Allison & Jake chose The Reserve in Longview, TX for their special day. The Reserve has a rustic, charming atmosphere and Allison & Jake’s Wedding was the perfect fit. Family and friends gathered for the outdoor ceremony timed with the setting sun. The resulting images were absolutely breath taking. Following the ceremony was the reception, aka the party, held in the beautiful hall. The decorations were superb and the complimenting colors made the captured images extra special. Thank you Allison & Jake for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

A  fall shot of the beautiful  wedding and event venue the Victorian House, Kaufman Texas

It’s no secret that planning your wedding can be as stressful as it is exciting.  So how do you pick when there are so many to choose from?   Should you have the ceremony and reception in the same location?

Here are some important things you may wish to consider when choosing a venue. Of course, you need to decide which of these is most important to you as you make your decision.

1.Cost – the cost of the venue overall – compare closely and be sure to find out what all is included, and what is extra.  Some venues have hidden charges that are not always visible on their price list; these could include service charges, gratuities, extra guest fees, extra time fees, etc.  In the Dallas area, for example, many venues have a 15 to 25% “service charge” on top of their normal package pricing.  Ask each venue to give you a complete quotation up front so you know what you are expected to pay.

2. Location/space – The rule of thumb is that 75%  of your invited guests will attend. That is, if you invite 100 guests (about 50 invitations), you can realistically expect about 75 to attend if the venue is within a couple hours’ driving distance of your guests’ homes.  (If many of your guests are out of town travelers, that percentage may be smaller.)   Therefore, consider the 75% rule when choosing your venue space.  Does the venue hold that many seated guests at one time?  Also, if the reception and ceremony are held in the same place, you will not lose guests in between the two events.

3. Reputation – Many online resource sites offer review sections for local suppliers.  See what other people are saying about that venue and exactly what their complaints are, if any (sometimes you must consider the source! Some people just aren’t happy no matter what.)

4. Lodging – If the venue is a bit of a drive for most guests, be sure there is on-site lodging or at least several hotels within 10 minutes of the venue.  You certainly don’t want guests to drive tired, or heaven forbid, after drinking.   *TIP* – many hotels near your venue likely offer a discount if you are having an event nearby.  ASK FOR IT.

5.  Ambience – The décor and “feel” of the venue is usually the major deciding factor for most couples.  If you like a formal atmosphere, a large hotel may be to your liking.  If you want something more elegant but comfortable, a mansion-style location might be more suitable.

No matter what location you choose, remember that many items on their price list can be negotiable.  Some venues offer discounts for off-peak days and times.   It never hurts to ask what amenities they can offer you for free or at a discount, especially after you’ve visited several venues and are aware of what the competition is offering!

Thank you to April Bishop owner of The Victorian House, an event venue located in Kaufman Texas, for providing this helpful article about choosing a venue for your wedding. The Victorian House should be on your list of places to visit if you are planning an East Texas Wedding.

April Bishop
The Victorian House
3950 FM 987
Kaufman, Texas 75142

www.thevictorianhouse.net
www.facebook.com/The Victorian House

Photography: Jamye Perelli

http://www.jamyeperelli.com

903-887-3830
info@jamyeperelli.com

DJ Services: Kenneth Cooley
Digital DJ’s

http://www.digitaldjsofdallas.com

214-587-6887
ken@digitaldjsofdallas.com

Wedding Ceremony:Royal Lane Baptist Church
6707 Royal Lane
Dallas,Texas 75203

Reception:Sheraton Downtown
400 North Olive Street
Dallas,Texas 75201

A few of our favorite images from Mindy &  Matthew’s Wedding.

To view more of our favorite images watch the Slide Show below:

To view all the images from Mindy & Matthew’s Wedding follow this link, http://pictage.com/815102.

Vendors that helped make this wedding a success:

Wedding Venue
The Victorian House
972-962-3428
http://www.thevictorianhouse.net

Florist
Darby Burkey
214-460-5361

The wedding ceremony was held in a beautiful church in Marshall, Texas followed by a second line parade to the first reception that was just down the road. A brass band led the way to a historic home site where everyone enjoyed finger foods, drinks, entertainment and cake.

That evening we made our way to Caddo Lake for the second reception which was lakeside under a large tent at The Uncertain Inn. The newlyweds arrived via boat to be greeted by their guests and a live band. The night was filled with great Cajun music while Marie and Steven and their guests danced the night away.

Check out some of  the images from their wedding and reception below.

To see more from this event view the Slide Show Below.

To view all images from this event follow the link below.

http://pictage.com/848385

Here is a scan of the Cover and Featured Pages.

Here are a few of the Vendors we had the pleasure of working with for Lauren & Matt’s Wedding.

Wedding Reception Venue
www.thevictorianhouse.net

Photography By- Jamye Perelli
www.jamyeperelli.com
903-887-3830

Make Up By-Rachelle Espindola
http://rinarachelle.com/
makeupbyrachelle@aol.com
(903) 567-6595

Find out more about the Victorian House by visiting: www.thevictorianhouse.net