About Us
Our Story
The property at Up the Creek Farms is the original homestead of one of the area’s first pioneers, Ernest Svedelius. Ernest migrated from Stockholm, Sweden to the east coast of Florida and built a two story farmhouse in the 1870’s. He began an orange grove and started a wholesale fish camp at the head of the creek that runs the length of the property to the Indian River Lagoon. Svedelius is purported to have named the town of Valkaria after Valkyre, a maiden of Norse mythology.
Through many years of different owners, the house fell into disrepair. In 1984, the Tuten family acquired the property and repaired the old farmhouse enough to raise two kids and lots of animals for the ensuing 29 years. In 2013, one of those ‘kids’ returned to the home with a vision. Transitioning from a catering and restaurant management background, Jessica Watson (Tuten), brings her knowledge and passion for event coordination to a new level.
Recognizing the beauty and envisioning a space to share with others, work began to update the homestead into a Bed & Breakfast. With an appetite to entertain, the scope of the project expanded into including a wedding and special events venue. Up the Creek Farms clients are welcomed as friends and can expect nothing less than extraordinary with our facility and grounds.
Meet the Owners
Up the Creek Farms is owned and operated by Jessica and Tim Watson. The couple maintain a residence on the property with their two labs Murphy and Parker.
Tim and Jessica met in college via a rowing rivalry that was quickly settled. Married at Up the Creek in 2016, the couple welcomed their daughter in 2020, the third generation to live on the property. As owner-operators, overseeing the day to day operations at Up the Creek Farms and thoughtfully planning the venue’s evolution is truly a labor of love. Up the Creek was built upon their connection to the property, Jess’ vision, Tim’s background, and an incredible amount of teamwork. Tim and Jessica have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and Marketing and Business Management.
Our Team
We’ve assembled a wonderful crew to help you plan and execute your dream event at Up the Creek Farms. Meet a few of them here.
Clare
Hometown: New Richmond, WI
Birthday: November 4
You would be surprised to know: I have my PhD in Chemistry!
Quote I live by: May you always have the courage to take a chance. -Irish Saying
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: When I relocated to Florida, I knew I wanted to make a career change. I have been a bridesmaid in 8 weddings and love the feelings of excitement and love on a wedding day. I found Up the Creek Farms, fell in love, and I am extremely happy with my new career path!
Favorite part of the wedding day: When everyone gets out on the dance floor!
Best piece of advice for a couple: Love is an action
What I do in my spare time: I love to hike, kayak, and read on the beach
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Best vacation spot- Ireland/ Dream vacation- Greece
Favorite southern dish: Brisket
Tammy
Hometown: Indialantic, FL… but I have been blessed to live up and down the East Coast 🙂
Birthday: June 20
You would be surprised to know: I loved traveling the world before children and marriage! New Zealand being my all time favorite spot
Quote I live by: Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: It has been a long time dream of mine, and the timing was finally right.
Favorite part of the wedding day: Vows!
Best piece of advice for a couple: Be each other’s biggest fans!!
What I do in my spare time: I have 2 amazing girls and a fantastic husband that I like to do anything and everything with!
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Italy
Favorite southern dish: Shrimp and grits
Jess
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
Birthday: May 10
You would be surprised to know: I know how to operate a tractor
Quote I live by: Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle -Abe Lincoln
How I met my other half: Rowing in college
Favorite memory from my wedding: Our ceremony was designed in a circle full of vintage furniture for seating with the two of us standing underneath a suspended ring adorned with greenery and flowers that Tim constructed. I loved looking out at my family and friends and so many memories that shaped me and brought us to that moment, it was one of those significant life experiences.
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I’m the girl you see in pictures standing on a 2×4 in diapers watching my parents renovate a 140-year-old farm house. Years later, we had this crazy idea to share an amazing piece of property, thus the beginning of Up the Creek Farms.
Favorite part of the wedding day: When the newlyweds walk into their reception through the barn doors of the Boathouse!
Best piece of advice for a couple: Be each other’s biggest encourager.
What I do in my spare time: We love to take the dogs out in the river and let them be labs.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: A tree house in Costa Rica!
Favorite southern dish: Fried green tomatoes
Lauren
Hometown: Palm Bay, FL
Birthday: February 10
You would be surprised to know: I lived in the Big Apple for a decade.
Quote I live by: Keep on, keepin’ on – Joe Dirt
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I’ve known Jess and her family since high school and emailed her about potential job openings the second I decided to move back to Florida.
Favorite part of the wedding day: Seeing all of the florals and design aspects come together.
Best piece of advice for a couple: Don’t hate each other.
What I do in my spare time: I love playing records on my old turntable, reading a lot, and watching anything that’s on Bravo.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Egypt!
Favorite southern dish: Mac n Cheese
Kellie
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY
Birthday: October 21
You would be surprised to know: My career in flowers started at age 14 working with a florist
Quote I live by: Never give up, keep the faith!
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: Upon visiting the farm and meeting Jessica, it was such a good vibe! Later, I made a job request and fortunately an opening came available
Favorite part of the wedding day: The vows are so heartfelt and a true expression of love
Best piece of advice for a couple: Live every day as though it’s your last because life is so short
What I do in my spare time: Exploring any new adventure!
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Anywhere surrounded by lots of water/The South Pacific
Favorite southern dish: Beans & Cornbread
Brittany
Hometown: Durham, NC
Birthday: April 22
You would be surprised to know: If I wasn’t an Event Planner/Day of Coordinator I would want to be a Nascar Driver
Quote I live by: The Lord gave us two ends: One to sit on and the other to think with. Success depends on which one we use the most. -Ann Landers
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: Prior to working at UTCF I was a Planner/Day of Coordinator hired by individuals to plan events at whatever venue or location they had booked. I was telling one of Blue Skies Entertainment DJs how much I had enjoyed working at the same venue consistently. He asked if I would consider working at UTCF as one of their Planner/Day of Coordinators? I jumped at the chance to meet with Jessica and join the team.
Favorite part of the wedding day: Watching everyone at the reception having fun and making memories to last a lifetime.
Best piece of advice for a couple: A marriage isn’t 50/50. It is 100/100!
What I do in my spare time: Outdoor Activities- Hiking, Biking and Camping
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Anywhere with mountains and waterfalls!
Favorite southern dish: Fried Okra
Kiryn
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
Birthday: January 14th
Something you would be surprised to know about me: I have a certification in interior design
Quote I live by: If it were easy everyone would do it it’s the hard that makes it great
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I wanted to get into the wedding industry. Through a family connection, I heard about an opening at Up the Creek Farms. I reached out to apply and here I am!
Favorite part of the wedding day: When the bride walks down the aisle
Best piece of advice for a couple: Never lose the romance/spark!
What I do in my spare time: I workout, shop, go to the beach, and travel
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Best vacation: The Bahamas. Dream vacation: Paris
Favorite Southern dish: Chicken & Waffles
Dayton
Hometown: Melbourne Beach, FL
Birthday: June 12
You would be surprised to know: I love downhill skating even though there are not many hills in Florida.
Quote I live by: Don’t stress the things that are not under your control
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I was doing gig work and one of the people who employed me mentioned UTCF needed somebody.
Favorite part of the job: Having canine co workers
What I do in my spare time: I like to skate and learn new things.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: East Hampton / Cape Cod
Favorite Southern dish: Fried Chicken
Tim
Hometown: Orange Park, FL
Birthday: October 29
You would be surprised to know: I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering
Quote I live by: Don’t sweat the small stuff
Best piece of advice for a couple: Respect each other and remember that you are marrying your best friend. Go on as many adventures as you can and enjoy each other’s company!
Favorite part of the job: Being able to create and take part in a day that, for many, they have dreamt about for years. Weddings are unique events that evoke pure happiness and it’s a pleasure to be able to help provide this to others.
What I do in my spare time: I really enjoy being outside and in nature, hanging with the dogs, or going on an adventure somewhere new.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Hiking in the mountains in the fall. The colors, smells, and nature provide the most relaxing backdrop for a vacation.
Favorite Southern dish: Boiled dinner coated in mustard
Sophie
Hometown: Malabar, FL
Birthday: June 30
You would be surprised to know: I used to judge horses competitively
Quote I live by: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I saw a flyer online about a job opening at Up The Creek Farms. Then, a family friend (also a photographer who works with the team) shared the flyer with me – I thought it was a sign that I should apply. Luckily, I was hired and am enjoying all the new things I am learning at UTCF.
Favorite part of the wedding day: Watching the newlyweds and their loved ones enjoy the day. It’s so fun to see everyone celebrate!
Best piece of advice for a couple: Never stop being friends
What I do in my spare time: I love to spend time with my family, travel, and watch Judge Judy.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: The Florida Keys/Greece
Favorite Southern dish: Fried green tomatoes or a tomato sandwich
Maile
Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL
Birthday: January 4th
Quote I live by: “To begin, begin.” -William Woodsworth
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I want to be a wedding planner when I am older and reached out to Up the Creek Farms for a chance at getting more experience in assisting with the wonderful worlds of weddings. I am lucky enough to be able to learn from such an amazing team and get to be apart of the best weddings!
Favorite part of the wedding day: My favorite part has to be hearing everyone’s speeches during the reception. No matter who it is, if I know them or not, it always makes me emotional to hear their kind and genuine words about the couple we are celebrating. It really shows how loved they are and I think it is always so heartwarming.
Best piece of advice for a couple: My best advice I can think of is to honestly just never stop trying. If you never stop trying you’ll never lose that spark and keep the romance always.
What I do in my spare time: I like to workout in my free time whether it’s at orange theory, pilates, or a relaxing yoga class!
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: My dream vacation would be to Iceland and see all the amazing views, but most importantly the northern lights!!
Favorite Southern dish: Gluten Free Baked Mac n Cheese
