This Couple Built Their Insanely Gorgeous Venue From the Ground Up

Erin Lepperd
September 14, 2017
Categories: Real Weddings, Rustic, The Blog

In the ultimate (and impressive) show of DIY, this couple decided to build their own venue and just wait until you see the result. A breathtaking open air chapel overlooking the lake is only the beginning of this elegant Southern affair at The Grand Ivory. With planning by Each and Every Detail, the prettiest of greenery and blooms by Petals Couture, and stunning images by Tenth & Grace, see how these childhood sweethearts turned their dream into a reality just in time for their Big Day.

From Tenth & Grace… Ashley and Parker have the most amazing love story, and it was such an honor being a part of their big day! It was made even more special because their wedding was the first at The Grand Ivory – the wedding venue that they built together. They really poured their hearts into this property and it shows! Every detail was thought out so carefully, including the adorable cottages and the white open-air chapel. It was so special to be a part of Ashley and Parker’s wedding, as well as the first wedding at The Grand Ivory!

From the bride… I had always told Parker one day, later in life that I would love to have a wedding venue. I find something so magical about catching everyone at their best day and seeing love unite into marriage. Parker was in law school at the time when this dream was established. Of course with Parker – the man who believes in all my dreams and visions – he began talking about the possibility of making it happen sooner rather than later. Parker graduated from law school and has put all of his efforts into the venue ever since. The process for the venue took a few years! It all began with a sketchbook and a pencil – I drew and filled every page in the book with design ideas. Our goal for the venue was creating a space that has southern elegance with a modern charm. We started with the thought of only a barn and chapel, then decided that adding bridal and groom cottages would complete the venue. The biggest challenge of planning was finding the right property. From the start, we always said we would begin construction only when we found the perfect property that matched our vision. We call it fate, but we found our 18 acres after an attempt to view a nearby property failed. We were headed home feeling unhopeful about our search after viewing 15 properties that day. That is when we passed a large sign with hand drawn red letters that said “for sale”. We hopped the fence and walked onto the land and within seconds we had everything mapped out. It couldn’t have been a better fit for our vision, and we just knew it was the perfect spot for our dream. I had a specific vision for my wedding from the start. I wanted it to have the sense of summer paired with timeless details. I adore greenery so I incorporated it throughout my ceremony and reception. Also, my wedding dress was inspired by my vision for The Grand Ivory and all its beauty. I picked out my dress in one hour at my very first appointment. My favorite part of our wedding day was marrying the love of my life. I had not one ounce of nervousness and experienced only pure joy. From the moment I met Parker, I knew he would be my husband and this day put it all into place. Of course, celebrating our marriage at the venue we built from the ground up with our family and friends just made it that much more special.