A family business, on purpose.

The Gathering Collection started the way most good things do — "with sweat equity" as our Aunt Jo Lynne says. It really began with six church pews. We bought them for our own large family gatherings, and before long friends and neighbors were asking to rent them for their own celebrations. One rental turned into another, and we kept adding pieces — beautiful tables and chairs so other families could gather too.

Since then we've grown the collection, but not the crew. It's still just our family helping others gather to celebrate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and backyard get-togethers.

That's deliberate. It means the person who answers your call is the person who counts your chairs, checks your linens and shows up on the day. We'd rather be the small company that gets it right than the big one that hopes you don't notice.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."