Brides, grooms embrace legacy of picturesque Tune Farm - The Hartselle Enquirer

By Gregg L. Parker 

For the Enquirer 

Tune Farm respects its heritage with unparalleled natural beauty in a rustic, country setting on a century-old estate.  

Today’s young couples breathe life and sustenance for the future at the Lacon property with weddings, along with families engaging other events.  

The two-story Craftsman farmhouse, circa 1919, encompasses 5,000 square feet. On the grounds, an 80-year-old post-and-beam event barn, built with honey-hued poplar, has 6,000 square feet.  

With easy access to Interstate 65, Tune Farm’s location is about midway between Huntsville and Birmingham. 

The legacy of Tune Farm began when Leon Jennings Tune of Carbon Hill and wife Jean Morrow Tune of Oak Creek, Colorado, met in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1943 while both were studying at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. They married in 1946.  

Dr. Leon Tune completed service in the U.S. Navy and medical residency in Denver. He and Jean returned to Alabama in 1955 with three daughters and settled in Priceville. The family purchased the 260acre Lacon farm in 1968.  

With Leon’s death in 1991, the family faced the question, “What will we do with the farm?” Jean, who was a master gardener, joined forces with her daughters to learn about sustainable farming practices. In 1999 Tune Farm became Alabama’s first certified organic farm.  

My sister Annie took up farming full-time, selling at farmer’s markets from Huntsville to Birmingham and supplying high-end restaurants, like Frank Stitt’s Highland Bar & Grill,” said Lisa. 

In 2013 the family lost sister Annie and mother Jean. The four surviving siblings, all older than 50, lived in three states. However, “selling the farm was not an option for us,” Lisa said.  

A friend, who was a wedding planner, whispered three words in Lisa’s ear: rustic chic weddings. Lisa’s husband Mauro quit his job, and they drove from Pescadero, California, to Lacon 

Their first year in Alabama, Lisa and Mauro committed to house renovations and clearing the land of poison ivy and privet. They completed the barn restoration in 2017. More renovations are in the works, including a groom’s den, ready in summer 2020, and lodging in the farmhouse’s five bedrooms on the second floor, ready in 2021,” Lisa said.  

Couples can choose from single or multiple-day packages for up to 150 guestsTune Farm’s “Your Day” and Rustic Charm” packages are designed for a ceremony and reception in the barn and can easily be adapted for an outside ceremony, and the five-day “Dream Wedding” package offers the option for either indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception. Custom packages can be tailored to accommodate weddings for 200 or more guests. 

“At Tune Farm, we’re passionate about providing the luxury of time for our brides and grooms. The three-day ‘Rustic Charm’ and five-day Dream Wedding package allos the wedding party’s families to enjoy leisurely days together,” Lisa said. Relax on the farmhouse porches with a glass of wine or sweet tea after a happy day of decorating or kick back with a beer and a fishing pole at the pond by the old red barn.”  

Tune Farm celebrated its centennial in 2019.  

“I love giving tours of the farm. I love seeing people’s eye light up when they walk into the barn. I love hearing their excitement when they walk into the farmhouse,” Lisa said. “Most of all, I love sitting down with a bride and groom at the end of a tour and asking them, ‘How did you meet?’ There’s always this wonderful moment, before a word is spoken, where they just look at each other. Time stands still.” 

Tune Farm Weddings and Events is located at 85 Old Highway 31Falkville. For more information call 256-784-5975, email tunefarmevents@gmail.com or visit www.tunefarm.org 

 

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