Natchitoches – Benton
Miles: ~ 89

By Corey Poole

Sainte Terre means holy ground. When a family of faithful folk came together, they created Sainte Terre, an all inclusive event space, but it’s so much more than that. While the space typically hosts weddings, it’s also hosted Valentine dinners, a cocktail competition and fun “girls night out” parties.

Owners Derek and Holly Schreiber met at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. Holly and Derek, a born and raised New Yorker, moved to her family’s property in Benton, Louisiana to start a new business venture. They opened Sainte Terre in 2014 with the help of several family members.

Holly’s sister Hillary Moss coordinates events and completes the overall wedding design from handmade lighting fixtures down to the smallest details. Her husband Colby works with Holly in the kitchen. One family member bartends on occasion and there’s always a grandmother or two helping chop onions.

Derek’s father, who moved from Florida, helped refinish the 15-foot solid oak pews in the chapel. The pews came from a church that closed in San Antonio and it took three U-Hauls and six large guys to move them across state lines.

What makes Sainte Terre unique is its diverse food.

“We serve up a lot of Louisiana food,” said Derek. “Our menu features food we’re familiar with, food our family has memories of, food that makes us proud Louisianians and food we want to show off.”

While Holly has a traditional French culinary background, she likes to put a spin on food and spice it up a bit.

If you’re not looking for an event menu, Sainte Terre has recently begun offering “girls night out” parties. The Cocktails and Couture party shows participants how to build their own sangria and cheese board.

Whatever the occasion, the goal of Sainte Terre is to provide its clients with a custom designed experience.
Sainte Terre is one of the many attractions that can be found in Louisiana North, also known as Sportsman Paradise. The cities/parishes that comprise Louisiana North offer exciting activities like great cultural attractions, superb festivals, tantalizing local restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shopping adventures. Natchitoches Parish is a part of Louisiana North.