it their own. Working with an expert event staff, each clients can make the event as formal or as casual as they want with a full range of in-house serviced. CJ’s Off the Square has been a gracious host for high-style elegant weddings, birthdays, baby showers as well as corporate retreats.
Because each event is equally as special and personal, there is only one event booked per day. From 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. clients get exclusive use of CJ’s Off the Square. The space includes the gallery on the first level of the house, tented pavilion, perennial garden and gazebo.
Planning & Coordinating Services
There is no template to follow and no limit to what your event can be at CJ’s Off the Square. For weddings, it is an idyllic place for high-quality, intimate celebrations. Similarly, they offer special event services that are truly special and adapt with each client.
While they offer complete planning and coordination services, clients can choose to get as much or as little help as they need. And all planning services are available for larger events that don’t use CJ’s as their venue.
CJ and her staff have established a broad network of vendors around Williamson County and Nashville. They will happily help you find invitations, event rentals and lighting, caterers, cakes and desserts and flowers. They have relationships with every type of vendor, and multiple vendors in each category. This network of vendors is large enough to ensure they can fit any couples’ budget and style.
Planning a Wedding
CJ’s Off the Square has played host for a variety of different events but is recognized for their distinguished weddings.
For weddings, there are no packages to choose from. While they offer full-service planning and coordination, you don’t feel pressure to use services you don’t need. Their services are affordable and the flat fee is cost-effective way to plan because the clients don’t have to deal with confirming vendors or handling payments.
Couples that want to use CJ’s for their wedding come in for an initial appointment with Amy Parman, the events manager, or CJ herself. The ladies listen to the couples’ ideas and find out how they can help to fulfill their vision.
Hometown Business
CJ Dickson describes Franklin as a small town with big town resources and amenities. She loves the close-knit community and knowing her neighbors. They help each other, stick together and celebrate the small-town spirit. She loves working with her neighbors as a business owner and as a resident.
CJ also appreciates the different lifestyles and how you can leave the bustle in downtown Franklin and find the pristine countryside five minutes down the road. This subtle diversity also lends her the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and forces her to adapt to their needs and interests. This is one of the reasons CJ’s has had great success at creating distinctive and seamless weddings and events.
Check it out
Yes! CJ’s Off the Square is open for business and taking reservations. There has been some confusion due to city construction on 3rd Avenue North. Don’t forget the space is not limited to weddings. Milestone Birthdays, anniversaries, elaborative showers and rehearsal dinners have all been celebrated at CJ’s. In addition the space can be used for corporate meetings or private dinner parties.
To learn more visit www.cjsoffthesquare.com
CJ’s Off the Square
218 Third Ave. North
Franklin , TN 37064
615.216.7576 (p)
615.261.9905 (f)
info@cjsoffthesquare.com
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