Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Moise
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in rural North Carolina, I was surrounded by an environment that lacked stability and security. The abuse was a constant, and from an early age, I had no choice but to grow up quickly. This upbringing shaped me in many ways, forcing me to learn resilience and how to care for others, particularly my two younger siblings. They depended on me, and I developed a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. The need to nurture and protect became second nature, and I knew then that I wanted my life’s work to involve helping others avoid the pain I experienced.
Even as a child, I felt drawn to the idea of caring for others more profoundly. I remember vividly how specific experiences opened my eyes to the world of childbirth and maternal care. Witnessing the birth of a new life is deeply spiritual, an event that carries an inexplicable beauty and grace. Something within me knew I wanted to be a midwife—to be there during those pivotal moments, holding and rocking laboring moms, offering comfort during one of the most intense experiences of their lives. It came naturally, like something I was always meant to do.
Yet my desire to care for others didn’t stop at the birthing room. Alongside my growing passion for midwifery, I became increasingly involved in another significant life event—weddings. It started as a side gig, coordinating weddings for my nursing friends, long before wedding planning became an industry of its own. Back then, I thrived on the excitement of it all. The more details there were to manage, the better I felt. Everything from the décor to the timeline to the emotions poured into the day fascinated me. I organized weddings before Martha Stewart’s name became synonymous with bridal perfection.
As I lived this double life—balancing pregnant moms with unborn babies with in-utero conditions and wedding coordination—I began to see how intertwined the two passions were. Both centered around love, family, and community, and both allowed me to calm others during significant, often stressful, life events. Helping usher in new life and celebrating the creation of a new family through marriage gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. There was something magical in it all.
While I was engrossed in helping others during these significant life transitions, my husband and I started reflecting on our future. We shared a deep love for all things weddings, and the idea of building something that could create lasting memories for couples began to take shape. We dreamed of having our own space and venue where we could host weddings and create a welcoming environment for families, much like we had experienced when coordinating weddings for our friends. We envisioned a serene and beautiful place with all the elements we found inspiring: trees, water, and rolling hills.
The search for the perfect property was long—two years, to be exact—but in the end, it felt as though the land chose us. There it was, waiting for us, with everything we had imagined: expansive trees, a peaceful body of water, and gentle hills that evoked a sense of timeless beauty. It was perfect. We purchased the land and began designing the venue that would eventually become Ma Maison.
Designing and building Ma Maison was a labor of love, and it took two more years before we hosted our first wedding. The process was intense and full of planning, envisioning, and creating. Every detail had to be perfect, and we ensured it embodied everything we valued—beauty, family, and love. Our French heritage inspired the name “Ma Maison,” meaning “My House.” The name resonated with us deeply because we wanted the venue to be more than just a space for weddings; we wanted it to feel like a home where couples, their families, and guests would feel welcomed and cherished. Ma Maison was designed to embody both elegance and warmth, just like the events we would host there.
Years later, I look back on the journey with immense pride. We have hosted over 1,000 weddings at Ma Maison, each one unique and special in its way. Every time a couple walks down the aisle, I’m reminded of the beauty of new beginnings, much like the ones I had witnessed as a labor and delivery nurse . Our venue has become a place where memories are made and love is celebrated, and that fills my heart with joy.
Through all of it—the challenges of growing up, the nurturing of my siblings, the years spent as a labor & delivery nurse and now, owning and operating a wedding venue—I’ve learned that life is about finding purpose in the way we care for others. Whether guiding a mother through childbirth or ensuring a couple’s wedding day is as magical as they dreamed, my life’s work has been about providing comfort, care, and love during life’s most important moments.
To me, Ma Maison is more than a business; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream to help others. From growing up in a place where I had to learn resilience to creating a venue that offers peace and joy to countless couples, my journey has come full circle. Ma Maison has become a testament to what it means to build something beautiful from difficult beginnings, and it is a home where love thrives—just as I always hoped it would.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The challenges are far too many to count. However, the reward has been great. Early challenges have been building a business from scratch and a venue. We were taken advantage of by our builder, who would have the following delivery or subcontractor work without even giving a quote or competitive quotes from other vendors. This all occurred without our knowledge, and then we got nearly finished and ran out of money from his neglect.
We persevered and grew a thriving business until Covid struck, and the hospitality industry has never been the same. It required us to shift and put our medical thinking cap on to provide a clean and safe environment to safely celebrate weddings without becoming the next super spreader event. We were only closed for 6 weeks as Ma Maison is the “Perfect” covid venue as it has many open spaces.
The other challenge is social media. I did not grow up with social media, and this is an entirely new idea, one that has required a great deal of coaching and younger millennial help.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ma Maison, our venue combines the magic of the French wine region countryside with the rustic beauty of Texas Hill Country. Nestled in the heart of Dripping Springs—yes, the “Wedding Capital of Texas”—we’ve created a unique escape where timeless elegance meets a laid-back vibe, all just a short drive from Austin. It was important for us to create a timeless venue and not a country barn.
What We’re All About
At Ma Maison, French for “My Home,” we specialize in creating unforgettable wedding experiences that feel both luxurious and inviting. Picture 23 acres of rolling hills, shaded groves, a sparkling lake, and sprawling event spaces that seem straight out of a dream. We’ve designed our venue to be the perfect blend of Texas charm and European elegance, complete with spaces like The Great Hall, the vintage French gazebo at The Green Cathedral, and our Tunnel of Love. Each location on our property is as beautiful as it sounds, making every wedding truly one-of-a-kind.
What Makes Us Unique
We’re known for creating more than just a beautiful setting; we create memories that last a lifetime. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, we’re all about tailoring the day to you and your love story. Plus, we know how important flexibility is for today’s couples. So, if you’re envisioning a sunset ceremony at the Lake View or a cozy winter reception inside The Great Hall, we’ve got you covered with spaces that shine no matter the season. Our four-season climate-controlled European chapel has become the highlight of the Hill Country, especially with our crazy and fickled weather patterns.
Our Proud Moments
What makes us proudest? We’ve hosted over a thousand weddings and still get butterflies every time we help a couple’s vision come to life. It’s the laughter, the happy tears, and the joy that fills our venue that remind us why we love what we do. Our team goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is picture-perfect (and Instagram-worthy!). From the décor to the big moments, we’re there to ensure everything feels effortlessly elegant.
Why Ma Maison?
Simply put, we’re a venue that feels like home, yet has all the grandeur you could want for their big day. We’re all about creating a space where love, laughter, and memories are made—without the fuss. And if you’re searching for that dream venue that can do it all, look no further. Our team at Ma Maison truly love and serve with grace.
How do you think about luck?
I used to think I was the luckiest girl in the world—going from a childhood of scarcity to a life filled with abundance. For so long, I looked at my journey as a series of fortunate twists of fate, moments of serendipity that somehow carried me from humble beginnings to a thriving business. But it wasn’t until recently that I realized this wasn’t luck at all. It was the intersection of opportunity and divine timing, and it was built on a foundation of hard work, determination, and an unshakeable belief that I could create something beautiful out of very little.
I’m proud, and I’m grateful. Not just for the blessings that have come my way, but for the relentless drive, the late nights, the sacrifices, and the resilience that made those blessings possible. Every step of the journey has been a testament to what’s possible when you combine a deep purpose with unwavering tenacity. Now, looking back, I see it’s not the luck that defines my story; it’s the will to turn dreams into reality, to build something meaningful, and to open doors for others along the way
Pricing:
- Venue rental fees begin at $4995
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themamaison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamaison/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATXMaMaison
Image Credits
all photo credits: Photohouse Films: https://photohousefilms.com/
