Aurora event space opens

AURORA — A former workshop outside Aurora has been transformed into Bella Casa, a venue designed to host events ranging from weddings and rehearsal dinners to book clubs and family gatherings.

Owner Teresa Holloman recently completed the building renovation, creating what she describes as an elegant and welcoming space.

“I want people to feel like they’re walking into a home when they come in,” she said.

The interior is arranged with a living room area, dining area and open kitchen, along with a large gathering space featuring a fireplace that can accommodate dining tables or dancing. The custom-built black walnut bar stands out as a centerpiece, and the venue also has a grand player piano.

Holloman spent about a year collecting furnishings to create the atmosphere she envisioned.

“I knew the vibe that I wanted to create — Italian, elegant, old-world home comfort,” she said.
Bella Casa — it means “beautiful house” in Spanish and Italian — stands available for events like weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, prom dinners, baby showers, reunions and club meetings.

Holloman said the venue can accommodate an event for as few as two people or up to 100 inside for a larger celebration.

Rather than offering event planning services, Bella Casa provides the venue and optional amenities. Tables, chairs, linens, dishes, silverware and glassware are available for customers, or guests may bring their own. Holloman is certified to prepare and serve food and can provide meals, although outside caterers are welcome.

The property features outdoor gathering areas with paved, lighted patios, seating areas, water features and a gazebo.

Additional improvements are already in the works. A neighboring building will be renovated into a bridal suite, groom’s lounge, patio, reception area and nursery. Future phases of the project include four to six micro-cabins for overnight stays and another building with a swimming pool, picnic area and sports court.

Holloman said Bella Casa is the latest in a series of entrepreneurial ventures. Since moving to the Brookings area in 2014, she previously owned and operated JoJo’s Candy Arcade, Baybee Luv Boutique and The Vape Arcade. She purchased the Aurora property in 2018.

Originally from Kansas, Holloman spent much of her life in Minnesota before moving to South Dakota. She now lives on the property with her dogs, cats, chickens, goats and a pig. She has five grown daughters and 12 grandchildren living in Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

She said Bella Casa grew out of her desire to find a business that better fit both her lifestyle and the community’s needs.

“With retail, times are tough, and the owner has to be there no matter what. With something like this, I can plan ahead and budget more easily. And I love feeding people, I love hosting them, I love seeing them smile,” she said. “I like making them laugh. I like making them feel happy.”

The venue hosted its first gathering Sunday, July 12, a thank-you dinner for those who helped get Bella Casa up and running. Holloman said the event also served as a trial run for the facility.

Bella Casa will host open houses July 24-26 and July 29-31 from 3-8 p.m. each day. Find more information on Bella Casa’s website (bellacasaweddingeventvenuesd.com/) and Facebook page (facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591501580213).