WNY’s Newest Event Center
WNY’s Newest Event Center
With fresh minds at the helm, The Annex aims to redefine celebrations
The idea was born out of experience. And a lack of options.
When Samantha Armstrong married in the summer of 2016, she utilized the space across the street from Pioneer Motorsport, her future husband’s family business. The former site of the regionally-beloved Earl’s Restaurant (famous for Mason Jars and eccentric decor), she transformed a pavilion, pole barn and sprawling acreage into a non-traditional wedding venue.
It was a hit.
“We had so much space to operate,” she said. “It was kind of a blank canvas for us. A little later, my mother-in-law Michelle presented the idea to my sister-in-law Stephane and I about potentially building a venue on the site. There was some apprehension at first … none of us have any experience in building wedding venues (laughs). But the more we thought about it, the more sense it made. We discovered that there was a major lack of options for larger weddings, especially with ample indoor/outdoor space.”
And away they went. The lot behind Earl’s — which the Armstrong family had purchased some years before — includes 26 acres of beautiful land, interspersed with wide open spaces, a stream and some forestry. The goal? Create a space that felt like it belonged.
“Steph, Michelle and I scoured online, looking for ideas and what was resonating with brides,” said Samantha. “We also used our own experiences in both going to weddings and getting married. We understood we had an unbelievable experience in front of us — being able to not only build the venue from the ground up, but to be able to implement new, fresh ideas and provide more opportunities for our community.”
Having the space and creativity allowed the Armstrong girls to consider no idea too over the top. From a massive bridal suite with individual makeup stations to a manmade pond to the minute details you won’t see until you’re there, the 16,000 square foot space is as impressive as any.
In terms of location, it doesn’t get much more convenient than Chaffee. Almost dead center of the region, you can be there from any point in western New York in under 90 minutes. The sunsets are *kisses fingers* breathtaking, only more so when the fading light dances through the massive overarching windows.
Walk into The Annex and you’ll have to pick your jaw up off the freshly-polished concrete floors. Timbers welcome you as you enter the main doors. The main foyer is flanked by three wings, each one as beautiful as the next. A massive stone fireplace sets the tone, lying underneath an intricate metal & crystal chandelier. On the back side, the bridal suite offers it's own private terrace, and an outdoor space with a beautiful covered canopy doubles for both ceremonies, receptions, dance floors and added space.
The Annex hosted its first wedding last weekend. The first one was going to be a challenge regardless … until you added in the pandemic and all of its restrictions.
“We got creative,” Samantha said. “We kept it under 25 people, and the bride and groom were so appreciative and understanding. It was the perfect “soft opening” for us, even though it was an actual wedding. Safe to say everyone had tears in their eyes.”
Given a blank slate — and a fresh build — the Armstrong girls have documented the entire process by harnessing the overwhelming power of Instagram. Potential brides and clients could follow along with the progress in real time, thanks to a constant refresh of @theannexwny’s feed and stories.
While the building’s beauty and detail can’t be understated, it’s the people behind the project that’s been a driving force. Each Armstrong girl brings something to the table, combining to create a tour de force of creativity, hustle and passion.
“This project, like any, has had its fair share of difficulties, but we believe we are exactly where we are supposed to be right now” Samantha said. “We had a vision and weren’t going to stop at anything to make it come to fruition. As we are booking new clients and having follow-up meetings with the couples that had faith in us … we are attending the best day of their lives, and watching that one moment makes all of the work worth it. THAT is the reason why we did it. And now … with a wedding under our belt and the building finished, we’re looking ahead to countless events, weddings and celebrations.”
The Annex can be found on Instagram at @theannexwny or www.theannexwny.com. They’re currently offering tours and bookings through 2022.
