about us

If you come to Madison at the Mill, you’ll probably meet me, Shalese! I run the Mill with my husband, Robert. You might notice in our scrolling photos here that yes, we did get married here ourselves in October 2019! As newlyweds, we understand everything you’re going through, and we’re here to make the wedding planning process easy, fun, and memorable.

“Shalese and Robert were just so awesome to work with, super responsive, extremely helpful and downright wonderful people!”

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Robert+and+Shalese+Wedding+2019-401.jpg — Shalese

Shalese has worked in weddings since 2012. She was a wedding planner’s assistant, wedding photographer, and wedding magazine assistant editor before becoming the manager and in house coordinator for Madison at the Mill. Clearly, weddings are in her blood. She also blogs about all things lifestyle and travel and spends most of her spare time with Robert and Rory.

Robert+and+Shalese+Wedding+2019-558.jpg — Robert

Robert grew up exploring the Mill. His dad actually bought the Mill and started renovating it before he was born, so clearly, a passion for this building is in his blood! No wedding at the Mill is complete without Robert escorting the newlyweds to our freight elevator for their big reception entrance!

Rory

Rory is a two year old Australian Shepherd. He’s a *little* spoiled, and you might see him if you come in for a tour! He’s never met a stranger, and he will be your best friend for any kind of pets . . . or treats.

about
the Mill

Madison at the Mill is on the top floor of the 100 year old Silk Mill in Orange, VA. Beginning in the 1920s, American Silk Mills, Inc. made silk that would eventually become parachutes for both world wars.

When American Silk Mills, Inc. went out of business, the building here in the heart of Orange fell into major disrepairs. In 1989, Kent Higginbotham (Robert’s dad) purchased the Silk Mill with the hope of revitalizing this huge part of Orange’s economy. After years of careful renovations, the Silk Mill once again became a hub for businesses in town.

Now, the Silk Mill houses restaurants, other small businesses, and of course, Madison at the Mill. By hosting your event with us, you’re becoming a part of some very cool history.

Our Wedding at the Mill

Produced by WhiteFlair Productions

Testimonials

“My husband Eddie & I cannot stop bragging about Madison at The Mill. Our guest can’t stop talking about how beautiful our wedding was. & It’s definitely because of the amazing venue and who’s running it! Robert & Shalese we’re nothing but good to us! They are passionate about making weddings happen! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the modern industrial look! I can’t stop thinking about how perfect my wedding was at The Mill!”

- Jasmine + Eddie

“Such a unique and gorgeous venue! We wanted a completely indoor venue for our wedding (which was a good call because it rained all evening) and Madison at the Mill was the clear front-runner. We had so many of our guests comment throughout the day on how much they loved it. It is such a spacious beautiful space that doesn't need much extra decor at all - it's beautiful as is! Shalese and Robert were so accommodating and helpful as well and answered our questions quickly and professionally. I cannot recommend this space enough to anyone in the area looking for a hassle free and unique wedding venue!!”

- Katie

“This venue is beyond beautiful! We barely used decorations because of the simple and elegant beauty of the place. The staff there are great, very responsive and personal. We LOVED getting married here!!”

- Emma

“This space is BEAUTIFUL, functional, and has the bride in mind. The space comes with signage, a beautiful bridal suite, stunning bathrooms, and wonderful design touches. We were skeptical to even have a wedding until we visited Madison at the Mill. So many of our guests complimented our venue. Shalese was also wonderful, quick to respond, and very knowledgable about everything wedding.”

- Brandi

“Madison at the Mill is a hidden gem outside of the Charlottesville area. This venue is absolutely breathtaking and we were given many compliments on our wedding night about the venue. It is so unique and naturally beautiful! Shalese is wonderful to work with and I cannot say enough great things about this place. Everything was perfect and couldn’t not have imagine any other place more perfect for our special day. Love, love, love!”

- Amanda + Roman

“Madison at the Mill is simply amazing. It was the perfect venue for our reception. Our guests are still raving about this unique hidden gem in Orange.

Shalese was a dream to work with from beginning to end. The contracting process was seamless, and she and Robert were more than willing to work within our budget. Shalese was super responsive throughout the entire planning process, and worked flawlessly with our outside vendors. This team and venue is amazing - can not recommend Shalese & co and Madison at the Mill enough!”

- Sally + Chris

“I am not one who ever had a dream wedding. I never spent time in wedding magazines, or read blogs, or really even pinterested anything. And somehow, the only way I can describe Madison at the Mill is my dream wedding venue. It's in the middle of an industrial park in the middle of a town where you can't seem to escape panoramic, picturesque views, of the stunning Blue Ridge. You walk in and you are suddenly transformed. The space is completely understated elegance. It somehow manages to feel like home and like a movie set at the same time. Shalese, the venue manager, is an absolute joy to work with—wildly accommodating, lots of great advice, and the joyous presence you want to surround yourself with while planning a wedding. Everyone absolutely adored the venue. Jess and I could not have been luckier. “

- Olivia + Jess

“Absolutely amazing venue! Our guests loved it. Shalese is amazing - definitely hire her as your coordinator!!”

- Michelle + Aaron

“Madison at the Mill has an unexpected WOW factor and is the perfect combination of industrial, elegant, and romantic. From the gorgeous hardwood floors to the unique lighting, this versatile space easily fit our wedding of 200 people. They have farmhouse tables and round tables that were too beautiful to cover with linens. They had enough chairs to cover both the seating for the ceremony and reception for our guests. The bridal suite is SO luxurious that the HMUA were raving. Even the multitude of bathrooms are incredibly unique and clean. However, the best thing about this venue is the venue coordinator, Shalese! She was incredibly helpful, flexible and accommodating. She goes above and beyond to make our event special. We sincerely recommend Madison at the Mill and could not be more grateful to Shalese or be more in love with the space.”

- Elena + Natan

“Madison at the Mill is THE spot. Working with Shalese was fantastic! She is clearly so passionate about this location and every event that happens there. I couldn't believe all the accommodations and options you have. It was so unassuming from the outside, but once I opened the door to the location — my jaw has never dropped farther. That was the reaction of every guest for our wedding.”

- Carrie + Ricky

“This spot is the ultimate wedding venue. We could not have been happier with our decision through the entire process. Not only is the venue full of unique characteristics that will set your wedding apart, but it is functional to meet your needs whatever they may be. Some of the unique characteristics are the history of the venue, the original wood floors, the beautiful restrooms (and plenty of them!), the well-appointed and gorgeous bridal suite with its own bathroom, the huge windows to let in natural light, the bright and elegant lighting, and of course - the utility elevator that can be used for a surprise entrance!

As if that is not enough, working with the venue coordinators was an absolute joy. Shalese and Robert are responsive and accomodating, as well as (most importantly) available to their couples on the day of the wedding. Shalese works hard to collaborate with your whole vendor team to provide you with a seamless and organized event. She has a no-sweat attitude that makes for stress-free preparation and execution.”

- Annie + Austin

“This venue has everything we could have hoped for our winter wedding. We loved the open reception area and the intimate ceremony room. There were so many wonderful parts of this venue but one of the top things was the bridal suite where the girls could get ready and have some down time. Shalese and Robert were so attentive and helpful the entire weekend. I was so grateful we utilized Shalese as our venue coordinator because it took all the stress of communicating with vendors and keeping the flow of the day going- please consider this as a bride because being present was so important!! Everyone loved dancing the night away with the romantic string lights. Added bonus we took outdoor pictures at the outside venue which was just breathtaking and right around the corner. We highly recommend this hidden treasure in Orange it was an incredible experience!”

- Julia + Jeremy

“Madison at the Mill was one of the most beautiful venues I’ve been to! If you’re looking for an industrial themed venue this is the spot for you! It has gorgeous bathrooms, original hardwood floors and the chandeliers and Edison lights are just to die for! On top of that, it has tons of room and is super reasonable to rent! I cannot rave enough about it and the coordinators that come with it. Shalese and Robert were just so awesome to work with, super responsive, extremely helpful and just downright wonderful people! Thank you guys so much for helping to make our perfect day a dream come true!”

- Rachel + Stephin