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Fairytale Weddings just minutes away
By Rita Nowakowski
Photography By Steve Armstrong Photography
Destination weddings take the fairytale aspect of weddings to the ultimate level. These types of weddings can be lush, intimate and very decadent. And, even though they have paradise like qualities, destination weddings are doable.
Many people think the expense of a destination wedding is astronomical, but it does not have to be. For one thing, the number of guests attending can be smaller, with only close friends and family members attending. Of course the biggest advantage is the drop-dead beauty of the surroundings. The scenery is beautiful. You won’t have to do a lot of decorating.
Most destination weddings are envisioned as outdoor ceremonies however, any wedding that involves traveling fits into this category.
Horseshoe Bay Resort
One of the best kept secrets in the Texas hill country is the new 6,500-acre Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott Hotel ... located only a short distance from Austin on the shores of Lake LBJ, amidst the graciously rolling hills and lush landscapes.
Visualize an outdoor ceremony at Horseshoe Bay Resort. It involves a little traveling to get there, but it is an absolutely beautiful paradise. It lends itself well to a perfect “sunset wedding”.
Horseshoe Bay Resort is a very romantic wedding resort. You will experience open air tropical foliage with a pathway that winds through a garden where you can hear and see the waterfalls. A bridal picture by the waterfall is a photographer’s dream. The breath taking view is complemented by Horseshoe Bay’s landscaping & resort flowers.
The Horseshoe Bay Resort’s staff will work with you to coordinate every aspect of your wedding. Horseshoe Bay can arrange for your flowers, cake, food, decorations, rooms, spa usage and music.
You and your guests can enjoy the many amenities of Horseshoe Bay Resort which include three Robert Trent Jones, championship golf courses: Ram Rock, Slick Rock and Apple Rock; the one-of-a-kind 18 hole landscaped and night lit whitewater putting course, with flowing waterfalls and oriental gardens, and the Bayside Fitness Club and Spa.
If it’s pampering you want, enjoy the spa’s wide range of luxurious body treatments and massage services. If fitness is your way to unwind, the fitness club offers personal training services, exercise classes and complete weight program... all with a view.
You and your guests can also take advantage of the resort’s world-class tennis courts, watercraft rentals, four outdoor resort-style pools and whirlpools, many with views of the hills, bicycle rentals, a cozy private beach, a private 6,000 foot, full-service airstrip, racquet club, two golf pro shops, and the Waterfront Pub and Eatery for casual dining and the Members Club for fine dining.
Relax by the outdoor pool and poolside bar. Recharge in the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, and revive your spirits at the Lantana Grill and Bar, where you’ll also find two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings or festive celebrations. Additional dining and entertainment options include the poolside bars and grills or the Sports Bar.
Whether you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon getaway, Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott Hotel has it all. After your stay, you will leave renewed and revitalized, and one of life’s greatest pleasures will be restored ... the pleasure of getting back in touch with each other or starting your new life together as husband and wife.
Old Glory Ranch
Old Glory Ranch is a premiere hill country event facility… In all its Glory!
Located in Wimberley, Texas – where heaven and the hills hold hands. For those with discerning taste, this is a unique event facility for weddings. Your wedding day will begin in the spectacular Chapel Hall, under the graceful arms of their live oak grove, or on the banks of their crystal clear waters of
the Blanco River. Your wedding and reception will be a captivating experience in this magical setting. Old Glory Ranch has redefined hospitality and entertainment to “glorify” your special day
and create a classic celebration in the
simplicity of their unspoiled countryside.
Quality, Style and Service
The Old Glory Ranch staff is dedicated to a high standard of service and performance. They will put your entire event together with attention to every detail, customizing all amenities to your needs and requests.
Some unique options for your wedding or reception can include: live music with a variety of bands ranging from chamber musicians to mariachis, a chuck wagon dinner and bar with authentic western attired staff, black tie gourmet dining, busing transportation for guests, wagon rides, pastoral views with horses, longhorns, and miniature donkeys, memorable themed celebrations and dinners or madrigal performances.
The Chapel Hall
The engaging atmosphere of this exquisite building is one of classic
Victorian Texas décor using longleaf pine, antique light fixtures and turn of the century stained glass. Architecturally designed with versatility and flexibility in mind, Chapel Hall is distinctive yet traditional with the following exciting event space options: State of the art audio/video system, stage and stage lighting, fully equipped commercial kitchen, walk-in cooler, full service bar facilities, break out spaces, fireplaces-inside and outside, spacious patio and pavilion,
custom tents and computer outlets.
The style and elegance of the Chapel Hall is unmatched “A Work of Art”.
Guest Accommodations
They also have a special place where your out of town guests can stay… their River House is a charming stone and cedar house suitable for three or four families or small groups. There are five bedrooms, one of which is a bunk room with eight beds, plus a screened sleeping
porch – enough room for the entire bridal party.
This fully equipped country home is located on the crystal clear Blanco River and nestled conveniently in the most scenic area of the Texas Hill Country.
Falkenstein Castle
Your first view of Falkenstein Castle has been described in
various publications as jaw dropping, amazing, spectacular; and The Castle appears to float as if
it is a Mirage above a fairytale landscape.
Falkenstein Castle is located an easy 50 mile drive west of Austin and 85 miles north of San Antonio in the beautiful hill country - highland lakes area of Texas. Bounded by 2 state parks and 3 of the 5 highland lakes, Falkenstein Castle is perched high on a hilltop surrounded by 113 acres of oaks, elms and other native plants and trees managed as a wildlife sanctuary. While you wind your way up the private drive you begin to notice the huge gray boulders scattered as if thrown by a giant, and there, soaring 90 feet into the Texas sky is the main complex of Falkenstein Castle.
As you drive through the 3-story gatehouse you find yourself surrounded by 11-foot tall white limestone walls guarded at the corners by turrets and towers, you can imagine you are in a Fairytale Castle in Europe and it is yours for the day. From the golden angel floating ethereally in the lily pond to the lush, intimate butterfly garden planted with over 150 varieties of flowers and herbs located at the rear of the castle, the 4 acres inside the walls are yours and your guests to enjoy. As you enter the gothic chapel through the matched set of 13 foot tall arched doors the first thing you notice is the soaring 35 foot ceiling and the hand carved French gothic altar. The chapel provides pew seating for 125, with additional seating for more guests if needed. The Knights Hall is included in the rental and our guests always take some time to view the authentic Medieval Suits of armor and the antique weapons from the 15th-18th century.
The Highland Lakes Area of Texas is renowned for its beautiful lakes, friendly people, and the variety of activities to be found within 30 minutes of “The Castle.” With over 8 fabulous golf courses, hang gliding, parasailing, and helicopter tours there are many adventures to be had in close proximity. And if tranquility and peace are your preferred destination choice there are many full service day spas to relax at with a facial and massage, fine restaurants to enjoy a leisurely dining experience, and scenic river cruises to enjoy the Bald Eagles of Lake Buchanan.
Accommodations in the area range from 5 Star hotels to historic Bed and Breakfasts and from fabulous lakefront homes to charming antique cabooses. “The Castle “is the private home of Terry and Kim Young, who on a European trip discovered a set of initial plans and drawings for the next castle to be built by King Ludwig of Bavaria, he died before he could build his next dream castle so they carried on his dream and theirs.
Falkenstein Castle has been featured on NBC, ABC, Fox, Star net and The Internationally acclaimed American Knights Documentary by French filmmakers CAPA.
Kairos - The Celebration Barn
Kairos is one of two Greek words that are used to designate time.
The other is chronos – while chronos designates the continuous movement of time, kairos points out significant moments in time.
With the vision of a few and the labor of many a 150 year old Amish barn was given a new life in the Texas Hill Country. Reconstructed halfway between Fredericksburg and Kerrville the barn started a new life that has received several design awards and attracted guests from all parts of the globe. Kairos The Celebration Barn, Inc. provides a unique setting to celebrate your special occasions. With full service staffing and the
magnificent beauty of the Hill Country, Kairos provides one of the most unique settings in Central Texas. The area is famous for beautiful rolling hills, breathtaking sunsets, and starry, starry nights. All of these features are rolled into Kairos and is sure to be a setting when unique moments and extraordinary things happen!
In the middle of the Barn stands a magnificent rock fireplace, which is complemented by a grand piano. The entryway features two curved staircases leading to an upstairs gallery and mezzanine. A large (2500 sq ft.) flagstone patio borders two sides of the building allowing guests to enjoy the scenic pond and surrounding pastures and hillsides. The timbers, rock, and landscape create a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for celebrating your special event!
Kairos is that “special place” that many seek for the “Kairos” times in their lives. It is available for your Wedding and Reception, Sales or Corporate meetings, Seminars and Conferences, Luncheon Anniversary or any Special Occasion.
- Full Catering & Decorating Services
- 5 ft. Round Tables with Linens
- White Folding Chairs
- Grand Piano
- Towering Limestone Fireplace
- Pair of Curved Staircases
- Two Flagstone Patios
- Beautiful Hill Country Views
- The central meeting area boasts 1480 square feet with 33-foot ceilings.
- Accommodates 100 seated guests for dinner or 150 guests theater style.
- The upstairs gallery, 480 square feet, can seat an additional 50 guests.
- It can accommodate 200 guests for a stand up reception.
- There is a Guest Room available for overnight accommodations.
It is our hope that Kairos The Celebration Barn will provide a backdrop for your wedding and will leave a lasting impression and many fond memories for years to come.
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