The Context
My (now) wife and I live in a different state but wanted to get married close to her family in OK. We did a bunch of research and one place kept showing up in our searches as a very nice place and one that actually wasn’t going to break the bank. We scheduled a virtual walkthrough and got a screen-sized tour of the facility with our very accommodating host. It was the dead of winter and we were looking at a 3x6 inch screen and we could still see the potential here. Ultimately, we decided to go for it, and we are glad we did!
The Inside
When you drive in, you are greeted by a charming and winding road that leads to a spacious lot with plenty of parking. Off to your right, there is a lovely little lake with a rope swing. To your left, the gentle rolling hills of Blanchard. As you drive to the entrance, you are greeted with a stunning covered porch that is as beautiful as it is inviting.
The first space you walk through is the main reception hall. The architecture of the space and the colors and textures of the deep-stained wood, cement floors, exposed rafters and grand staircase really start to paint the picture immediately. Ornate chandeliers adorn the ceiling giving off a warm glow. The white rock walls send to you a simpler time and the assurance that this will be a great memory washes over you. And you haven’t been outside yet.
Continuing indoors, there are adequate bathrooms that are lovely and very clean; a large prep kitchen for caterers, two beautiful wood bars (one dry, one wet) for serving; the large bridal suite is on the first floor and is a lovely place to get prepared. The groom suite is upstairs and it boasts a more masculine finish with touches of leather and even a TV for the boys.
The Outside
Once you’ve finished the indoor portion, you’ll head through another impressive set of dark-stained wooden doors to see the outside. If you are fortunate enough to book this venue in the Spring, Summer or Fall before the cold gets to it, be prepared to take a deep breath as you exhale in awe of the natural beauty before you. People, it’s grand.
A staircase right in front of you meets a gently-winding path towards the ceremonial area. A idyllic bridge lightly jumps a relaxing water feature who sings a melody of relaxation. Turning left, the path approaches the main ceremony area where the evergreen turf plays host to pristine white chairs, all lined up in a row for you.
The focal point of the ceremonial area is covered. It frames the nature to your right and in front of you and blends the natural beauty with the architectural beauty to your left. It is a comfortable and adequate space that held us two, 10 wedding party members, a pastor and a harpist - with room to spare. Yet, it is not so imposing and big that it would look bare with a small gathering.
The People
The Staff were nothing but helpful and kind since the first meeting. In our virtual tour, all of our current questions were answered. We did not feel like we were being rushed nor that we were asking annoying questions (we probably were). When we met in person for the live tour, it was more of the same. We got to take our time and see it all at a leisurely pace.
When the big day came around, we could tell the lovely fold at The Springs wanted to be there with us. They were taking pictures as well (with consent of course), telling my bride how stunning she was (she was), and were there working with our planner to make sure everything went off without…or with a hitch!
So much more to say, so limited by...
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