Our Story
The Power of Love
Meet Spencer + Amanda Carlstone
Our story began in 1997 in the “Heart of Texas”. Spencer and I met at Baylor University during his senior and my sophomore year. What began as a crush grew into a true love for one another, and on June 24, 2000, we became husband and wife. Our love for each other grew as we added seven beautiful children to our family: Callie, Tatum, Lindley, Amelia, Sibley, Palmer and Campbell. We have striven to live open handedly in this grand adventure in which we find ourselves. This ride has been full of joys and sorrows, harvests and deserts and dreams fulfilled and dreams released.
In most couples, you will find that one is the “dreamer” and one is the “pragmatist”. This remains true for the two of us. In 2017, when Spencer proposed that we consider building an event barn on our property to his great surprise, I agreed. During the next two years, we purchased a stunning, century-old barn, came to our senses that we didn’t want an event barn in our yard, and began the journey of searching for the right property on which to rebuild it.
Meanwhile, a beautiful building from the 1890s was being refurbished in downtown Pella. The building had previously served as a furniture store, saddlery, roller rink, and had most recently been Boat’s Home Furnishings. Spencer and I were invited to be a part of the restoration project. As sad as we were to leave the barn behind, we discerned that this was to be the perfect location for our event space. After many hours of scraping plaster off warm brick walls, pulling thousands of nails out of the original flooring, and adding fantastic amenities, Tamory Hall officially came to be.
There is little else more impactful than the power of love. Love is the source of joy, peace and purpose. It heals wounds, restores what is broken, redeems what is lost. It is the fertile soil in which life is birthed, nurtured and matured. When it came time to name our event space, the “Power of Love” seemed the perfect match. Tamory is an invented word rooted in the word “amore.”
“Our hope and desire is that everyone who walks through Tamory’s doors would be impacted by the power of love. We cannot think of a greater legacy to leave Pella, and those we encounter, than to know that we have loved well.”
Meet Our Team
AMANDA CARLSTONE
Operations Manager
As a founder of Tamory Hall, Amanda is the driving force behind the Tamory facilities - making sure Tamory is always set to a “T”. Detail-oriented and purposeful, Amanda ensures everything is prepared and set to satisfy each client’s vision.
While much of Amanda’s work is done behind the scenes, she loves working alongside the team in the rewarding work that helps clients’ dreams materialize.
When she isn’t answering correspondence or finalizing layouts at Tamory, Amanda is spending time with her husband Spencer and raising their seven children. She enjoys watching their children’s many activities, long walks in the warm sun, spending time with dear friends — and crawling into bed after a long day.
Amanda’s story has not always been written in Pella, Iowa. She spent her formative years in Houston, Texas, and while you can take a girl out of Texas, you can’t take Texas out of a girl. Amanda loves going back home to see family, enjoy lots of BBQ and Tex-Mex and smell the sweet fragrance of Live Oak trees.
Nevertheless, the last several chapters of Amanda’s life in the Midwest have been some of the sweetest, and Pella has played a huge part in that. Amanda cherishes being a part of something that is greater than herself — a community working alongside each other to celebrate their rich Dutch heritage and cast a vision for a vibrant future.
“Pella is such a special place, and we would love to share it with you! I am so thankful my story is being written in Pella. We would be honored for your first chapter together or a significant chapter in your story to be written here, at Tamory Hall, as well.”
MORGAN VER MEER
General Manager + Venue Coordinator
Morgan is passionate about taking a broad or overwhelming concept — like a wedding or event — and putting beauty and order to it. As general manager and venue coordinator, Morgan eagerly leads the Tamory team with purpose, builds client relationships, coordinates events and weddings and is always looking for new opportunities to share our venue.
With a background in wedding coordination and hospitality management, Morgan brings enthusiasm and organization to every event and wedding she touches. Clients that work with Morgan appreciate her attentiveness, creativity, industry knowledge and dedication to the client experience.
“You don't have to have all of the answers. If you have the framework for your event, we are here to partner with you from start to finish! Being able to chat through the details, pitch ideas, elevate your event, and offer exceptional service is what we are here for!”
When she isn't managing the next big event at Tamory, Morgan enjoys going for walks around Lake Red Rock and being outside with her husband Austin and their two young sons. Taking warm evening four-wheeler rides on their family farmland is a group favorite. Aside from being a boy mom, Morgan cherishes time with her close friends and family, traveling when she can, immersing herself in a historical fiction novel on her patio, and dining at new restaurants. Morgan also stays active, working out on a regular basis but admits it is not a passion of hers and she does so mostly to counteract her love for margaritas and queso.
KAYLA SCHNEIDER
Wedding Specialist
Kayla is all about people and the fine details. As a wedding specialist at Tamory, she serves as the point of contact from the get-go, guiding couples from planning stages and vendor recommendations to managing rehearsals, day-of festivities and making sure all of the fine details are just right.
Couples that work with Kayla appreciate her organizational skills, bubbly personality and sincere joy in helping their vision come to life at Tamory. Kayla thrives in communication, collaboration and providing an experience that is nothing short of perfection. Kayla says that the love and joy on each couples’ faces continuously confirms that Tamory is where she’s meant to be.
“When you book your event at Tamory Hall, you will be eagerly met with a team that loves what they do and is so passionate about making your day an amazing one! We simply cannot wait to be a place where lifelong memories are made!”
A Boulder, Colorado native, Kayla is an avid hiker and is always up for the next outdoor adventure. Kayla is currently finishing up her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Central College. When she isn’t studying or leading an event at Tamory, you’ll find Kayla spending time with her friends and fiancé, working out, enjoying coffee - and planning her own wedding for the fall of 2024.
LIZ OLSON
Graphic Design + Marketing Specialist
As a former corporate marketer and graphic designer, Liz finds joy in creating something both beautiful and functional from written and oral concepts. Liz curates the Tamory Hall brand through every medium — from social media and web design to print and advertising — and takes pride in sharing each story that begins at Tamory.
While most of Liz’s work happens outside of the event and wedding management work, she loves showcasing the details and style of each client, as well as the immense talent of vendors the Tamory team gets to partner with.
“Tamory Hall brings such a unique element to the venue space. Historic, classic and modern on its own, the detail and thought behind the venue elevates the vision and style of each and every client’s event. Our talented team delivers a personalized, guided experience to everyone who walks through Tamory’s doors, and we look forward to sharing it with you.”
When Liz isn’t strategizing a social plan or revising designs, you can find her chauffeuring her two children to various activities, trying her hand at a new recipe or turning the pages of a thriller novel. Outside of her day-to-day, Liz enjoys trying new cuisines with her husband, cheering on her children at sporting events and dance competitions, winning an intense game of Scrabble, playing the occasional round of golf and expanding her Pinterest board.
Event Team
The events at Tamory Hall would not be possible without our dedicated waitstaff, kitchen staff and bartenders.
Interested in joining our team?
