We are always looking for unique ways to celebrate and honor our guests at The Inn at Honey Run. Last March we ran an exclusive wedding giveaway and selected a winner to receive and all expenses paid wedding of their dreams. The result was magical and we were privileged to be a part of Tim and Linda’s special day. They were happily married on August 16th, 2025. Here is their story!
Linda’s Story
I come from an Italian family. All the males I knew growing up had dark hair and dark eyes. As a youth, my mom would take me to the theatre during the day to watch Elvis Presley movies. He was tall, dark, and handsome. I wanted to marry a tall, dark, and handsome man until I met my late husband, Craig. He’s the one with ocean eyes and light hair.
While Craig and I lived in the big house, I set out to design the serenity garden of my dreams, which meant that I was in the driveway circle all summer. Craig worked as a commercial realtor from home. From time to time, several individuals he did business with would come to our home to meet with Craig. That’s how I met Tim, who owned a residential and commercial appraisal company. After leaving our home, Tim called a few of Craig’s colleagues to tell them that Craig was married to “a real looker”.
Fast forward a few years and while I was at the hospital the evening of Craig’s heart attack, several of his friends came to sit with me. At 8:30 p.m., a tall, dark, and handsome man showed up with two young children in tow. I was introduced to Tim, who I only remembered by name. Well, Craig passed away that evening, four hours after Tim and the children left.
I live out of state from my family. So it was just me, the dog, and the remainder of our rescued house rabbits (4). During the next three weeks, the only individuals I spoke with were my attorney, one of my physicians, and Tim. Tim started calling every other week. Occasionally he’d drop at my doorstep a piece of dessert, which he is famous for making.
He volunteered to help me sell a few of my husband’s items for which I took him to dinner. That evening he walked me up to the door, waited until he saw it open, and softly kissed my cheek. Within two weeks he invited me to meet his two children and two adorable pups. We started shopping together on the weekend, eating, drinking, and talking, at a distance mind you. Months went by with Tim and I becoming friends.
Something odd happened to me one evening in the big house. As usual, I had music playing while sitting on the couch getting pet therapy. Suddenly out of nowhere, I saw Tim and I slowly dancing in my living room. Yikes, I had to shake that one off quickly. My husband has only been gone for six months.
I eventually sold the big house. The dog was gone and the twins, Sebastian and Isabella, our holland lop rescues, had been adopted, and Jessica, Craig’s rabbit passed. It was just me and young Harvey, the white rabbit. I purchased a step-down home that I thought Harvey and I could tolerate, which Tim helped me price using his database. Tim was always there to answer residential market questions. We stayed really good friends, talking just about every day. I really had no intentions of pursuing a relationship beyond being friends.
Then on July 12, 2012, I called him at work and told him to immediately bring a bottle of bubbly over and enjoy life. So okay, two bottles of wine. That’s the day we became more than friends.
In 2015 he asked me if I’d consider moving in with him. Somehow a boy from the farm and the big city girl decided to make it. The man, his son, and a dog, Gizmo.
Life’s funny. If you believe that outside your window, amazing things can happen, they will. You only have to believe.
The Wedding Experience
August in Ohio is typically hot and humid. But amongst the trees surrounding The Inn at Honey Run, the air was cool. I was preparing to be someone’s wife.
As I walked down the aisle of the pavilion, I had a metamorphosis of thoughts. So, this was as much about accepting the present as it was about releasing the past. I was happy that I would again be part of something larger than myself with someone who mattered.
Surrounded by family and friends, we said our vows. Peaceful, serene, and blanketed by the trees, I turned over a leaf to a new life. I am someone’s wife.
The hospitality hour by the Sage Room’s hearth was very efficiently taken care of by the unshakeable Madison. Hors d’oeuvres were waiting for us, and drinks were served. Dinner, which was masterfully prepared in Chef Bret’s kitchen, was served in the Sage Room.
Everything was perfect. From check-in with Lynne until check-out, I could not have been happier that I chose The Inn for my nuptials.
I wholeheartedly thank Jason Nies, Proprietor, and the entire staff of the Inn for making our day so special. They have left us with a lasting calmness.
If you are planning to get married, I could not recommend the Inn more. The entire place is nothing but magical.
