Founder, Designer, Dream-Maker

At just 11 years old, Jess was completely mesmerized watching a couple create magic on their wedding day. That one moment sparked a lifelong passion—and she’s been following that spark ever since.

Over the years, Jess has worked in countless roles that always seemed to lead her right back to the wedding industry. Her gift? Seeing something extraordinary in the simple things. Her eye for beauty, her heart for people, and her hands-on approach have helped her create spaces that feel inviting, lovely—elegant, intentional, and deeply personal.

When you step into Northridge Valley, you’re stepping into her vision. From hand-collecting the stones on the venue’s south wall to overseeing the full redesign of the original 1981 barn, Jess has left no rock unturned—literally.

She’s been a wedding planner for over 20 years, and now as a venue owner, she brings that same dedication and care to every couple who walks through the door. She truly loves design, but even more than that—she loves people.

“If I can make this happen,” she laughs, pointing to the transformed barn, “we can make your wedding day happen. I’m here, and I’m so happy to help!”

(And yes, that’s her in the photo with her beloved 1915 Dodge Brothers Touring Car—a family heirloom from her grandfather’s estate.)

There are several team members that make your dream day unfold here at Northridge. Updated Photos to follow.

Haley - Our in house tablescape guru behind the scene decorator and mantle decor gal.

Meet the Boys - from maintanee to parking lot attending you will know someone is out of sight but very important to keeping Northridge running.

We are most passionate about having a special venue where you and your families can be present and enjoy the day so we do the behind the scenes to ensure you are with your loved ones. Our staff is here to help you through out the entire process.

Ceremony Specialist & Floral Creative

With a natural eye for beauty and a heart for celebration, Lilly is our in-house ceremony specialist—and one of the first smiling faces you’ll see at Northridge Valley.

Having grown up in the home of a seasoned wedding planner, Lilly has picked up more than a few expert tips and tricks along the way. With three years of floral design experience, she brings both creativity and calm to your big day. From orchestrating your ceremony procession flawlessly to helping set the tone with stunning tablescapes, Lilly is all about making your experience joyful and seamless.

You’ll see her throughout your journey—from your very first tour to your final sendoff. Whether she’s fluffing your train, calming nerves, or placing the perfect final petal, she’s here to ensure your day is everything you dreamed it would be.

Together with her sister Haley, Lilly helps bring the magic to life—starting with the beautiful table setups that welcome guests as they arrive.

Lilly’s goal?
“To make your day full of meaning, memories, and a whole lot of smiles.”

It all started with few simple words:
“I have an idea,” Jess said.
“Here we go again…” Jake replied.

And just like that, a dream took root.

We’re Jake and Jess—and together with our four amazing kids, we turned a little hobby into something beautiful: a family-run wedding venue built on love, laughter, and a whole lot of hard work.

Our son Jace thinks it’s pretty awesome that Mom turned her passion into a real business. Bryan, always the comedian, says Mom loves “old stuff… and then really old stuff—except Dad, of course. He’s younger.”

Every member of the family has helped—painting, lifting, sweeping, setting up and tearing down—adding heart and soul into every corner of this space.

The seed of our dream was planted when we took a small business course. Around that time, The Greatest Showman had just come out, and a friend told us we reminded them of it. The song “A Million Dreams” became our anthem—especially the part where “they call us crazy.” It captured exactly how we felt: driven by passion, building something that felt bigger than ourselves.

And here we are today—still dreaming, still growing, still incredibly grateful. We've had the honor of hosting families and guests from all over the world, and with every event, we feel blessed to play a small part in someone else's big, beautiful story.

From our family to yours,
Welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.

Welcome to Northridge Valley

Northridge Valley is more than just a venue—it’s a place that welcomes family.

Originally built in 1981 by the Cannon family, this property carries decades of history and heart. In February of 2021, we began the journey of transforming it into something new, while honoring its roots. By November of that same year, we hosted our very first wedding.

From the beginning, we envisioned a space where you and your loved ones could celebrate without the stress that so often comes with planning a wedding. No endless to-do lists. No DIY overload. Just show up, relax, and truly enjoy every moment surrounded by the people you love. We've taken care of all the heavy lifting—so you don’t have to.

Jess dreamed of a venue that felt like simple luxury—where natural elements kept you grounded, and beauty felt effortless. She spent countless hours in this field, sketching ideas, walking the grounds, imagining what both the inside and outside could become.

“I close my eyes and I can see…” became more than just lyrics—it became a mantra. While many couldn’t see past the aging building, Jess could. She saw potential.

Walls came down. Doorways were opened up to connect the front of the building to the back. Outdated staircases and drop ceilings were removed, giving way to an open, airy concept that brought new life to the space.

Jess personally oversaw every part of the demo and reconstruction process, earning her the very official title of “homegrown superintendent.” And her ideas? They just keep coming.

At Northridge Valley, we believe in beauty with purpose, celebrations with heart, and spaces that feel warm and inviting.

Whether you’re here for a wedding, special event, a reunion, or simply to dream up your next big idea—we’re so glad you're here.

Rooted in Family, Fueled by Faith and a Little Bit of Crazy

When it came time to make the biggest leap yet, Jess’s parents—Don and Sandy—teamed up with Jake and Jess to throw what they lovingly call “the biggest Hail Mary in real estate.”

With 14 competing offers on the table, they outbid them all. Together, with the help of two additional investors, they secured the land that would become both a cherished home and a haven for others. The front half of the property now houses 18 families who call this beautiful corner of Utah home—surrounded by mountains, community, and a whole lot of heart.

That’s how Northridge Valley began—not just as a venue, but as a vision. A gathering place for families from everywhere to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.

Don and Sandy know a thing or two about dreams and determination. They’ve been married for over 50 years and have run their own business for 47 of them. Entrepreneurship is simply part of the family DNA.

As for Jake and Jess, their love story started just north of the venue—on her parents’ property back in 2005. They were married the next year. Jess once told him, “We can move anywhere,” and Jake simply replied, “Utah is a great place to raise kids… and I love Maple Mountain.”

Over 32 years, Jess has called this valley home—and Jake has supported every dream she’s had since. Even when he answers with just a smile and a patient, “later.”