By AARON RICCA/The Bee

KINGMAN – It’s a hidden sliver in the realm of downtown, and if you’re looking for a place to hold that special moment (or party), a block away from Beale Street holds the answer.

The owners of one successful local business will begin their venture into another this weekend, and the public is invited.

Jason and JoAnne Marino will debut 2nd&Oak, a wedding and events venue, a few streets down from their downtown photo studio Imagine Photography, 532 E. Beale St.

They got their hands on a lease for the 1,550 square-foot former coffee house and law office (technically located at 132 E. Oak St.) in June and made some minor renovations. After a few last-minute and hectic adjustments between the venue opening and their photography business, they’re ready for a grand opening.

Saturday, the Marino’s, along with a team of local businesses, will open the venue to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. just to show what kind of party they can throw. That’s exactly what the couple/entrepreneurs want.

“It’s our goal for people to stop by, look around and say, ‘This is what I want my wedding to look like,” Jason said.

The renovated home looks great on the outside and from the inside, but it’s the outdoor patio, gazebo, fountain, carriage house and trees that are the peaches and cream of the venue.

“We’ll host weddings primarily, but also company picnics and holiday parties, baby and wedding showers and other small events perfectly suited for the space,” Marino said.

Here’s what to expect for Saturday’s introduction:

A model bride and groom couple, music from DJ Jeramiah Green and vendors including Black Bridge Brewery (drinks), Garibaldi’s (food), Victoria’s Sugar Shack (dessert), Southwest Hospitality (linen and table settings), Larrea Blossoms (flower arrangements) and Barb Charon in conjunction with The Farmhouse (wedding design). 

All vendors will be available to answer questions and provide info on their services.

The Marino’s will also have a photo and video crew on-site shooting footage, so be ready to be on camera.

2nd&Oak is a separate business venture for the Marino’s and operated independent from their photography studio, which has already been going for a solid 10 years. 

The downtown photo studio opened last year, breathing life into one of manystalling properties.  

The wedding venue started as a joke with the property owner and within weeks the idea turned into reality.

“We’re entrepreneurs and are always looking for opportunities to do something fun and interesting business-wise,” Jason said. “When we see a gap in services provided (in Kingman), we try to think of a way to fill it.”

The site will be a one-stop shop for prospective clients. They have a have a preferred vendor list, but since anyone from Kingman to Cottonwood might book an occasion, the doors are open.

“We’ll be available as photographers and have our photo booth to rent, but we aren’t trying to corner the market,” Jason said. “Customers will be able to use any photographer or vendor they wish to have.”

Rates vary on the type of party and info is available at www.2ndandoak.com. The Marino’s said they already have inquiries as far out as 2020. It wouldn’t hurt to have a sit down inside the cozy home and take a tour of the backyard party space.

“The venue is completely unique in vibe,” Jason said. “It’s whimsical, cozy, and gorgeous. Lush landscaping, room for up to 150, private, easily accessible. All traits that are unique to our space.”

2nd&Oak is a leisurely stroll to and from Locomotive and Metcalfe Parks and the downtown drinking establishments, and the locale continues to evolve into a place to spend the day.

“We want to continue to see downtown develop into something special,” Jason said. “Having a wedding and event venue that is singularly unique, in downtown, is really great.”

The American Dream is alive and well in Arizona.

JoAnne has lived in Kingman nearly 40 years. Jason, a Scottsdale transplant, 12 years. They have two kids heading off to college and another a sophomore in high school. They’ve tasted success and have time to look for more.

“We’re getting ready to be empty-nesters,” JoAnne said. “We want to stay busy.”

Kingman is their home. They want to continue to make it better.

“We like providing for our community,” JoAnne said.

Bullhead and Lake Havasu City residents might want to swing by. The grand opening is free and dress code is ‘Kingman Casual’. Just be ready to enjoy the evening.

More info can be found at www.2ndandoak.com or email info@2ndandoak.com to book an appointment.