Caleb and Brittany Matthes’ mission is to carry forward the legacy that Jim LaRoy and his family worked to build as the new owners of LaRoy’s Event Center in LaSalle Township.
In January, they took over the wedding and event venue located at 12375 S. Telegraph Road started by Julius and Muriel LaRoy. Their son, Jim, continued to operate the center until earlier this year.
“We took pride in hosting thousands of wedding receptions and special events,” Jim LaRoy said in message on the center’s website. “We are so thankful the Matthes family will now continue this legacy of Happy Memories!”
Caleb describes the venue as a traditional wedding hall that has been a part of the community for more than four decades and is known for hosting weddings, anniversaries, corporate gatherings and charity events.
“This started out as a family business and we want it to continue as a family business,” Brittany added. “We have a blended family. We have six kids between the two of us. As a mom, it’s super exciting to bring our kids here, get them involved and show them what mom and dad do. Creating a business where they can choose to be involved in when they get older is super exciting.”
The center offers wedding and ceremony packages.
The in-house caterer is Keeping It Fresh of Monroe. However, the option of bringing in a different caterer is available.
“They have to be a licensed and insured caterer,” Brittany said. “This offers more options for the client and make the package more customizable.”
Something new to the business are mini‑monies.
“We are introducing these packages for couples seeking small, intimate weddings,” Brittany said. “They’re perfect for elopements, last‑minute celebrations, or couples who simply want a smaller wedding experience with a special touch. Optional add‑ons include a cake‑cutting moment, photographer, and champagne toasts and more.”
Tiffany Glenn is the executive director of events at the center.
“She is also the founder and executive of Odds & Ends Events, which was purchased by Caleb and I in 2023 and will now be used as a decor option for our guests at LaRoy’s Event Center,” Brittany said. “We have three girls and three boys. The girls absolutely love decorating. They get so excited when they find out Tiffany is down here and decorating for an event.”
Since owning the center, the couple has hosted several fundraisers with local businesses and schools. Their goal is to partner with organizers to create a professional atmosphere that supports local causes.
“The vision is to be more involved with the community,” she said.
Another goal is to book more weddings along with other special events.
Brittany said the venue is perfect for baby showers, graduation parties, proms and reunions. An event calendar is posted online along with an option to schedule a tour.
“Tiffany does it most of the time,” she said “If a client or bride wants to schedule a tour, they would reach out through email communication or a phone call and they would come in and we would give them a tour of the facility. We would give them the different options of what we have to offer with packaging and pricing. We would talk about food, catering and decor.”
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: New owners bring fresh vision to LaRoy’s Event Center
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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By Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News | USA TODAY Network
