Precisely As Planned

Wedding, Travel & Event Planners

“Precisely as Picked”… Spotlight on the Lawn – Hall of State at Fair Park

Continuing in the pursuit of all things outdoor weddings, I would like to chat a bit about some of the venues at the State Fair of Texas. Right now, I’m sure you are imagining BigTex2 and all the corn dogs great deals of money could buy. But, did you know that there are various spaces that are available the rest of the year. Some amazing gems that are architecturally beautiful while not so bad on the pocket book. Thank you Evan Godwin Photography for the brilliant photos, and for the calm you brought with you on that day.

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It is hard to believe that it has almost been a year since Ginny and Nolan tied the knot there on the front lawn of Hall of State, but I can assure you that it was an amazing whirlwind of a day. With 20 mile an hour winds, and chilly temperatures it was the perfect place to bundle up in one of the blankets provided and enjoy bonding with those around. The Building adds beautiful dimension while the hedgerow creates the green inner space. The lawn is well manicured, and seats the chairs fairly flat (for a green space). We provided a green wall to cover the flag, as well as hide the entrance to the lower parking lot at the end.  

You can also see the balloons (3′ balloons on 13′ leader-poles) that provide a “ceiling-space” above the ceremony area. They also add a bit of whimsy for this very formal, black-tie event.

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This is the perfect space for someone wanting an outside ceremony area with an indoor reception option close by. As a rain back up plan, we would have set the chairs in the reception space, and instituted a “space-flip” during the cocktail hour. Although it was not needed for this wedding, it has been done before. The space works well for a flip, and is an amazing plan B.

Another great space at Fair Park is the Texas Discovery Gardens. I promise to cover that in the blog in the near future, but just know that it is more of a natural/modern garden, where Hall of State is more art deco/Gatsby-esque. Both are great options, but so very different.

wedding-0294Happy (almost) Anniversary, Nolan and Ginny!

For more information, contact Lauren Twichell (of Food Glorious Food) at 214.368.0087 or email here.

Written by: Rhonda Baker, CEO

“Precisely as Picked”… Spotlight on the Fuller Garden at FW Botanic Gardens

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2015-10-17-13-22-59It has been a year since our last wedding in the Fuller Garden inside the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. It was the first time Rhonda (me) had worked with my assistant of almost a year, Kendra, when she still worked for another (to-remain-nameless) company. It was a beautiful day, and the gardens were in great shape (aren’t they always), but we only have a few snapshots of the day (can you believe that?).  The one attached is one I was able to get just after the processional. Event a person with no photography skills can shoot a beautiful photo out here (but the real photographers can do ah-mazing things). 


It was not just Kendra’s work anniversary (Oh, and Happy Anniversary Lisa!) on the horizon that brought this beautiful ceremony venue to my mind, it was the fact that we have booked another Fuller Garden wedding. This one for next fall. So in the spirit of keeping that current in everyone’s mind we have put this specific garden in our “Precisely as Picked” spotlight.


 

The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens have a number of various venues for all size wedding parties (from just a handful such as the small houses in the Japanese Garden to a max of 450 in the Grove). We have done a number of weddings in the “Moon Viewing Deck” with a reception in the Japanese Pavilion, and we might spotlight that in another series for “Weddings and Receptions in one location”, but right now we want to focus on the Fuller Garden in particular.

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The Fuller Garden is one of the most recognized gardens. When googling the Botanic Gardens, you will see a number of weddings there. Therefore, it is in high demand. The rentals are in 2 hour
2014-02-27-16-02-13 2014-02-27-16-02-30timeblocks (starting at 10:30am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm, 6:00pm). The rate is $450 plus a $150 deposit. We would suggest doing a 4 hour block if you plan to have any large decor items.  Along with the rental, you will receive a photo pass, so that you may take photos throughout the gardens (to be used on wedding day) as well as rentals (chairs – which must be rented from the Garden at $5 each and a Bride’s room which is about $100 for the 4 hour slot.

 2015-10-16-16-57-12 2014-02-27-16-02-00There are a number of expected regulations as this is a well-maintained ecological area. It is also important to note that this garden is not completely closed to the public, but only roped off. We have had a few people wandering into the path of the wedding party as the process in. Still, it is secluded enough that most people are quite a ways from the actually ceremony area.

2014-05-03-15-51-16Because you can seat 250 people in the garden area, it is a great outdoor option for anyone wanting to have the full garden appeal.  The exact plantings change from season and season and year to year, but even in the winter it is still quite beautiful.

  

For more information, it is best to call 817.392.5510 or email here.

Written by: Rhonda Baker, CEO

“Precisely as Picked”… Spotlight on Marty Leonard Chapel

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As I was driving back and forth to my Fort Worth Home and Office today, I was noting the countryside. I couldn’t help also thinking about the wedding that will take place right here next March (one that had been planned for Saturday, but was necessary to postpone).i-l5ghmnn-m

On a hill overlooking what had once been rolling pasture sits picturesque Marty Leonard Chapel. It is architectural as well as striking. It is also the site of my official first wedding weekend (I had two on that same day) back in August of 1994. Much has changed about Fort Worth, but this classic chapel is truly timeless. The photos from there change only by the fashion that is worn at the altar that contains a built in table with candles and the fabulous ferns that typically flank the windows.i-gswxflm-m


Though the chapel can seat a maximum of 200 guests, it is most comfortable with approximately 125-150. This is the perfect size for most weddings. And each wedding will have a four hour window (most often we have had the 5pm to 8pm time slot with a wedding starting at 6:30pm). This gives plenty of time to set up (as very little adornment is needed in this structure) as well as time for photos afterward. One hour is allowed for a rehearsal, generally the day before the wedding.

 

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There are dressing areas on site, but often our couples come dressed and have a first look outside the chapel (while we are setting up the inside) right at 5pm. There is a piano on-site as well as an organ. The acoustics in the space are simply amazing. I have been part of a flute quartet that easily carried throughout. String quartets and harpists are also great musical choices. There is a sounds system, and you can play pre-recorded music; however, this space just begs for live musicians.

They will always have staff on-site for your wedding, and they will take such good care of you. We are big fans of @Katherine Lewis! They will also allow you to take bridal portraits for no additional fee when they are scheduled during the chapels regularly scheduled hours (with appointment, of course).

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For more information on hosting your wedding at Marty Leonard Chapel, check out their website. https://www.lenapope.org/marty-leonard-chapel/weddings/weddings/

Written by: Rhonda Baker, CEO

Photocredit: Lynn Michelle Photography

Happy Almost Anniversary to Chelsey and Don, and thank you for allowing us to help create your special day…and use the fabulous photos that document it!

“Precisely as Picked”… Spotlight on Robert Carr Chapel

With October Wedding Season beginning this weekend, and engagement around the corner, it is time once again to start looking at our favorite venues around the area (and the world).  We will start with one close to home (and our hearts as many of the Precisely as Planned staffers have at one time been students at TCU).

Since 1953, Robert Carr Chapel has been the home of many beautiful wedding ceremonies. It can seat over 300 guests and welcomes all denominations. We sat down with Kayli Burnett, the events coordinator for the chapel and could see her dedication for giving brides the perfect day. In addition to Kayli, the chapel has 3 other experienced coordinators, one of whom will be with you every step of the way. They also have an on-site sound technician that will make sure everything sounds clear throughout the whole ceremony. When walking into the chapel on any given day, one might hear beautiful music coming from the front either from the piano or organ (which has 2400 pipes!), and will be played upon request at your wedding. For an additional fee of $300, you will have a consultation, play time at the rehearsal and of course their service on your wedding day. They will also work with any other musicians you may want during your ceremony.

 

If you book Robert Carr for your ceremony, you will get a 1-hour rehearsal block the Friday before your wedding and a 3-hour (inclusive of set up) block of time on Saturday or Sunday. This should give you time to set up, take pictures and enjoy but the chapel will still have about 3 weddings every Saturday. Kayli says there are many beautiful places to take pictures around the chapel and all over the TCU campus. Did I mention TCU alumni get a discount even if it’s the parents of the bride or groom that went there!

 

 

There are only a few restrictions on décor such as nothing that will damage the walls or furniture and no aisle runners (they already have a beautiful one). Photographers have full range of the chapel besides right up at the alter. Outlets may restrict videographers from going past columns half way down the aisle, but Kayli is working to arrange it so that they can go any where. There is plenty of parking behind the chapel and if your wedding is on a TCU football game day, you can have a staff to help guests park for $175. The bridal suite and groom’s room are out of the way and have plenty of space to get ready. There is even a pathway for the bride to walk on her way to the aisle where no one will see her!

 

If you are interested in having your big day at Robert Carr Chapel, stop by any time or get a tour Monday-Friday between 9-5:00. They will hold your date for 7 days, then there will be a $500 deposit and the remaining balance will be do 30 days later. To contact them, you can call (817) 257-7831 or email the chapel at robertcarrchapel@tcu.edu. For more information on Robert Carr Chapel check out their website. http://chapel.tcu.edu/index.aspx

Written by: Hayley Love, Intern