Meet The Venue CU Ownership Team

With over 55 years of combined event experience, The Venue CU’s family-owned team brings passion and deep hospitality expertise to downtown Champaign rather than a corporate playbook.

Family-Owned in Champaign, IL

The People Behind the Premier Downtown Venue

What sets The Venue CU apart from larger, corporate-run spaces is the team standing behind every event. Dan Church, Miranda Church, Greg Bugbee, and Christine bring a combined depth of experience that spans weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and community events. Their backgrounds are not just credentials on a wall; they are the reason clients feel guided rather than processed from the first inquiry all the way through the final send-off.

Four people posing indoors, with one seated on a stool and three standing behind.
Smiling man in a black and gray sweater leaning on a table in a softly lit indoor hallway

Greg Bugbee

Greg brings nearly 40 years of wedding experience and genuine passion to The Venue CU. As the owner of Bugbee’s DJ Plus, he’s guided thousands of events, giving him an effortless knack for timing, music, and atmosphere. Outside of work, Greg is a piano player, avid traveler alongside his wife Christine, and devoted family man whose greatest joy is hosting his four children and five grandchildren. His mission is simple: use a lifetime of experience to help you celebrate yours.

Man standing indoors in a dark blazer and black shirt, hands in pockets, smiling at the camera

Dan Church

Dan Church keeps The Venue CU running smoothly with high energy and a deeply personal touch. Building on a decade of event leadership with Bugbee’s DJ Plus, Dan and his wife Miranda manage daily operations with the care only a family-owned team can provide. A devoted family man to his wife and two children, Dan recharges by exploring the mountains and giving back to children in his community. As a co-owner, Dan brings that same heart and dedication to every event at the venue.

Woman in a black dress holding a tablet, standing indoors and smiling.

Miranda Church

Miranda Church brings heart, hospitality, and nearly two decades of event expertise to her role as co-owner of The Venue CU. Working side-by-side with her husband Dan, Miranda ensures that every detail, from Bridal Suite prep to final event logistics, is handled with seamless care. Her thoughtful, personal approach guarantees couples feel like family from day one. At home, Miranda is a devoted mom whose greatest joy is spending downtime and creating memories with Dan and their two children.

Smiling woman in black outfit seated indoors with warm blurred lights in the background

Christine Bugbee

Christine Bugbee helps lead the event coordination and client experience that has earned The Venue CU years of top awards from The Knot, Wedding Wire, and local voters. Her caring, detail-oriented approach ensures planning is smooth, stress-free, and personalized for every client. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Christine loves traveling with her husband Greg and cherishes every opportunity to host and spend quality time with her four children and five grandchildren.