Hidden Gems: Meet Brian Whitley of The Victorian: Youngsville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Whitley.

Hi Brian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out in the service industry at the age of 14. I always enjoyed working with others in a social environment and helping people plan their special occasions. After graduating from NC State with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, I made the decision to take a different direction in life. Shortly after graduation, I became the General Manager of a few bars/nightclubs in downtown Raleigh. This is when I realized my passion for events. From birthday parties to corporate events, I was in love with it all. While working in Downtown Raleigh, I met my future wife, Giuliana, and she introduced me to the wedding industry through her photography company. As we began our relationship, we decided to put our talents together and open a wedding venue. Since then, we haven’t looked back!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Originally, we planned to build our own new venue on land we have out in the country. After the first year of us trying to get things started, we almost had to give up on our dream due to a handful of obstacles we ran into. At that time, we did not know what to do until Giuliana found a Victorian style home for sale in downtown Youngsville. Having an architecture background, I immediately fell in love with this home and had big plans. We then made the decision to scrap our first project and put all our time and resources into this one! It was July 2019 when we began our renovations, getting ready for our grand opening January 2020. Little did we know, the world had different plans with COVID becoming an increasing concern all around the world. Shortly after opening, we were forced to close in response to the pandemic. Since we were a brand new business, we did not qualify for any government assistance. To say the following six months were rough would be an understatement. Thankfully, we were able to pull through and stay on top thanks to the support of our family and friends, as well as the amazing couples that were so understanding of the situation.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Victorian: Youngsville?
Our main goal during renovations was to make sure that everything was picture perfect! We took the time to create beautiful and unique locations all around the property, as well as inside the home. Being wedding photographers, we knew how important this was! The Victorian is located in a vibrant downtown area that is ever-growing, and yet it has its own private and intimate ceremony location hidden away from the downtown bustle. With great outdoor space, an amazing wrap around porch, and a free-flowing floor plan, the space is very versatile and perfect for any size wedding. The private second floor includes a spacious bridal suite, with a room for getting dressed, furnished with an elegant lounge set and a room for hair and make-up, with 4 getting ready stations and a private restroom. Also found on the private second floor is a separate suite for the guys equipped with a lounge area, bumper pool table, dartboard, and board games. The getting ready suites can accommodate any sized wedding party, small or large, and its layout will make anyone comfortable regardless of the amount of people in them.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are a family-owned business and are very proud of what we do. We do our best to be in attendance of every wedding to offer any assistance we can and in order to ensure the most memorable event possible.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thevictorianyoungsville.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevictorianyoungsville
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevictorianyoungsville

Image Credits
Halifax Hill Studios, Sarah C. Stewart, Ariana Wagner Photography, Mackenzie Kern