At Westwood, we believe in love stories, so it’s only right that we introduce our own. Co-owners Shelby & Seth Dempsey have been hard at work designing Westwood’s facility, from ensuring every window and light fixture is perfect for every wedding day moment (Shelby) to designing the most gorgeous bars and beverage packages worth raising a glass to (Seth). Not to mention the millions of in-between tasks, photoshoots, meetings, spreadsheets, and decisions that culminate in truly elevated hospitality. Can you even imagine that these two still have time for date night?
Westwood Style: From the Gift Shop
There’s something special about physical tokens that help you feel grounded, especially during emotionally chaotic times like your engagement season and, oh I don’t know, building your second purpose-designed wedding venue. Westwood’s Gift Shop features items we believe act as the perfect tokens, reminders of your love story, from late night planning sessions, to wedding day, honeymoon, and years beyond. Shelby’s favorite item from our gift shop? Our WW charm necklace, perfect for layering with your favorite gold chain and a statement piece that instantly elevates your favorite outfit. Seth’s favorite is, of course, our custom Westwood Zippo lighter. Whether you’re lighting up a cigar after a long day’s work, or keeping it on your coffee table next to your favorite candle.
Westwood’s Gift Shop will be back in action at our Fall Party on 10.18! RSVP to join us & shop!
Shelby and Seth are truly a power couple, each with unique and complimentary skills that allow them lead The Sixpence and Westwood brands with compassion, intentionality, and flair. Shelby’s background in wedding and event photography + videography meets Seth’s expertise in elevated bar hospitality to result in brands that are as passionate about fabulous visual marketing as providing impeccable client experiences.
We had the opportunity to snag a few minutes of our busy owners’ time to talk about our favorite love story behind Westwood: theirs!
WW: You two watch beautiful weddings every week at The Sixpence, and now you’re designing your second wedding venue. As you think back to your own wedding day, what’s your favorite moment to recall?
Seth: Seeing Shelby walk down the aisle to me.
Shelby: Seth couldn’t wipe the smile on his face all day…he kept saying “my cheeks hurt!!! but I can’t stop!!” His face when I was walking down the aisle..he was just GRINNING! When we started the ceremony, the officiant was meant to ask Seth a series of questions, all as one sentence, but he couldn’t even get the full first one out before Seth said “YES!” much sooner than he was meant to. The guests all laughed and it’s such a special memory to me. He was just so damn excited and I couldn’t stop thinking that I was looking at the rest of my life and I really had to be the luckiest girl in the world.
WW: As fabulous as your wedding day was, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of opportunities to scrutinize every detail of the celebration. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your nearlywed self? Any tips or things you wish you’d known or considered?
Shelby: I would have selected a venue that could support an indoor ceremony and indoor reception, or even with an indoor backup option that I liked. Of course, the thought of being outside is always so lovely, but the threat of rain was a heavy weight leading up to the day. I was genuinely so stressed. How I felt was the largest cost, but not only that, we spent $5k on a “just in case” tent that never got put up, and that money was nonrefundable. Just a bummer, and could have been totally avoided by making a better venue selection. You really think I would have known, ha!
Seth: I would go back and tell us to invite fewer guests and plan more time for open dance floor.
When we talk to our Westwood couples about their wedding season, something that we can’t express enough is to soak in every second of this beautiful and fleeting time. Even through the stress and labor of logistics, we will always encourage you to maintain a lens of gratitude as you look at party planning. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you’re getting to marry your person!
For Shelby and Seth, they not only got to tie the knot, but now they work to create unforgettable settings and experiences for couples making the same choice. But with all this love and planning, how do they decompress?
WW: We have to ask, on the rare occasion of a free evening, what’s your favorite spot for date night?
Shelby: Seth’s cooking is really the best around, so my ideal date night is on our back patio, watching the sunset, dinner and a bottle of wine together at home with Hippo and Delilah.
Seth: Tipsy Mermaid, ideally at the end of the bar w twin beers
WW: That sounds fabulous. We’re forever amused by the line of work you chose, given your introverted nature! 🙂 Okay, so let’s say you get a chance to ditch town. Favorite vacation destination?
Shelby: We went to Maui on our honeymoon, and Hawaii will always be incredibly special to us. I just think the combination of ocean and mountains is so beautiful. Seth surfs any chance he can get, and sometimes I’ll even try my hand. We once surfed the same wave together in Waikiki on longboards, giggling the whole way, and I’ll never forget it.
Seth: Maui
*A Note from the Editor: These two were interviewed separately and did not see each other’s answers – which makes these replies that much cuter
WW: Let’s end with something sweet. Fill in the blank: The best thing about being married to Seth/Shelby is __________
Shelby: his steadfastness, consistency and love through action. He’s such a quiet strength, always constant, always a safe place to land. I never have to wonder because I can always see his love in our everyday interactions. The little moments shine through most of all. Additionally, he is a true partner. Every single thing we do, we tackle together. I am so sooo thankful for that.
Seth: I get to be married to and build a life I love with my best friend and partner in everything.
When it comes to designing with love, these two know how it’s done. Leading teams of passionate, enthusiastic, and committed individuals at both Westwood and The Sixpence, Shelby & Seth are true industry examples of industry disruptors. “Good enough” is not in their vocabulary, and they bring that energy to every experience and facility they design.
We hope you enjoyed this little peek behind the curtain, at the love story behind the magic!
Read more about Shelby & Seth’s vision behind purpose-designed venue’s on this Linkedin feature
Come hang out with Shelby, Seth, and the rest of the Westwood team at our upcoming Fall Party on Saturday, October 18th, and enjoy touring the estate so far (spoiler: it looks amazing), connecting with fabulous featured vendor partners, snapping photos, and raising a glass to fall! Grab your (free) ticket here!
