Vaerus Events With Event Planning by Along Came Abby: Keeping the Celebration Alive

Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography

Finding a venue space that can accommodate a large event and still offer social distancing can be almost impossible. Most event venues in Topeka have a capacity limit of 300 (and that is with everyone sitting right next to each other). Imagine a venue that can handle from 50 to 800 people, with additional space to spread out in the open air?

When people think of event venues for corporate parties or weddings, an airplane hangar isn’t the first space that comes to mind. However, one look at the Vaerus Aviation hangar all decked out with lighting and decor, and that opinion quickly changes.

Most people don’t realize that Vaerus Aviation has been holding events in its hangar for several years. The unique venue has hosted Advisor’s Excel Christmas parties, several weddings and numerous corporate events. And now, after partnering with Abby Wempe, owner of Along Came Abby, those who rent the venue can also utilize the services of a professional event planner.

This budding partnership actually began during the 20/30 Gala last year.

“They liked how I had set up the gala,” Wempe said. “That discussion quickly turned into how we could bring events like that to the Vaerus hangar.”

The two companies set up a partnership to co-own ACA Rentals, which offers everything from tables and chairs to linens and event décor.

“Topeka didn’t really have a place where a customer could rent everything they needed under one roof,” Wempe said. “It just made sense to add that service as part of a turn-key event planning service.”

The partnership is a win-win for both companies. When people inquire about holding an event in the hangar, Vaerus can offer Along Came Abby’s event planning services. And when Wempe is looking for a unique venue option for her clients, the hangar is always a good choice.

In addition to the wide open space available in the Vaerus Aviation airplane hangar, there
is also a large board room, a prep kitchen and break out spaces available. And, if they open the hangar doors, the space options become virtually limitless.

People may assume that the hangar doesn’t work well for small, intimate gatherings because of its size, but Wempe disagrees.

“We have giant airplanes that we can do anything we want with,” she said. “How cool would it be to hold a company meeting or a anniversary party right next to an airplane?”

In fact, the airplanes are one of Wempe’s favorite benefits of holding events at the hangar.

“We had a wedding there where after their last dance, the bride and groom took their grand exit out of the hangar and straight onto an airplane, where they then took off for their honeymoon.”