We are entering the season of keeping long-held traditions and embracing new ones. Hearts are deeply touched as family members and friends express gratitude over a shared meal. It is a time to hold tightly to loved ones and to the memories of those we have lost.
“This is the season where people reflect on the past and decide to make vows for their future,” says Kristi Steadman, co-owner with her husband Dan, of Heart S Ranch. “There are many wedding proposals during the holidays and this slow time of year is perfect for couples to tour our ranch and venue as a potential location for their wedding or renewal of their vows.”
Dream weddings come true a Heart S Ranch. Photos provided by Heart S Ranch
Professional experience, ranching roots creates Heart S Ranch gem
Since 2016, Kristi and her husband, Dan, have been operating Heart S Ranch in Cottonwood as both a home for their herd of certified Black Angus cattle and as an event venue. A banker by trade, Dan dug up his childhood Mendocino County ranching roots to establish the Heart S Ranch here in the North State, while Kristi brought along a professionalism and class act that came from years of working in the Bay Area event business.
Writer Kelley Dolling, in her article “Valley of Venues” quoted on the Heart S Ranch website, describes the Steadman’s labor of love. “This breathtaking working cattle ranch truly encompasses the heart of Tehama County. Tucked just off Bowman Road, this event oasis is surrounded by never-ending pastures and boasts a perfectly positioned view of Mount Lassen. The setting is only a fragment of what makes this venue so beautiful. It’s the genuine passion pouring out of the Steadman family that makes this ranch stand out among the rest.”
Dan and Kristi find their hearts’ home at Heart S Ranch
“Where’s Cottonwood?” Kristi initially asked when Dan called her with his real estate find. “Dan went on to ask if I wanted to get back into managing a venue because his dream 65-acre ranch happened to have a well-established event venue just a short walk from the house. I said ‘sure’ and it wasn’t until later that I realized that I had in fact become a little bored once our sons had grown up and started their lives. Before taking a break to raise them, I had worked for years in the catering and wedding business and getting back into it was truly like coming home.”
“Weddings really fill my cup,” Kristi continues. “I love every moment of the special day—the brides showing up with wet hair and no makeup all the way to the first dance. Not to mention all the time getting to know the families before, during and after. There are magical moments at every single wedding. Even though I have helped with hundreds of weddings, I always try to keep in mind that for this couple it is their one special day—and they deserve for their wedding to be set apart and made memorable.”
Kristi’s wholehearted efforts extend to the community at large
As much as weddings are near and dear to Kristi’s heart, community events make up some of her greatest memories on the ranch. Kristi and Dan brought years of volunteerism and generosity with them when they moved north. With over 25 years helping sponsor Camp Okizu, a camp supporting those affected by childhood cancer, they have remained passionate about helping those in our area who have a need of any kind. The Steadmans have served on many boards in the North State and they love to donate their venue for fundraisers, memorials and celebrations when they can. The Back at the Ranch event in August for the Cottonwood Community Park, Red Bluff Round-Up events and supporting the Evergreen School Music fundraiser have become some of their favorite charitable uses of the venue.
Kristi Steadman’s beautiful miniature Mediterranean donkey, Edie, can bring a memorable touch when she participates in a wedding ceremony. Photo provided by Heart S Ranch
“Kristi is a true gem and never half-hearts anything she does,” says Scartlett Taff, a former fellow board member of the North State Cancer League. “I have worked alongside Kristi in many capacities and there is no one more generous than Kristi. She pours her heart and soul into everything she is involved in—especially into her venue.”
Jillian Hower, owner of Mill Creek Resort, has similarly worked alongside Kristi and she says, “Kristi’s thoughtfulness extends beyond just the basics—she offers extra advice and insights that are truly helpful and add a personal touch. What makes Kristi even more remarkable is her dedication to giving back to her community. She’s someone who genuinely cares and finds ways to support those around her. Whether it’s through her work or her community involvement, Kristi embodies the spirit of generosity and dedication to quality.”
Steadmans believe each person deserves tender-loving care
“Events can be stressful for individuals, especially weddings,” Kristi says. “We offer our venue for three days to take the pressure off and I have a storage room full of items people can borrow for their event. Our miniature Mediterranean donkey, Edie, can even be a part of their special day. I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they are inconveniencing me. I have wiped tears and held many hands—I guess my ability to stay calm has come from years of seeing possible disasters turn out to be the best memories. The truth is, I’m a wedding junkie and my husband supports my habit,” Kristi adds with a laugh. “I love it all— from the minute during set up that the DJ tests the speakers, to the last garbage bag slung into the dumpster. And I especially love the people. Not just the people I worked with, but the families—the sentiment and romance of it all is enough to keep me coming back.”
Kristi concludes, “Even though the wind blowing everything around, unexpected rain, missing rings, late caterers, falling cakes, broken heels and flower girl meltdowns can all complicate things, the matters of the heart aren’t as complicated—people just want to be valued and taken care of. That’s the part I love.”
Posted in: This is Tehama
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