Meet Ben
(owner-operator)
Born and raised in Charlottesville, after graduating from Washington and Lee, I spent the past six years in the construction industry. Although my construction career officially began in Charleston, South Carolina, the foundation for my work began as a kid in my father’s woodshop and barn at Woodburn, our parents’ historic home my two sisters and I grew up in.
Our dad is a doctor by trade but when the workday’s over, his relaxation comes from working with his hands. He is a man of many talents. Be it woodworking, masonry, welding or gardening, he has a patient, meticulous way of getting the job done. I started out as his helper, and over the years learned a great deal. I built on those skills doing highway and maritime work in Charleston, and sitework for Faulconer Construction at the University of Virginia, and the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport.
To pick up some extra work, my sister, Dickie, introduced me to the event industry and I worked various roles in a number of weddings and private events for her over the past few years. I always enjoyed the buzz before events when the vendors worked as a team to get everything ready. I’d played team sports my entire life, including lacrosse at Washington and Lee, and enjoyed being part of the action. When Dickie suggested the idea for Stonegate Event Rentals, I found the perfect opportunity to jump in…
Meet Dickie
(owner-designer)
I’m Ben’s younger sister. Four minutes younger that is. We’re triplets (our sister, Kate, is a nurse in North Carolina). We grew up in the country. No cable TV and certainly no video games. Our source of entertainment came from our Dad’s woodworking shop or (more for me than Ben!) our Mom’s sewing room. Fast forward twenty years later – and both Ben and I are still passionate about creating things, whether from scratch or repurposing something old into something new.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, I’ve spent the last six years immersed in the world of events. From planning corporate events in London to private weddings and parties in Charlottesville and even small barn parties in the outskirts of town – it’s the little details that have given each event character and helped make them memorable.
My company just a little ditty focuses on just that: the small things in life and the meaning around them. In every event I plan, I look for ways to make the event unique for the bride. From a handmade clutch to carry down the aisle to a special welcome table or a custom drink flag — I love the details.
Last fall at our cousin’s wedding, I noticed the wonderful details. Stunning yet simple lanterns. Rustic cocktail tables with mix-matched farm chairs. A custom-made wooden bar that the guests were happily gathered around…and a light bulb went off. Ben had just left his construction job and I suggested we create a rentals company to add another option for Charlottesville’s great events community.
Ben chose Stonegate in honor of our late-grandfather’s farm and Stonegate Event Rentals was born to provide unique & custom items for your once-in-a-lifetime events.
From inspiration to implementation, we look forward to the journey… let’s make it a memorable one!
