Meet Alex Turney

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Turney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The business actually started with my in-laws, Tom and Marie, back in 1990. They had this vision of creating a place where people could come together to celebrate life’s biggest moments, and they built it from the ground up with a lot of heart and hard work. What began as a family passion slowly grew into something really special, and when I stepped in, it never felt like I was just starting a business — I was becoming part of a legacy.

My thought process was all about honoring what Tom and Marie built while also letting the business grow and evolve. I saw ways to make the experience more intentional, more personal, and more reflective of the people we serve. Having my husband Steve by my side has been a huge part of that — he’s truly my sidekick in all of it, constantly supporting, problem-solving, and helping bring ideas to life. Together, we’ve worked to blend the history of the business with fresh ideas, staying true to its roots while shaping a future that still feels warm, creative, and very much family-driven.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lionsgate is a family-owned wedding and event venue that’s been around for over three decades, and what truly sets us apart is how deeply personal everything is. We’re not a one-size-fits-all venue, and we’re not just handing someone a space and a checklist. We walk alongside our couples from the very beginning, helping them shape a day that feels like them. Our planners are in-house, our approach is hands-on, and the goal is always to create an experience that feels warm, intentional, and genuinely cared for.

What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built — not just with our couples, but within our team. There’s a lot of heart here. We care deeply about the people we work with and the people we serve, and that shows in the way weddings unfold. I still get excited watching families come together, seeing a couple’s vision finally come to life, and knowing we played a small part in one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

Getting to where we are today definitely wasn’t easy. This business has grown through decades of change, and stepping into leadership came with a huge learning curve. There were moments of self-doubt, tough decisions, and growing pains — especially learning how to balance honoring the foundation that Tom and Marie built while guiding the business forward in a thoughtful way. I overcame those challenges by asking questions, staying open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and reminding myself that growth doesn’t happen without discomfort.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward — you just have to care enough to keep going. Listening matters. People matter. And the way you make others feel will always be more important than doing things perfectly. Trust, consistency, and showing up day after day make a bigger impact than any single decision.

What I want the world to know about me and about Lionsgate is that this isn’t just a business — it’s a family story. It’s built on trust, relationships, and a love for bringing people together. We’re incredibly proud of where we came from, excited about where we’re going, and deeply grateful for every couple, family, and team member who’s been part of the journey along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to town for a week and I wanted them to have the best time, I’d keep it very Colorado — good food, beautiful scenery, and lots of time just hanging out without rushing anywhere.

Mornings would always start with coffee at Otis, and I’d absolutely make a stop at Nok Donuts because it’s non-negotiable. From there, we’d wander, take it slow, and ease into the day. For dinner, Community Supper Club would be a must — you literally can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, so I’d tell them to just trust me and order whatever sounds good. It’s one of those places that feels special without trying too hard.

We’d definitely spend time in the mountains. I love getting out of town, driving up with the windows down, and just being surrounded by nature. Whether it’s a short hike, a scenic overlook, or a laid-back lunch somewhere along the way, the mountains are always grounding and never get old.

I’d also make sure we hit the Louisville and Lafayette farmers markets. Those are some of my favorite places because they really show what makes Colorado so special — small, family-owned businesses, local makers, incredible food, and genuinely kind people. That’s where you find the heart of the community, and that’s where visitors should be spending their time.

The best experiences here aren’t about big tourist spots — they’re about slowing down, supporting local, and being present. Great food, beautiful views, meaningful conversations, and places that feel real. That’s the Colorado I love, and that’s the experience I’d want to share.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout absolutely goes to Tom and Marie. This business exists because of them, but more importantly, I am where I am because of the trust they placed in me. From the very beginning, they believed in my ability to step in, lead, and care for something they built with so much love. That kind of trust means everything.

They’ve supported me through every phase — learning, growing, making mistakes, and finding my footing — always offering guidance and wisdom along the way. They set the standard for what it looks like to run Lionsgate with heart, integrity, and intention, and they’re the people I look to when I’m thinking about where to take the business next. I’m incredibly grateful not just for the opportunity they gave me, but for the mentorship, support, and belief they continue to show. I truly wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://www.lionsgatecenter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionsgatecenter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionsgateEventCenter/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lionsgatecenter

Image Credits
From The Hip Photo
Kelly Whitman Photo