Rio Cibolo Ranch {San Antonio wedding photographer}

It's been quite some time since I've written a wedding venue profile here, and that's a shame, since there are so many great venues in the area. We always want brides and grooms to have plenty of options to choose from--there's something out there to suit every personality, and make a wedding truly unique and memorable. That said, if you're a country and western couple in search of a suitably country and western site to host your wedding or reception, then you've got to give Rio Cibolo Ranch a look-see.

Rio Cibolo Ranch is located on the banks of Cibolo Creek, just outside of tiny Zuehl, halfway between Seguin and San Antonio. It is a 130 acre working cattle ranch with a few buffalo and llamas thrown in for good measure. It's also a pecan orchard, and towering, majestic pecan trees dominate the landscape to provide cool shade even at the height of our Texas summers. Craig Christopher handles marketing and sales there, while Denise Rabel is their on-site wedding coordinator. They're good people, and they know what they're doing. They've been managing things at Rio Cibolo a long time, and have weddings and corporate event management down to a science.

Before I write anything else about Rio Cibolo, I've got to tell you that this place has its own rodeo arena. Let me repeat that: This place has its own rodeo arena. If your heart started beating just a little bit faster at that news, then this might just be the place for you. With such a sprawling spread, their facilities can host a wide range of events of varying sizes. Craig told me they've hosted retreats by corporations with thousands of people in attendance. Odds are, most weddings aren't going to bring that many guests, but you never know. The main facility, the RCR Corral (above), is laid out like a traditional Texas dance hall. It's partially open air and can handle 5,000 at a time, which should be more than enough for most big wedding parties.

Just across the road from the RCR Corral--easy walking distance, in fact--is the Lazy Lily River House. Built overlooking Cibolo Creek, this house and deck can accommodate wedding parties of 200 or so guests. It's surrounded by a rustic flower garden with roses and a lovely arbor. For anyone willing to make the short walk down to the creek, there's a nice surprise in store. There's a low dam across Cibolo Creek, forming a nice, modest-sized lake. There's a boat moored here, similar to San Antonio's famed river walk barges, that can take the bride and groom (as well as guests) on a romantic float through the leafy green waterway. It's a nice touch, especially at night in the moonlight.

The third option is Zuehl's Hall for weddings too big for the Lazy Lily but not big enough to justify the RCR Corral. Located down the road, past the rodeo arena, Zuehl's Hall sports the Texas country dance hall motiff and is suitable for weddings of up to 450 guests. A broad, grassy lawn out back features a wedding gazebo for outdoor ceremonies.

All catering is done on-site through Rio Cibolo Ranch. They're TABC certified with a mixed beverage permit, and can even book entertainment for your wedding. It really is convenient one-stop shopping for wedding couples looking for a place they can kick up their boots and have a little fun. Feel free to give Denise or Craig a shout to check available dates, and don't forget to call Lisa while you're at it to guarantee top-notch wedding photography of your special day!

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The Serengeti Resort {New Braunfels wedding photographer}

When people think "Texas" pretty much the first things that come to mind are cowboys, horses and a rugged, Old West style. Ranching is a huge part of our history here in the Lone Star State, but we've come a very long way from the epic trail drives of yesteryear. There are more species of exotic wildlife on Texas game ranches than almost anywhere else in the world, and these days someone driving through the Hill Country is just as likely to catch a glimpse of African antelope as they are white tailed deer. The Serengeti Resort in tiny Bergheim, just 30 miles west of New Braunfels on Highway 46, incorporates exotic animals into the wedding experience, taking things to a whole new level.

The Serengeti Resort has a wide range of animals from around the world, including giraffes, zebras, black buck antelope and scimitar antelope, just to name a few. Oh, and a dromedary camel named Clyde. Can't forget Clyde--he'd never forgive me! The resort hosts vacationers for week-long retreats or weekend getaways, with a nice selection of tents, bungalows and other accommodations. But weddings are where the Geti really shines. In addition to the Zafara Lodge with its impressive trophy room and cush guest rooms, there's the adjacent Jubulani Lodge with spacious areas for the brides and bridesmaids to get ready. Right outside is a picturesque swimming pool. Nestled between the two lodges is an outdoor flagstone courtyard shaded by stately live oaks during the day. At night, strings of lights in the branches light up to enhance the starry night. Torches and calls from the exotic animals all around complete the scene, transporting this little piece of Texas to the wilds of Africa.

The thatched-roof pavillion, just a short walk away, boasts 3,000 feet of dance floor and dining area for receptions or the actual wedding ceremony if weather threatens. There's a built-in bar as well as a large stage for live music, plus impressive lighting fixtures and sound system. All in all, the Geti can accommodate weddings of up to 300 guests, but they're flexible enough to host more intimate gatherings as well. One very nice option the manager, Josh, explained to me is that for weddings the resort can be booked for 24 hours, which means the bride and groom get to sleep in the next day and not worry about anything other than enjoying themselves.

Now, I know "unique" is a word that overused way too much these days, but it really does apply to Serengeti Resort weddings. Where else are you going to find a Texas wedding venue that comes complete with lemurs? That's what I thought. If you're looking for a Texas Hill Country wedding that will leave your guests talking for a long time to come, you'll be hard-pressed to top the Geti. And if you need help with organizing and all the details, Brandi is available to help coordinate your wedding on-site. Pretty convenient. So if you're looking to combine your nuptials with an African safari, Texas style, give Josh, Brandi or even Clyde a call at (830) 816-3600, or drop them a line. Heck, if you're feeling ambitious, you can even "Like" them on Facebook. Whatever you do, make sure you get in touch with Lisa On Location first, because photographing a safari wedding with exotic animals? Lisa is all over that!

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Crystal River Inn

The Crystal River Inn in San Marcos is one of the more popular venues for weddings. It offers a nice, intimate environment that probably comes from the fact that it is a working bed and breakfast, managed by the Dillon family. That gives it a certain coziness and intimacy not often found with most wedding venues.

The first thing noticeable about Crystal River Inn is that there's a lot more room than meets the eye. The turn-of-the-century sits on a narrow lot facing the street, so it appears the available space is restricted. However, in back of the house extends a very deep yard where the Dillons maintain a lovely wedding garden as well as a tent pavilion and a covered patio complete with fountain and gold fish pond.

Crystal River Inn is well-suited to hosting small to mid-sized weddings. They offer accommodations for intimate weddings with as few as 20 guests (plus the bride and groom, of course) or larger gatherings up to 200 guests. They have a well-regarded on-site catering service that is also available for gatherings of up to 400 people off-site. They offer an array of packages to suit everything from brides on a tight budget to families planning an extravagant celebration. There aren't many locations as flexible and willing to work within a budget as Crystal River Inn.

The grounds really come to life at night, with lighting strung throughout the garden and pavilion to create a truly memorable scene. Even during the day the garden is cool and inviting, lush and green with the marriage arbor beckoning. Naturally, I couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph so much vibrant vegetation in infrared, converting the summer scene into the striking winter wonderland below. All that's missing is an ivory-gowned bride to make the picture complete, right?

Cathy and Mike Dillon are great folks, very friendly and ready to answer any of your questions. If you're in the San Marcos area and in need of a wedding venue, go ahead and drop them a line. If you're already married, check out their popular Murder Mystery Weekends, or just book a room for a quiet getaway. I did say they were flexible! But if you do plan on getting hitched at the Crystal River Inn, give Lisa a call to ensure you have top-notch photography to preserve the memories of your special day!

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The Vineyards {San Antonio Wedding Photographer}

Looking for the most romantic wedding venue on the edge of the Texas Hill Country? Look no further than The Vineyards. Located in Garden Ridge between New Braunfels and San Antonio, the Vineyards is a reservations-only restaurant that offers one of the most intimately romantic settings for weddings anywhere in the state.

With plantings of both Champanel and Lenoir grapes, the grounds surrounding the restaurant are awash in green. Every fall they harvest the plump, ripe fruit and offer grape stomp events. And yes, they bottle their own limited run vintages as well, available for purchase. Wine and grapes are the predominant theme here, as you would expect. The bridal readying area is the upstairs dining room, which is open and spacious with plenty of room for the bridal party to spread out. The groomsmen are really in luck, though, because their prep area is downstairs, in the wine cellar dining room. The walls filled to the ceiling with just about every vintage you could want, which makes for great ambiance and even better photos!

It's darn-near impossible not to have a beautiful wedding at the Vineyards. Grape arbors lead to the covered pavilion which hosts the ceremony and--in the event of rainy weather--the reception after a bit of set-up. For fair weather, there's a broad grassy lawn with sprawling oak trees to offer shade. The grounds take on a magical air at night as thousands of tiny lights illuminate the arbors and pavilion. "Magical" and "fairy-tale" are words that often get overused, but I can't think of a better description, can you? They also offer a distinctive marriage proposal package that puts the prospective bride and groom together at a secluded table tucked away amidst the vines for a candle lit dinner. And for those already married looking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or similar celebration, the Vineyards offers a comparable "Romance Package" as well.

Possibly the best thing about holding a wedding at the Vineyards is that the fabulous Lindsey Clark will serve as your own personal wedding coordinator. She and the Vineyards are a package deal, and she knows what she's doing when it comes to ensuring your special event goes off without a hitch. Since the Vineyards is also a restaurant in addition to one of San Antonio's most popular wedding venues, Lindsey can book the catering on-site, as well as limo service, the DJ and floral design. You can't beat that for one-stop shopping! And as for the Vineyards itself, what other venue lets you experience it first-hand with fine dining for lunch or dinner?

Give Lindsey a call and lock in your dream wedding today, or, if you just want to get a feel for one of the most romantic wedding venues between Austin and San Antonio, make dinner reservations tonight. Either way, make sure you tell them Lisa On Location sent you!

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Boulder Springs Special Events Center {New Braunfels Wedding Photographer}

Boulder Springs Special Events Center opened in June of 2010 just outside of New Braunfels in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Already it has become a favorite of area brides, with the venue booked solid for the upcoming Texas wedding season this fall. And that's without a major marketing push by the Boulder Springs management. If the rustic limestone hall looks a little familiar, it should--it shares the same floor plan as Sage Hall at Texas Old Town in Kyle, a sister site to Boulder Springs.

Like Texas Old Town, Boulder Springs features meticulous landscaping, with beautiful green lawns, large oak trees and a man-made stream complete with lily ponds. Foot bridges cross over the water, leading visitors to the outdoor wedding gazebo. The grounds are picturesque and tranquil, the perfect setting for a wedding. The interior of the hall is what caught my attention, though: Boulder Springs has the single nicest dedicated Groom's Room I have ever seen in all my years of assisting Lisa with wedding shoots. That's it, below, with a framed Texas flag above the sofa just out of view. Normally, the groom and groom's men have to get dressed in the equivalent of a broom closet at most churches, or even a hotel room if the church has no space for them (this happens far more often than you would think). Boulder Springs, on the other hand, has this spacious area reserved for the second-most-important member of the bridal party, with a private rest room, wall hangars, mirrors and pretty much everything else a nervous groom would need. The bridal room is even larger, with more mirrors, a dedicated vanity area for applying makeup and plenty of tables and chairs for the bride's maids to spread out. I have to say, the folks behind Boulder Springs knew what they were doing when they designed this place!

The hall itself is based on the blueprint of Old Town's Sage Hall. The dance floor is open and spacious with a stage perfectly suited for a band or D.J. at the far end. At the opposite end are two long, built-in serving tables and the grand staircase which allows the newly-married couple to make quite an entrance! The hardwood dance floor is American red oak, and the limestone walls are lines with windows to let in lots of natural sunlight for fantastic photos! One of the best features of the hall (other than the great lighting conditions) is that it can be configured quickly for an indoor ceremony in case of bad weather, which is very important if you know how quickly Texas thunderstorms can pop up.

Boulder Springs has proven such a popular wedding venue in so short a time that expansion plans are already under way. Construction will begin on a second hall in a month or so, with completion expected by March 1, 2012. They're already booking dates! The new hall will follow the same floor plan as the first, with the exception of the walls which will feature a rustic wood style rather than limestone. Future expansion plans call for two more additional event halls for a grand total of four: Two limestone and two wood.

No tour of a Central Texas wedding venue would be complete without a few infrared shots. I can't help myself--the landscaping around the hall (above, top) and the wedding gazebo (above, bottom) cries out for the ethereal white, fairy-land effect of infrared photography. I haven't had the chance to shoot a wedding since I had my camera converted, so I cannot wait to photograph a lovely bride in a glowing white gown amongst that amazing background. If you want that bride to be you, give Boulder Springs Manager Anita a call at (512) 585-5899 or drop her an email. While you're at it, make sure you get your wedding booked with Lisa as well, to ensure exceptional photography from the most romantic day of your life!

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The Faust Hotel {New Braunfels wedding photographer}

You really can't talk about weddings in New Braunfels without talking about the Faust Hotel. The historic hotel has been the premier wedding venue in town for the better part of a century, and has earned National Historic Landmark status.

Originally opened in 1929, the Faust has been painstakingly restored to its elegant, 1930s style with modern amenities (including Wi-Fi in every room). There's even a popular brewpub there, with an ever-changing roster of microbrews on tap. During World War II, the Faust earned its long-lasting reputation as the "honeymoon capitol of Texas." In the days before interstate highways, New Braunfels was a popular destination and the Faust one of the top luxury hotels in the state. It didn't hurt that a bus station was located just a block away, and soldiers from the area's many military bases would take advantage of the Faust to marry their girlfriends and honeymoon locally before shipping out.

Walking through the Faust's front door is like stepping back in time. The lobby and guest rooms are furnished in 1930s vintage antique. Even the register at the checkout desk is a marvelous brass museum piece. Douglas, the events manager, is dedicated to maintaining the Faust Hotel's status as one of the top wedding venues in the area. The Faust's Grand Ballroom is perfectly suited for moderately sized receptions, and the Faust's wedding packages include the dining menu and wait staff to the dance floor and decorations. They even offer special rates for weekday events, for those wedding parties on a budget. Conveniently, the Faust also has a strong working relationship with select florists, DJs and even photographers (hint hint!) in New Braunfels to provide comprehensive wedding services to the happy bride and groom.

There's a reason why thousands of couples have started their lives together at the Faust Hotel, and one visit is all it takes to understand why. Take a trip back to an era of vintage 1930s elegance by booking your wedding or reception at the Faust Hotel today. Of course, you'll want to book Lisa On Location just as soon as a date is set, because her calendar if nearly full for the fall wedding season, and you wouldn't want to settle for anything less than exceptional wedding photography!

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Hotel Grace {Jamaica Destination Wedding Photographer}

All the wedding venues I've featured here thus far have been in the Central Texas area, since that's obviously where most of the weddings Lisa shoots take place. But that doesn't have to be the case. New Braunfels, San Antonio and Austin aren't the only places that can host weddings! Destination weddings are growing in popularity (not that they were ever out of style) and for people who live in one of the Gulf states, the Caribbean is a popular destination wedding vacation. If you want a Caribbean wedding with a touch of Old World colonial charm, Hotel Grace in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a fine venue.

Hotel Grace (also known as Richmond Hill Inn) is one of the finest wedding venues in all of Jamaica. Founded in the 1700s, the original floors are made of massive stone blocks and the building's whitewashed, 18-inch-thick walls are limestone and molasses! An elegant wedding gazebo right outside provides a breathtaking venue for your wedding ceremony.

Hotel Grace sits atop one of the highest points in Montego Bay, approximately 500 feel above sea level. Grand, sweeping vistas await in every direction. Ivy-wrapped Greek columns line the walks, leading to the the pool deck or the dining terrace. The grounds are lush and green, with tropical foliage and flowers creating an aura of vibrant energy.

Hotel Grace can accommodate wedding parties of up to 100 people, and their various packages are flexible enough to handle much smaller weddings as well. Packages include fine dining, live music and a bridal suite for the happy couple.

The swimming pool terrace offers spectacular views, and can't be beat for reception celebrations under the starry Caribbean skies.

The fine folk at Hotel Grace have been hosting destination weddings for decades, and they know how to do it right. If jaw-dropping vistas of Montego Bay call out to the romantic in you, why not give Hotel Grace a call to book your dream destination wedding now? And if you're venturing overseas for your dream wedding, don't you want to make sure you have the best photographer possible at your side, capturing every glorious moment to preserve forever? Of course you do! Lisa is waiting to hear from you.

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Castle Avalon {New Braunfels Wedding Photographer}

"Fairytale weddings" are the great myth of our time. Oh, sure--what bride hasn't dreamed of being a princess on her wedding day? But to be a princess in a fairy tale, you need a castle. And really, where are you going to find a castle in this day and age?

Okay, that was a trick question. I admit it. When he founded New Braunfels in the 19th century, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels had planned to build a castle to be call Sophienburg, but never got around to it. Enter Ron Bigbee, an inspired man who did what a German Prince couldn't, building Castle Avalon just a few miles west of New Braunfels on 157 acres in the lovely Texas Hill Country.



When Ron opened Castle Avalon in 1996, it was primarily a bed and breakfast, but gradually transitioned into a wedding venue. Susan, who manages the bookings, tells me they still get regular calls about the discontinued bed and breakfast, but these days weddings and events are the focus of this unique Hill Country castle. It's certainly hard to miss--the imposing gatehouse, above, sneaks up on you as you drive along Highway 46 among the oak and cedar trees. At that point you know this is no ordinary wedding venue.



A paved and lighted drive winds its way to the castle, which is surrounded by grassy lawns and majestic oak trees. There's no doubt this is a castle--the two-story stone building has all the required balconies, turrets and imposing double doors one would expect. Behind the castle there is a spectacular walled garden, landscaped and sculpted with all manner of flowering plants and emerald bushes. A stone walk leads over a man-made stream to a wedding arbor, where the bride and groom exchange vows. The idyllic garden setting can accommodate a hundred guests or more--which is good, since the happy couple will want to share this magical setting with as many friends and family as possible.

Inside the castle is even more impressive. Stone floors, suits of armor and a chainsaw-carved wooden dragon sculpture contribute to a fantastic neo-medieval atmosphere. The walls are paneled in luxurious red oak, which gives photographs a rich, warm glow. The grand staircase is red oak as well, perfectly suited for formal portraits of the wedding party as well as the bride and groom on their own. A lovely stained-glass window depicting a unicorn and fairies serves as an eye-catching backdrop.

There are separate, medieval-themed rooms for the bridal party and the groomsmen to get ready before the ceremony. There's a commercial kitchen. And there is, of course, the gorgeous grand ballroom on the second floor. This spacious hall opens up onto a large balcony overlooking the garden, and boasts a painted ceiling with abundant cherubs, ribbons and flowers, befitting such a festive occasion. The ballroom in large enough to accommodate the wedding ceremony itself in case of bad weather.



With such a distinctive subject, I couldn't resist taking a few infrared images. I like to say infrared gives scenes an otherworldly look, but in this case the fantasy aspect is quite dramatic. It looks like a castle straight out of a fairy realm to me! And what better place to schedule your fairy tale wedding? Be sure to Friend them on Facebook and if you're ready to set a wedding date, Give Susan a call to secure your booking. Give Lisa a call next, to make sure you will have exceptional wedding photography to record every wondrous detail of your genuine fairy tale wedding!

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The Gardens of Cranesbury View {New Braunfels Wedding Photographer}

The Texas Hill Country right outside of New Braunfels isn't the first place you'd expect to find a classical Italian garden. But a short drive west on Highway 46 will bring you to the surprising beauty of the Gardens of Cranesbury View. For brides desiring a touch of Old World European elegance for their outdoor wedding, there is no finer wedding venue in the area.

The Gardens of Cranesbury View is distinctive in that it is both a wedding venue and a residence. Amy, the owner, has been in the wedding business for two decades and the Italian garden tucked away in the Hill Country is her passion. Her degree in horticulture is on full display with the intricate, immaculate hedges, flower beds and other ornamentals. The neoclassic mansion dominates the estate, beautifully framed by pear trees in full blossom lining the drive as you approach.

The interior is perfectly suited for weddings. The bridal suite is uncluttered and sophisticated, with hardwood floors, light walls, French doors and large mirrors for an airy, joyful pre-wedding preparation. The vestibule essentially begs for bridal portraits and more wedding party shots after the ceremony. The creamy walls soften the light and the hardwood stair with an iron banister curves up invitingly to the second floor (where the "Juliet Balcony" invites even more great photos).

The centerpiece of the gardens is a classic Roman gazebo with an ornate, wrought iron dome. This makes for a stunning setting for wedding ceremonies, with the expansive grass field (overseeded with rye to ensure lush greenery year-round) offering ample room for seating even the largest guest list. With the roses in bloom and fountains flowing, it truly makes for a fairy tale environment.

From the wedding gazebo, the modern reception hall (tucked just behind the mansion) is only a short walk away. The reception hall was designed to evoke an old English chapel with large windows and hardwood floors, providing flexibility in case of uncooperative weather. The Juliet Balcony (which I mentioned earlier) is just visible on the left corner of the mansion. This overlooks the main gardens, and is perfect for the bouquet and garter toss as well as bridal portraits.

Here... I confess my affinity for infrared photography has reared its head again. Taken from the heart of the gardens, this false-color image shows what the mansion looks like just outside the range of human vision. The leaves of plants reflect infrared very strongly, so the foliage can appear ghostly white or even golden. I love the otherworldly effect, and the Gardens of Cranesbury View, by its very nature, lends itself nicely to infrared photography. There's an even better view of the Juliet Balcony with its classic baluster parapet.

Amy is a consummate professional with more than two decades' worth of experience in the wedding industry. After talking with her for just a few minutes, you'll feel like old friends and confident her venue is the perfect choice for the wedding of your dreams. It goes without saying that their prime wedding dates book fast, so if you're planning a wedding in the New Braunfels or San Antonio area, you'd be wise to contact the Gardens of Cransebury View sooner, rather than later. And don't forget to friend them on Facebook while you're at it-- right after you contact Lisa about photographing your wedding of a lifetime!

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Texas Old Town {Austin Wedding Photographer}

Other states may have cowboys, but nowhere is that Old West identity so much a part of every day life as it is in Texas. We grow up with it. Drive down any rural road and you'll see more cattle grazing in the fields than you can count. Our cities--Houston, Austin, San Antonio and yes, even little New Braunfels--host some of the biggest and most exciting rodeos anywhere. So it's no surprise that many brides and grooms want their weddings to reflect their love of cowboy culture and country life. Texas Old Town, located a mile west of I-35 in Kyle, is a great venue for weddings where boot scootin' is required.

Texas Old Town does more than just offer lip-service to those wanting country weddings. The offices, dressing rooms, reception halls--all of the buildings would look right at home in Lonesome Dove or Deadwood. Old kerosene lanterns (rewired for electric lights) illuminate the parking lots and sidewalks at night. There's something satisfying about the clunk, clunk, clunk that comes from walking across a wood-plank sidewalk that you just can't get anywhere else.

The interiors maintain the rustic style, but smartly include all the comforts of modern life. Air conditioning is particularly welcome during the Texas summer! There are three complete reception halls at Texas Old Town--Redbud (pictured above), Tejas and Sage. Each one has a slightly different floor plan and capacity (capable of hosting parties ranging from 160-500 guests), but all are lined with large windows to let in glorious natural light, and the polished hardwood red oak floors and walls give a healthy, warm glow to brides, grooms and guests photographed there.

Having three fine reception halls means Texas Old Town can host up to three weddings at the same time. Fortunately, the halls are spaced well apart from each other so the different events won't overlap. The outdoor wedding gazebos make a lovely setting, surrounded by shady oak trees and grassy lawns. The landscaping is particularly nice, with wooden foot bridges spanning stone-lined streams, fields of wildflowers and (my personal favorite) blooming red bud trees. Late afternoon, outdoor weddings are some of the most fun to photograph, when the daylight goes all soft and velvety, giving colors a richness you won't find at any other time of day.

Danny's the manager there, and either he or Adri will do you right. If you're looking to get hitched and have Texas in your blood, give Texas Old Town a call (they just had an opening on Sept. 10 of this year come available, so if you hurry you might just snag it!) or friend them on Facebook. Give Lisa a call while you're at it, so you have someone there to photograph every minute of your special day!

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Old Glory Ranch {Hill Country Wedding Photographer}

When you get right down to it, Central Texas is fortunate to have some of the best wedding venues anywhere. It's an embarrassment of riches, to be honest. As a Central Texas wedding photographer based in New Braunfels, Lisa's been blessed to photograph weddings all over--from historic Fredericksburg in the Hill Country, to San Antonio's famed River Walk to the sunny shores of Lake Travis--and loves every minute of it! It seems that brides are asking her about potential wedding venues more often these days, so we're going to start spotlighting some of the outstanding Texas Hill Country wedding locations, starting with Old Glory Ranch in Wimberley.

The first thing that hits you when you emerge from the wooded drive onto the grounds is the gorgeous, honey-golden chapel. The exterior is smooth-cut cedar planking, and the result is a magical combination of rustic charm and elegant dignity. I'm serious, folks, when the sun shines down, the chapel literally glows.

It is exceptionally roomy inside, too. The wood surfaces are all polished smooth, and rows of windows on either side of the chapel fill the space with a warm glow. Any wedding photographer will tell you this is some of the absolute best light to shoot in--it gives everyone healthy, attractive skin tones and adds a rich warmth to all the photos. There's a lovely covered back patio area for receptions, but for a more formal dinner, the chapel hall can be converted to that in short order as well (a neat trick if the weather doesn't cooperate!). Stained glass and detailed painting on the interior beams complete the picture, with old-world, Germanic charm.

Owner Susan McCord (who just became a grandmother this week--Congratulations, Susan!) has more than 2,000 acres on the grounds which she'd developed impressively. The Gatehouse Pavilion is an outdoor venue suitable for smaller gatherings, and there are other buildings (including a lodge, a farm house and a stonework "castle") available for private rental. What's most impressive, however, is the two miles of riverfront access along the Blanco. Here McCord has built two fantastic outdoor wedding venues--the wooden wedding deck, bordered by a large grassy lawn suitable for up to 500 guests, and the smaller stone landing, which can accommodate smaller gatherings of 75 or less. Both outdoor venues are literally right on top of the Blanco River, surrounded by spectacular old-growth Montezuma cypress. For lovers of outdoor weddings, it doesn't get any better than this.

Susan works with Liz Danna, general manager, and Gina McClure, the marketing and artistic director. Any one of them will do you right, so if you're looking for a genuine Texas Hill Country wedding venue, give the fine folks at Old Glory Ranch a call. Better yet, give Lisa a call first, so you're guaranteed great wedding photography!

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