Meet the Heart Behind Riverbend Events
About Us
A Love Story Rooted in Purpose
Mandy and Greg Walts, founders of Riverbend Events, understand that love is something you cultivate. Through their childhood friendship and 14 years of marriage, they have taught each other what it feels like to love unconditionally.
At its best, love is not rushed or taken for granted. After 20 plus years working inside an industry that has a tendency to fast-track your celebration of love, 2024 was finally the right time to create the unique, sacred haven they believe people deserve. They wanted a space where the most important values could be prioritized and remembered: life is precious, quality time spent with those you love is the greatest gift, and no one should feel pressured while making life-long memories.
A Dream Brought to Life
A dream actualized, Riverbend Events is the culmination of their values, interests, and experiences. Creating a container for love to be savored will always be this project’s greatest accomplishment.
Mandy and Greg spent 2024 lifting this venue off the ground with the help of so many loved ones who believed in their vision. Through their first three weddings and six total events in the first year of operation, their chemistry as co-workers and cohesion as a couple always shined through.
They believe these gatherings should be personal, so they lead by example. They put their unique selves into these events, hoping that you, in turn, feel encouraged to express your uniqueness within your own celebration. A Riverbend event is truly a custom experience.
An Unimaginable Loss, A Living Legacy
This initiative continues to thrive, but at the end of their first year in business, the circumstances of their life suddenly changed. Two days before Christmas 2024, Greg unexpectedly had a fatal heart attack and departed from his physical body. This is unequivocally the most heartbreaking experience of Mandy’s life. Nothing will be the same without Greg’s physical presence. He radiated love, joy, playfulness, sincerity, and a serious attentiveness to the people he cared for. Any wedding, special occasion, or regular day would be made a little more meaningful by his secure, softening embrace.
As a friend to them both, I feel privileged that I know them intimately enough to speak to their strength, connection, and resilience as a couple. Anyone who has known Greg can feel that he is still present with us, just in a different way. His most potent values and energy are imbued in this location and this work. Every action the Riverbend team will take as events continue to take place will be deeply informed by who Greg is. Riverbend is forever changed, but the foundation of its mission has not changed.
Life is a finite, miraculous experience. Brilliant celebrations can happen when we remember that. Mandy and Greg understand that the time we have is best spent in love, and we should take the time to enjoy it together. The team at Riverbend hopes you will allow them to help you savor and celebrate the most precious parts of life.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Emma Discenza & Kyle Micho, whose words and care helped bring this story to life. Their connection to Riverbend Events and to Mandy and Greg’s journey makes this reflection even more meaningful.
Your Day, Your Way
When you choose Riverbend, you’re not just choosing a venue — you’re joining a story, a legacy, and a celebration of what it means to love and be loved. Every event here is a custom, heartfelt experience designed with your unique story in mind.
We invite you to begin your forever in a place that honors love in all its depth.
Schedule a Private Tour or call (315) 720-6825 to learn more.