History and Team – Alexander Homestead Weddings

Our Team

Tirzah Caffee, Owner General Manager

Co-owning the Alexander Homestead is a huge joy and privilege to me. When I was 14, my parents bought a historic home, and we spent my high school years renovating it. My sister was married at the Historic Larimore House in 1994 and this was the birth of our family’s involvement in weddings.

Growing up around weddings gives me a unique ability to run our business and work with our couples. I have a passion for the wedding industry, but more specifically, female entrepreneurship. It’s this passion that fueled my desire to start Charlotte Local Wedding Show. Engaged couples today are looking for a more intimate, community-focused experience as they plan their big day. I had a dream to create a space where LOCAL couples could connect with LOCAL businesses to collaborate on their wedding. The premier of CLWS will be on 2.22.20 at The Fillmore. To purchase tickets go to Charlotte Local Wedding Show.

Outside of weddings, you’ll see me spending every moment I can with my two teenagers, traveling, and inspiring healthy living on my website TirzahCaffee.com. I’m just an everyday mama that’s all about authentic living and encouraging women to be the best version of themselves. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @TirzahCaffee or #BeautifullyBornAgain.

-Tirzah

Nicole Martin, Sales Manager

After years in non-profit development, I was searching for something new and different. In mid-November 2017, I left the Buffalo ice and snow and headed to Charlotte. Personally and professionally it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I joined the LKN Young Professionals, attended Charlotte Chamber events and took on a leadership role with LinkedinLocal CLT. The stars aligned when I was introduced to Tirzah & Bradley Caffee. I began this challenging, yet fulfilling, journey at AH and am now able to connect with couples during one of the most exciting [+ overwhelming] times in their life. I take pride in empowering newly engaged folks with industry expertise, while bringing their personalities and preferences into their wedding. Outside of AH, I’m a NoDa resident and still have a bunch of breweries + coffee shops on my list to check out. I danced my whole life and THE JAM: CLT is literally my jam! I consider myself somewhat of a donut connoisseur and welcome your recommendations on new brunch spots [I end up at Crepe Cellar every time ‘cuz it’s so good].

-Nicole

Christiana Schuchert, Event Manager

Once a Jersey girl with a BA in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, I found myself out of college working as a Barista and Manager of a coffee shop. It was here I fell in love with hospitality (AND coffee) and building one on one relationships with the people I served. After working in tons of restaurants, a spa, winery, and “innkeeping” at a luxury boutique hotel in South Carolina, I am now loving the ability to use my passions and skills to manage and coordinate Alexander Homestead weddings and getting to know our engaged couples during the planning process. When I’m not planning your wedding, you’ll find me writing in a cozy corner of a coffee shop, searching for a new novel in a bookstore, or in my apartment with a glass of wine and takeout watching Friends (again). I’m passionate about making women feel known, beautiful, and invited, and hearing about their dreams and what lights them up. I love travel, podcasts, country concerts, going to the beach, and trying a new restaurant here in Charlotte every week!

-Chris

Bradley Caffee, Owner & Director of Facilities

I have the great privilege of getting to be co-owner of the Alexander Homestead. Now in my second career, I began as a minister for 12 years where I grew to love helping people, especially couples getting married. Now I spend my time making certain your venue is ready and waiting for your guests. From keeping the property looking beautiful to making sure quality staff is in place, I am usually the unseen part of this team but still love hearing that guests thought your wedding was stunning. From time to time, you may even catch me serving bar at your reception, running your photobooth, or serving dinner to your guests. When I am not at the Homestead, you will find me helping my two teenagers with school projects, working out at the gym, or writing my latest novel. I currently have two published works on the market, and I’m hoping to finish the trilogy by the end of 2019. After God, my wife, and my kids, my writing brings me the most joy in life. A quiet corner with headphones is all I need to get lost for hours as the story comes together. Beyond that, I am a stock-holding fan of the Green Bay Packers, a huge Star Wars geek, and an avid board game player.

-Bradley

Greg, Facilities & Banquet Manager

"Hailing from Long Island, NY...I moved down south to Charlotte in 2004 and never looked back. I've seen all of the growth (*cough condos cough*) and development in this City takeover and all of the new businesses thrive. It's nice to see that happen after being here for so long, with just a handful of places to go out to dinner. I come from a Graphic Design background and have a degree in that as well. I spent the last 20 years in the sign industry and have done it all there. Working at mom n' pop shops, owning my own shop and all of the ins and outs of running a business. After becoming "bored" with the same gig, I was approached to come and take over the Facilities and Banquet Manager position here at Alexander Homestead. It is a very refreshing change of pace and I couldn't be happier taking care of the day to day operations that many guests don't get to see. From pond and stream maintenance, taking care of the lawn and every day repairs and new projects, such as renovating the bar area! I also get to work with the amazing banquet staff here on event days and help to make sure all events are seamless and a great time is had by every guest, especially the Bride and Groom. On my off days, I can be found in NoDa and Plaza Midwood trying out all of the great spots and great bourbons! I have a great workshop in my garage that I can make all sorts of projects for around my house and for friends. I love music and going to a handful of the venues in town! I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the World and love to take in new cultures and see how other people live life! I also like to "unplug" from technology often to enjoy and learn new things..."

-Greg

Joy Greer, Wedding Coordinator

My name is Joy, mother to three daughters, and wife to one wonderful man. I truly love what I get to be a part of here at the Homestead. I have participated in executing hundreds of wedding and receptions, and so enjoy watching two people declare their love and commitment for each other, in the presence of their people. I am super resourceful, positive, and love to find creative ways to handle the unexpected. It is always such an honor for me to walk with a bride and groom through their special day! Some of my favorite things include exploring nature, hanging out with teenagers, jewelry making, and traveling with my family!

-Joy

History

How we came to be…

From 1978-2008 the Historic Alexander Homestead sat vacant. Year after year went by until the decision was made that maybe it was time to tear down this incredible slice of history in East Charlotte. Don and Caroline Naysmith heard the news and quickly came on the scene to save the home. After purchasing and registering the 1903 home with the National Historical Society, the home went through extensive renovations for 2 years.

In 2010, the home opened for business and was called the N.S. Alexander Homestead Bed and Breakfast. Rooms were booked months in advance, and the home quickly became known as a top-rated B&B in Charlotte. Soon thereafter, it was evident that this property was meant for MORE. In 2011, the beautiful dairy barn was open for business and became one of most sought-after wedding venues in Charlotte.

By 2013, the Alexander Homestead was hosting well over 100 weddings a year, ranking in the top 2% of venues nationwide and top 14 venues in North Carolina. Having been involved in the wedding planning industry for 25 years, Tirzah Caffee (daughter to Caroline Naysmith) accepted the position of Director of Sales and Marketing in 2011 when the venue opened. Tirzah and her husband, Bradley Caffee, purchased the home and business in 2016. With a passion for customer service and helping couples ENJOY their ENTIRE wedding experience, the Alexander Homestead continues to soar as one of the most reputable and beautiful venues in Charlotte.

Bradley, a former minister and teacher, spends his moments training staff, keeping the property beautiful, and working alongside our incredible full-time staff in the office. Most mornings before work, you’ll find Bradley at the local gym as he has a passion for health and fitness. His main passion after leaving the ministry has been writing fiction novels. He has published the first of two books in the Chase Runner Series with the final book being published later in 2019. If you enjoy young adult fiction, check out his website, www.bradleycaffee.com.

Tirzah has always had a passion for people. From doing summer missions in Africa, to being a professional ice dancer, to leading children’s choirs and teaching piano, she loves to help people become the best version of themselves. Besides raising her two amazing teenagers and running her wedding venue, Tirzah fills her moments helping people with their nutrition. She has a passion for helping not only families but brides get healthy for their wedding day.

For more info click here. Tirzahcaffee.com