Family and friends from all over the world came to join us a couple weeks ago in celebrating the opening of Jacobs Gallery – Deadwood.
We had two parties – one on Sunday for local business owners and the second on Thursday for family and friends.
It was a hectic week getting ready for two events, not to mention the fact that the apartment upstairs was still being worked on when friends were expecting to stay there.  Caterers needed finalized menus, a full stage had to be set up to kickoff off the first night of Wild West Songwriters Festival.
Party #1 – The Locals
Sunday was a more laid-back event where we hosted the Monthly Mixer for Chamber Members and the PR event for the Songwriters Festival.
It was nice being able to catch up with locals and see what other business were planning for the fall and winter months.
Deadwood is full of wonderful people and companies that care about each other, our tourists, and the integrity of our town.
We started the night off with some delicious appetizers and beverages, followed by the official Ribbon Cutting provided by Deadwood Chamber of Commerce!
Sharon was given the honors to cut our ribbon since she had been on site through almost everything while we were still living in California.  Not to mention, Scott only has one good arm…
You can’t take us anywhere without us being dorks. Â Must be a Jacobs thing.
Once they were finished playing with giant scissors, we all went back inside to enjoy the evening.
Tim of Flat Earth Art Company and the man that made our storefront sign surprised both Scott and Sharon with a hand-painted sign mounted on wood.  It is now proudly hanging in our store.
Locals and long-time friends like Deb (below) joined.  We met her almost two decades ago during Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when she worked Black Hills Harley. Over the years we all have grown closer and closer to her, so it is extra special being able to invite her into our permanent South Dakota home.
Our lovely neighbor, Dena came to enjoy our party.  She watched the building transform before her eyes each month when she’d drop by to hang out with Sharon.
Party #2 – Friends and Family
Before I begin sharing our second party, I want to add the small detail where Jared and I decided Tuesday morning that we were going to get married that Saturday!  Shouldn’t be too much more stressful, eh?
Thursday night was a breeze thanks to our superhero friends that came to the rescue in days prior.  They helped unload trucks, carry in boxes of wine, unload vintage motorcycles, built furniture, ran errands, and cleaned the entire building with us. Without them, it would not have gone so well and we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the night as much as we did, so thank you!
Homestake Chop House in Lead catered both events and blew our tastebuds away!  Their creativity using local meats and vegetables is something I haven’t found anywhere else.
If you come to the area, be sure to check their restaurant out. Â The building was originally the Round House for turning trains around during the area’s rapid growth.
We had appetizers like Buffalo Sirloin Skewers – Marinated Venison with Red Wine, Shallot Confit, and Roasted Garlic and vegetarian dishes like Sweet Potato Rounds topped with Fresh Sweet Corn and Avocado Salsa.  Yum!
With Good Food Comes Great Wine
One of our dear friends and collectors, Peter Pierce called me a few months ago with an idea.  He wanted to surprise Scott and Sharon with privately labeled wine for the Grand Opening Party.
He originally asked me to design the labels, but I knew that Danial James would do a much better job creating something amazing.
Sure enough, Dan blew me away with his white wine label and Scott and Sharon were tickled that a friend would be so thoughtful.
Sharon and Scott got on stage to thank everyone that was part of this year-long renovation. Â We are all so proud to finally be able to show it off to the world!
As the evening progressed and glasses were refilled, the live jazz band set the mood for the rest of the evening; relaxing and alive!
Vocals and lead guitar: Krista Oswald and Damien Horne, flute: Michael Morton, and piano: John Jonethis.
I hadn’t seen Alexa in almost two months, so it was great having her here for a while! Â Thank Goodness she was here because I don’t know who would have helped me through planning my wedding as well as she did.
The Jazz Flute
The four of them played into the wee hours of the night as we all danced and enjoyed each other’s company.
Later on, Krista suddenly pulled out her Opera-singing skills and everyone’s jaws hit the ground.  She’s gorgeous AND she can sing Opera!
Laughter was shared, drinks were toasted, and tears were shed. Â It was a great night!
The Family and I enjoyed being able to relax in our place of business with those we love. Â It’s a blessing having so many wonderful people in our lives.
We hope to see you all at Jacobs Gallery Deadwood soon!
But wait!  I can’t not share at least one… maybe two pictures from our wedding!
It was the most magical October afternoon. Â Changing the date, location and whole plan was the best idea we made.
Wedding photos by Brooke Hughes Photography.
Till next time,
Olivia Jacobs-Chrisman