Katie Maynes is a creative wedding photographer who has been documenting unforgettable love stories for ten years & counting. However, her dream has always been to merge her passion with also owning a vibrant & versatile wedding venue… & after searching for years, Katie finally discovered John Padden’s “Woodland Farm” (original name), the most charming homestead in the heart of the Cedar Valley. The historic victorian cottage & expansive grounds brimming with potential spoke to Katie.

She could envision the cottage as a beautiful bridal guest house, the willow tree as a picturesque ceremony backdrop, the old hay barn for elegant, yet rustic dinners & the courtyard for dancing the night away. Katie is dedicated to transforming this enchanting property into a haven for unforgettable events. From weddings to grad parties, to community events, we welcome you to “The Cottage at Woodland Farm”, & we can’t wait for you to explore all that the property has to offer.

Meet Kayla Smith, the go-to gal behind the scenes at The Cottage at Woodland Farm. As the Venue Manager, Kayla truly does it all. From giving tours & planning with couples, to overseeing staff & making sure wedding days run smooth, she keeps everything & everyone on track! The best part is that she does it with a calm, collected presence, & a whole lot of heart. Kayla’s passion for people, weddings, & florals truly make her a triple threat (in the best way!) for The Cottage at Woodland Farm!

When she’s not working for The Cottage, Kayla is running her own business, Pocket Full of Posies, a floral shop based out of New Hampton, IA. Because of this, Kayla is a total pro at styling tablescapes & adding just the right touch of elegance to our charming venue. Somehow, Kayla balances it all while raising her three adorable kiddos alongside her husband. Kayla brings energy, creativity, & care to The Cottage - she’s a big part of what makes the place feel so special, & we are grateful to have her!

Joining the team during the venue’s very first year, Tiffany Slick started out as an Event Bartender… however, it didn’t take long for everyone to notice she always went above and beyond, stepping in wherever needed, for whatever was going on. Today, as our Venue Coordinator, Tiffany works closely with couples. As a bride-to-be herself, Tiffany brings a unique perspective to her work, truly understanding the excitement, emotions and details that go into planning the perfect day.

When she’s not giving tours or flawlessly executing wedding days, Tiffany is spending quality time with her fiancé and their 4 boys… yes, 4 boys! Her ability to balance family life with her dedication to our couples speaks volumes about her commitment and heart. We are incredibly lucky to have Tiffany’s hard work, positivity, and dedication as part of our venue management team. She can’t wait to celebrate with each and every Cottage couple and help make their wedding everything they’ve dreamed of… and more.