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.
Briana
Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL
Birthday: November 9
You would be surprised to know: I received my Bachelors Degree at 20 years old. My goal is to live on a farm with cows.
Quote I live by: Life isn’t perfect but it is still beautiful.
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I went to college in Orlando, had a job there, and soon realized that I hated city life. I wanted to move back to where I grew up. I found Up the Creek Farms and instantly fell in love!
Favorite part of the wedding day: Sending the Bride down the aisle, bustling dresses, and watching the first dances.
Best piece of advice for a couple: Remember to always say, “I love you” and “thank you.”
What I do in my spare time: Take care of my chickens, ride horses, hang with family, and anything outdoor-related; camping, kayaking, shooting.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: United Kingdom or African Safari
Favorite southern dish: Biscuits and gravy!!!!
Amanda
Hometown: Ft. Wayne, IN
Birthday: April 2
You would be surprised to know: I have 46 first cousins!
Quote I live by: Relax, the day always ends and tomorrow always offers a new beginning.
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: I relocated from Napa, CA and was looking for the perfect place to design flowers. As soon as there was an opening I jumped at the opportunity to apply. Lucky for me I was hired!
Favorite part of the wedding day: Delivering personal flowers. Oftentimes, the personal flowers are the first floral elements the couple will see. A bridal bouquet is so unique and special for each individual getting married. It’s so enjoyable to watch the reaction to their custom made bouquet!
Best piece of advice for a couple: Remember to be respectful, you are marrying your best friend! Also build a life together that you both love and are proud of.
What I do in my spare time: I love hanging with my family. You can catch us at the beach most weekends if we are not traveling somewhere new!
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Hawaii
Favorite southern dish: Toss up between shrimp etouffee and cornbread with collard greens
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
Erin
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Birthday: March 14th
You would be surprised to know: I live in Orlando and commute 1.5hrs to UTCF, but it’s totally worth it.
Quote I live by: Have courage and be kind.
How I came to work at Up the Creek Farms: My best friend’s brother is getting married at UTCF. His fiancé saw an Instagram post that they were hiring and shared it with my friend who instantly thought of me. I applied immediately! After seeing UTCF in person I knew it was a perfect fit.
Favorite part of the wedding day: Setting everything up and seeing everything come together, and watching the bride walk down the aisle.
Best piece of advice for a couple: Learn each other’s love language.
What I do in my spare time: I like to go out with friends, cuddle my cat, and explore new places.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: My dream vacation destination is Greece!
Favorite southern dish: Grits!
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
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 applied! Now, I am here and 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
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
Sarah
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Birthday: August 13
You would be surprised to know: I drive like a grandma.
Quote I live by: I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship- Louisa May Alcott
Favorite part of the wedding day: Seeing the work you created bring happiness to someone. Also all the dancing.
Best piece of advice for a couple: Encourage each other to do the things that make you happy and give the love and grace you want to receive.
What I do in my spare time: I love to read, hang out with my dogs, and bake my family recipes.
Best vacation spot/dream vacation: Europe, and I’d love to go to Spain and Scotland.
Favorite Southern dish: Gravy, it goes with everything!
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! I also am finishing up my senior year of college at Rosen Hospitality College, so when i’m not at Up The Creek, i’m usually doing school work!
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
