07-03-2025
Independence Harbor has new owners. What's in store for Assonet 'fairytale' wedding venue?
FREETOWN — The most wonderful time of the year is approaching at Independence Harbor, which for decades has been a go-to wedding destination featuring a picturesque "fairytale garden" backdrop along the Assonet River.
And this year, exciting new things will be blooming at the scenic Assonet venue, with new owners gearing up to put their own touches on the 10 Narrows Road property while carrying on its 50-year legacy.
Saphire Event Group, a Massachusetts-based family-run wedding planning business, added a fifth venue to its growing portfolio of South Shore wedding spots this January with the purchase of Independence Harbor.
"It's a stunning property and we thought it would make a good addition," said Jonathan Saphire, who owns Saphire Event Group along with wife Amie. "It has great potential."
The Saphires officially took the helm from longtime owner Brian Dunning, who decided to step away from the well-established event facility after nearly 50 years of making memories for folks in southeastern Massachusetts.
The Saphires intend to continue this tradition, while taking the property to the next level.
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Saphire Event Group was founded in 1977 by Roberta and Gerald Saphire with the purchase of their flagship property, now known as Saphire Estate, in Sharon before their son Jonathan took the reins in 2006.
Since then, SEG's business has expanded to include five properties: Saphire Estate, The Villa in East Bridgewater, Avenir in Walpole, The Lakehouse in Halifax, and most recently Independence Harbor in Assonet.
Having grown up in the wedding business, Saphire was well-acquainted with Independence Harbor, having known previous owners for about 30 years.
While among their competition, Saphire formed a business friendship with the Dunnings, comparing notes on best practices for running a wedding venue and following through on their mission of "creating top-notch, once-in-a-lifetime events for clients," as stated on SEG's website.
According to Saphire, renovations are par for the course when they purchase a new venue, so expect some notable upgrades at the Assonet space.
At this time, the Saphires don't have many specific details or an exact timeframe for the project, which is still in its early planning stages.
But those looking to book the scenic spot for their special event should be advised its availability will be limited in the coming year.
"It will be closed a good portion of 2026" amid renovations, Saphire said.
According to Saphire, the facility will operate as is through the end of this year, with renovations planned for 2026, which will hopefully be completed by next summer or fall.
It's an older building, Saphire noted, so their goal with Independence Harbor renovations is to update and modernize, keeping its charm while making it a more higher-end space.
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"It just needs a new face, so to speak," Saphire said.
The Saphires are currently working with an architect. Their vision for the revamped venue includes both significant and aesthetic changes.
Notable updates will likely include a new roof, ceilings and layout that better conforms to what modern brides are looking for these days. The creation of a separate cocktail space — right now just has a small bar area — and a new feature that the current space does not allow for, a reception room reveal, are also among their plans.
There's plenty to look forward to for folks seeking a memorable spot for their special occasion, but there remains a big question on the minds of many who have frequented the Assonet establishment over the years: will there still be brunch?
Independence Harbor's Sunday Brunch Buffet has been a staple that's garnered legions of fans. For roughly 38 years, they've been serving brunch to the public one Sunday a month, complete with carving station, soup station, salad buffet and an array of their best eats.
However, according to Saphire, that Independence Harbor tradition will not be continuing.
"We're focused primarily on doing weddings," Saphire said, which is undoubtedly the biggest draw for a place like Independence Harbor.
Prior to COVID, when event venues across the country experienced a dramatic drop in business due to pandemic-related shutdowns, Independence Harbor hosted about 100 weddings a year, Saphire said.
Saphire anticipates closing Independence Harbor in November of this year to start the renovation period.
Upon their return, Saphire said, folks can look forward to a full calendar of "lots of weddings and a beautiful space where the facility itself measures the grounds."
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Assonet wedding venue becomes fifth Saphire Event Group location
