New Use Planned For Popular Wedding Venue In Oxford

OXFORD, CT — The clock is ticking on Community Chapel's plan to move to Colonial Tavern, a former wedding venue, at 24 Hawley Road as the Planning and Zoning commission continues to entertain the proposal, the Republican-American reports.

Church officials say the deal must be agreed to by the end of the year and they wanted to be in their new home by Christmas. Questions have been raised concerning what the 31-acre parcel is actually zoned for, the Rep-Am reports.

The town once considered purchasing the land. The church currently holds services at Pomperaug High School in Southbury.

In late October, Colonial Tavern owners, Tom and Joan Tarby, announced on their Facebook page that the popular wedding venue would be closing after 33 years.

"It is with mixed emotions that I write to confirm that the rumor is true, after 33 plus years I am retiring and closing the Colonial Tavern. There have been many ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies (minor ones) through the years, but I never wavered in my love for what I do and my belief that the Colonial Tavern was a great place to make your dreams come true.

"I tried my best to treat all my brides as if they were my own daughter and would do anything in my power to make them all feel as if they were a member of my family. Did I make mistakes in all these years? Yes I did and there are many times I wish I could have counted to 10 quicker to reign myself in, but overall, I am satisfied that we are going out on the top of the hill as opposed to sliding down to the bottom. There are too many people to whom I want to thank for their support all these years, but I would be remiss if I didn't make a special shout out to my Alma mater(?) Seymour High School.

"The amazing amount of times the various sports programs held there year end banquets here is too numerous to count. Most of all, I wish to thank my family, especially my wife Joan and my children Meghan and Ryan, my mother Jeanne and father Charlie for sticking with me through all the emotions that come with owning and operating your own business. Thank you, thank you, thank you all. Have a sparkling Holiday season and God Bless," the owners said.

Matt Dombroski wrote, "I’ll miss you Tom. You were always a great host and an ever better friend. I’ll never ever ever forget our wedding there that was one of the best times of our life. I wish you only the best and I hope to see you sooner than later!"

Linda Stubbs, wrote, "Tom, we got married at Colonial Tavern 9 years ago and yes you treated me like your daughter to make my wedding everything I wanted and you created this beautiful day and beautiful memory for us!"

>>>Read More at the Rep-Am.

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