Our Venue

For a really long time Tyler and I, as well as our families, have thought our wedding venue would be at Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs. When the time came to FINALLY go look at the "perfect" location we were ecstatic! We made an appointment with Garvan before we had even thought about anything else. We wanted to make sure we booked in enough time! We made a day out of it... Ate lunch with the parents, all went together to the gardens, and unfortunately, we were all disappointed together. Come to find out the "Great Lawn" where we had discussed having the wedding had been closed by the facility due to excessive "high heel" wear and tear! Such a disappointment. To keep our "Garvan" dream alive we visited the Anthony Chapel. Of course, we didn't like that either. As a little girl I never dreamed of my wedding being in a church or chapel; I had always dreamed of a colorful garden background with trees and flowers! So automatically I was turned off by the chapel and felt it would be settling with that venue. Back to the drawing board!

Our planner, Jessica Kersey (http://finishingtoucheventdesign.net/), had suggested several places we go look... Well one being Marlsgate Plantation. I wasn't so sure about this place... The southern plantation houses were never "love at first sight" for me. But, to keep an open mind we decided to go take a look. I'm pretty sure as we were driving down the 'ol country road (just like back home) something felt right about it. As we got closer to the plantation we see a GORGEOUS lake with ducks and geese flying all around. It was just amazing! As we rounded the corner our mouths dropped! So we pull up and park and as we are about to enter the gate... Tyler and I look at each other and it was the most amazing feeling. I just can't describe. I had butterflies; Tyler was giddy. It was perfection. It was the feeling I knew we were "suppose" to have. Before we even stepped foot on the property, we knew... Jessica knew it was the place too. After talking to the owner and touring the property, we had fallen in love again and knew that this was THE PLACE for our wedding. Nothing will ever replace that moment. I am so glad we had that experience and the best part is... that is was together! Ahhh...

This will be the third time I have described our experience and all three times it feels like when we first saw Our Venue. I think that tells us something...