Do remember, when you were in high school, waking up in the morning only to realize that that day was a field trip day? Yeah, that’s what it feels like every time I get to go check out a new vendor. Tina, of Historical Jordan Springs in Winchester, VA spent a good half an hour showing me around the property and then gave me free reign to explore and discover everything they had to offer!
I get to photograph a GORGEOUS bride at this location in September and just HAD to share these photos of the venue… The place is steeped in Civil War, Native American, and Presidential history. STEEPED I TELL YOU!!!! So steeped, that these guys put on a “Paranormal Experience” adventure a few times a year. Things have been reported….oooooo……creeeeeeepppyyyyy…….
Anyways….I digress…..
The following is just a quick tour of a few of the many place and things to find on the property. I kept finding statues and quirky details around every corner.
You start off by driving up the winding driveway to the front porch guarded by lions. I can already imagine the beautiful portrait opportunities on the front porch!!
After entering through the front door, the foyer is decorated with dark woods, beautiful floral arrangements, chandeliers, and the awesome smell of time. Oh yes….time has a smell. A wonderful, sweet, smell full of meaning and knowledge. *wipes away a tear of nostalgia*
Facing the large mirror (which will make for some BEAUTIFUL bridal portraits) if you head to the right and the first door on your left, you will be in the bridal room. I seriously could have lived in this room for the rest of my life. (Hmmm….I wonder what they would charge for rent…..)
The little details that I found in this room were precious. From the jewelry boxes to the figurines, this room just felt like home…..or what I REEEALLY wish my home felt like. (One of the two.)
On a side note….I luuuuuurve the bokeh in this image!!
As you exit out of the bridal sweet, you walk next to and through the little private area used for sermons and smaller wedding receptions. You cross back through the foyer and over down the hall to the library and in-door reception area.
They were setting up for a wedding, so I can give you an idea of what the set-up looks like!
The awesome thing about Historic Jordan Springs, is that they will plan the entire wedding for you!! Give them a color pallet, ideas of what you are looking for and, of course, a budget….and they will plan an absolutely stunning day for you. They own the linens featured in the image above….but they own many different linens and are more than happy to rent the linens you prefer. They definitely work with you to bring together the day you want.
BUT! They also welcome, with open arms, the planners and other vendors you have already chosen to work with.
After leaving the reception area the way you came, you head downstairs to the underground area. On the day I was there, they had a local artist painting an Old English mural on the wall leading to the pub.
WAIT!!!! I SAID PUB!!! Oh, yeah…you heard me right. These guys have their very own pub. What better place to hang out before the ceremony, right? Unfortunately, on the day I was there, it was closed. BUT I KNOW IT”S THERE!!! I SAW THE SIGN!!!
They told me that it is normally open for events. Alas, I am not considered an event.
Walking towards a second reception area (also known as the old carriage house) you pass the area where they store some older wines….
Which are guarded by this guy….. I have named him Norman.
And THIS…is the old carriage house, which I think is gorgeous!
They were preparing the gold plates and the picture frames for a reception. You see all that light coming from the left hand side of the carriage house? That’s a doorway that you go out that takes you to an outdoor ceremony location. There are areas to set up tiered folding chairs, archways, and runners across the lawn.
As you venture a little farther away from the house and across the bridge, you start to discover some pretty cool areas.
Like this outdoor dance floor, with a candle chandelier hanging from the branches above you….or the statues hiding in the nooks of the surrounding boulders.
And finally, there is one last view I want to show you. You have to imagine gorgeous spring time fabrics draping the white wooden fixture, surrounding you….your future hubbie….and your pastor, with a hundred of your closest friends there to watch you tie the knot. *sigh* How romantical.
Honestly? Best field trip EVER.
*There are TONS more detailed images on my flickr stream!!! Check em’ out HERE!!!!
by Terra Dawn
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