MEET THE TEAM
JEFF & SUSAN SMITH
Jeff and Susan Smith met while working at restaurants in college (she at UT and he at Texas State). After finishing school, they married and moved to Houston to start their careers – his in accounting; hers in corporate communications. But the restaurant/hospitality industry kept calling and, over the years, the couple committed full-time to the industry, eventually owning and operating 6 restaurants and a full-service catering company. A wedding venue was the next logical step!
The Smiths purchased the property that would become The Orchard at Caney Creek in 2009. After about 6 months of renovation, they hosted their first wedding here. Since that time they have continued to innovate, decorate, rebuild and renovate to improve the look and feel of what was, already, a truly beautiful setting. It has been an amazing experience for the whole family (three kids and three grandkids) and continues to be a labor of love.
HANNAH JO MCLEROY
Sales & Day-Of Coordinator
Nice to meet you! I am originally from the Rio Grande Valley, graduated from Texas A&M University, married my best friend, Kent, and have been living in Wharton for nearly 4 years. We recently welcomed our son, Graham, into the world too!
I love spending time with my family and 2 dogs, cooking, playing golf, and traveling.
My passion for weddings began when I interned for a wedding planning company in college. I am so excited to help celebrate such a special day for you!
HALEY SABRSULA ILSE
Day-Of Coordinator
CLAUDIA CONTRERAS
Catering Manager
Hi there, I’m Haley Sabrsula Ilse. Lover of the color pink, Taylor Swift, and of course - weddings! I’m from the small town of El Campo, TX - just outside of Wharton. This is where I met my now husband, Kade! Together we graduated from Texas A&M, adopted a sassy cat named Olive, and had our dream wedding in February 2022! After assisting with weddings in Houston, College Station, and Austin, I’m so excited to be back near my hometown coordinating for The Orchard at Caney Creek. I can’t wait to help you + your favorite person with the big day!