photos by: MORGAN LONG PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout its restoration and evolution into a one-of-a-kind event venue, The Crest in Winston-Salem, NC, has remained true to the original grandeur that elevates a collection of homes along Cherry Street.
Officially open since October of 2024 – and named for its designation as the highest point of downtown – The Crest is Victorian loveliness at its finest, sprinkled with a bit of Gothic revival and charming Queen Anne style. Constructed in 1885, the home originally belonged to local businessman James Mitchell Rogers, also the first president of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and an integral part of the city’s growth and transformation. Its oversized windows overlook some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Home to distinguished law offices for several years, Adam Spear of the Spear Properties Group purchased the property and immediately connected with Austin Hayes, now the executive director. The two discovered their mutual dream to curate an event venue that blended modern elegance with timeless appeal – a space that was quite simply destined to tell love stories!
“Adam and I were really on the same page,” says Austin, whose restaurant and hospitality background was easily the perfect match for the project. “We’ve made sure every space in the house remained functional and photogenic, and showcasing this magnificent house is really a labor of love. It’s our goal for couples and their wedding guests to fully enjoy every moment in this beautiful setting.”
Weddings here are classic and unforgettable, whether the guest list holds as few as 10 names, or as many as 250. Smaller events such as rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, holiday parties and corporate events are equally elegant in the Carriage House, which was added in the back of the house during restoration.
“The Carriage House and meticulously landscaped private gardens with lighted courtyard bring an unexpected elegance to the outside area,” adds Austin. “We’ve even constructed a sitting bench by the fountain that’s made from wood found inside the attic – one of many authentic touches – and the entire courtyard can be tented for your ceremony or reception.”
Austin loves meeting prospective clients, learning their personal stories and guiding them in bringing their vision to life. Embracing both his passion for the art of hospitality and his love for Winston-Salem, he’s also dedicated to providing as much value for clients as possible.
“Personally, I love being part of something that contributes to Winston-Salem’s charm and growth as a destination for weddings and other special occasions,” he shares. “My goal is to make the planning process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, while creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and attending to even the smallest details.”
The venue does offer clients a preferred vendor list when they first begin planning but also allows couples to bring in their own vendors if they prefer. Filled with intricate architectural details, the venue includes 4,500 square feet of space, including a prep kitchen fully equipped with two refrigerators, warming box, triple sink, ice machine and spacious stainless steel tables for easy plating of your reception dinner.
Overflowing with the most perfect photo opportunities, the first floor of The Crest offers the luxury of 12-foot ceilings and incredible lighting for photography. There’s also a private bridal suite upstairs – complete with a dressing room, lounge room, hair and makeup room, steamer, mini fridge and private restroom. The elegant library downstairs exudes an Old World charm filled with shelves of authentic leather-bound books – but also doubles as the groomsmen’s suite – with a refrigerator, TV with streaming channels, poker set and a full length mirror.
One distinctive difference of the venue is its prime downtown location.
“Winston-Salem is a hidden gem for many, offering fantastic accommodations, unique shops and a vibrant restaurant and bar scene for guests to enjoy – plus the bonus of onsite parking (a rarity for downtown venues) and a built-in rain plan for ceremonies,” Austin adds.
“As the only venue of its kind in the area, our historic gem radiates timeless elegance, offering a truly enchanting setting for any special occasion,” says Austin, touching on what makes The Crest so unique. “True to its Victorian style, you’ll find a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that’s hard to replicate.”
Still as elegant and welcoming as its earliest years, The Crest is located at 102 Cherry Street in Winston-Salem, NC, 336.865.4444. Visit thewscrest.com for details on this extraordinary venue, book a tour or request a consultation for your upcoming wedding or significant event. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @the_crest_ws.
