Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Bohls
Hi Katy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
(taken from our website)
Katy’s introduction to the wedding industry in Austin started when she took over a part of her family business and revamped the event rental business into Sweet Sunday Events in 2009. As a complete design firm, Katy was written up in local publications such as Austin Monthly and Tribeza magazines, as well as national write ups. Later she launched her own floral and design business, Without Wax, Katy.
But Katy always had her eyes set on something more, on creating a wedding venue that was a modern, industrial warehouse feel that didn’t exist in Austin or Central Texas at the time. A venue you could walk in to and the building told a story and did most of the work for you. Something industrial enough to be different, but romantic and soft enough to create an intimate space for a wedding.
And then, the Austin area’s very first industrial venue, The Union on Eighth, was born. Fast forward, Katy was ready to take another historic property and breathe life back into it. In August 2021 the Wish Well House was introduced and the rest is history.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most challenging part of the process was securing city approvals. When dealing with historic properties, there are additional hurdles that make the process more time-consuming and complex. It took roughly 1.5 years to get through/approval of City and Historic boards.
(history: from the website)
Step inside Wish Well House, its stunning high ceilings, original hardwood floors, natural light warmly streaming through the two stories of windows and what you’ll find is that, behind all the beauty around you, is quite the history.
1920 was the date. And Sheriff Lee O. Allen was the man behind the building, constructing the then, 8 room home, into a refuge for his growing family. Sheriff Allen, one of the counties first, was in the midst of helping the future Governor of Texas, Dan Moody, investigate the Ku Klux Klan in what would eventually help bring the downfall of the Klan in the State of Texas.
Sheriff Allen moved on, eventually becoming the Sheriff for Travis County. Leaving the home to his son, he would transform the Prairie Style mansion into overnight accommodations, dubbing it, The Texas Hotel. The hotel would then be sold to the Dixon Family in the 40’s. Coco, the matriarch, and her family would add onto the rear of the house to make more rooms for the hotel, bringing the total rooms to 15.
Upstairs in what are now the sophisticated bride and groom’s quarters were 2 of the original Texas Hotel rooms. The original pine floors and windows look out onto the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, just as they did so long ago.
Back downstairs, in what is now the reception hall, stood a single story building that was used as the washhouse for the hotel. Coco and her helpers would do the laundry and make preparations for the day’s guests here.
Coco would eventually shut the hotel down and pass the spectacular property onto her nephew who had begun his own legal career, setting up the Bryce Law firm that would remain until it started its new chapter as the Wish Well House.
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?
(taken from our website)
Wish Well House is a one-of-a-kind wedding and event venue that blends historical character with modern day sophistication.
Far from ordinary, Wish Well House combines everything to love about modern, lofty design within the setting of a historic, urban building. The interior boasts high ceilings with exposed beams, large windows that fill the space with natural light, the coolest private prep rooms nestled upstairs and an expansive and lush outdoor courtyard. Conveniently located just 20 miles North of Austin, Wish Well House is perfect for couples looking for an urban flair without the commotion of Austin or those looking to avoid the long country roads.
Finding an urban wedding venue with modern, chic finishes is a rare jewel. Wish Well House combines everything you love about contemporary, open design with the setting of a historic building with a rich and unique story.
After entering the home that was Georgetown’s first hotel, you enter a light and lofty indoor entertaining space that can seat up to 260 people with a dance floor and interior cocktail hour. Combining the two indoor areas is a lush outdoor courtyard perfect for wedding ceremonies or dining al fresco.
Georgetown, TX offers one of Texas’s most charming downtowns with a bustling square with nearby entertainment, restaurants and shopping. Wish Well House is located near this vibrant Town Square.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Nothing is more important to me than knowing our couples feel at home, and always welcomed, at Wish Well House. We treat every wedding as if it were our own- our couples can rest assured knowing our staff has their best interest in mind on the most special day of their lives.
Georgetown has been my home for almost 30 years. The historic downtown square is the heart of our town. I’ve always had a great appreciation for this area- it’s where I choose to live, raise my family, work and invest in. There’s nothing better than being able to share my hometown with people who otherwise wouldn’t be visit Georgetown if it weren’t for the wedding they are attending- guests are always so surprised about what Georgetown has to offer.
It’s my passion to transform outdated, dilapidated and underutilized properties into a stunning, special spaces that celebrates its hidden historic character and stories- not only saving a neglected building and enhancing the landscape of downtown Georgetown, but also contributing to the broader vision of a vibrant, distinctive and welcoming downtown area.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wishwellhouse.com
- Instagram: wishwellhouse
Image Credits
Photo credit: Sarah Tribett, Amy Odam, The Crakes, Kaylee James Photo, Elle Reaux Photo
