Memorial Day - Honoring Those We Love On Our Wedding Day
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”
Wedding Days are one of the happiest days of our life. Although it can be difficult to create a memory without a loved one present, honoring them on your wedding day can bring you peace knowing they are smiling down on you.
I’ve found a few options on how to honor those who have selflessly put our country first and fought for our freedom. Today and everyday we thank them for our service.
Now here are ways to honor them and allow them to be apart or your wedding day:
All images were found on Pinterest
Tips when shopping for your Wedding Dress
Partnering with Gracyn Elizabeth Bride, we have hosted several VIB’s! They are so much fun and make wedding dress shopping a breeze. To make the experience even better, we have gotten together and come up with a few tips and tricks!
Style your hair like you would on your Wedding Day. This will make it easier to envision what you will look like on the day of!
Bring the undergarments you would wear on the big day with you. You know, the ones that suck you in the right places. Some brides have even left the appointment to run over to the mall to grab some real quick.
Go into the appointment with an open mind. We have seen time and time again brides walking in saying they want sleeves or don’t want strapless. Then they walk out with the dress of their dreams that was completely opposite of what they thought they would love.
Don’t stress about the dress size. Bridal sizing is completely different than normal clothes. So don’t get in your own head about the size of the dress. Focus more on what makes you feel good.
Remove your bra when trying on dresses. Most bridal gowns have great structure and foundation. Bras are not usually needed. Breast enhancement can also be added to the dress through alterations.
Why it is Good Luck if it Rains on your Wedding Day
I checked the weather forecast for the week and apparently it is supposed to rain for 40 days and 40 nights.. Okay, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. I know how stressful it can be to depend on the weather for your wedding, but I recently discovered the reason why it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day!
Getting married is also referred to as “tying the knot”. Well, when you tie a knot in rope, if it gets wet, it is more difficult to untie. Therefore, when it rains on your wedding day, it is a sign that your marriage will become stronger!
So, future brides - stress no more about it raining on your wedding day! Not only will it bring good luck, but pictures are so much prettier when there is an overcast! I found a few off of Pinterest that are absolutely breathtaking!
Found on Pinterest. photo by Cody & Allison Photography
Found on Pinterest. photo by Olguin Photography
Found on Pinterest. photo by Van Middleton
Found on Pinterest. photo by Sam Hugh Photography
This one is my favorite. Found Pinterest. photo by Taylor Lenci
Wedding Shower Outfit Ideas
I went around town to the different boutiques and found beautiful dresses for bride’s to wear for their wedding shower! If you know me, you know amazon is my best friend, but I cannot stress how important it is to SHOP LOCAL.
When you shop local, you're making a personal investment in your neighborhood and community.... Money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our region's tax base. By shopping local, you are helping a family grow their business and you are helping your community. Bonus, the local boutiques in our area have the cutest outfits for you! Click on the photos below and start shopping!
Gypsy Waltz is an online clothing boutique based out of New Boston. Dana is the owner and a dear friend of mine. She loves what she does, and it shows! Also, how cute is this model!! Chandler is a bride to be getting married at Four Fifteen Estates in September!
Luna Boutique will forever hold a special place in my heart. It is the same place I got my bridal shower outfit from yeeeearrrrs ago. They are located in Texarkana and have amazing deals!
The Rancher’s Wife! When you walk into the beautiful boutique, it is a whole vibe. The girls working there are incredibly sweet and helpful. They are located in Texarkana, but also have store fronts in Terrell and Canton.
Lastly, we have L & B’s Boutique located in Maud. Who would have thought Maud would ever have a boutique, but they are killing it. It is a small shop, but filled with cute clothing and shoppers. This sweet little shopper let me take her picture! Thank you Jessie!
Of course I had to get a little something from each boutique because everything was so beautiful! Soooo… that means I am doing a giveaway of everything I got! Whether you are a bride, know a bride, or want to be a bride - anyone and everyone can enter! To win this cute little bridal boutique package, share the blog on Facebook! I will announce the winner on our one month anniversary May 15th!
Advice from a Bride to a Bride
I have asked my previous brides (yes, two) to give some advice for your wedding day. This is what they have come up with:
Enjoy every single moment, because once its over you will be wishing that it wasn’t
Soak it all in.. the whole day, because it will be a blur
Bring card games to play with your girls while getting ready
Eat and drink water while getting ready because you won’t have time during the reception
Before leaving the bridal suite, make sure the ring bearer has the rings
Have your girls bring their dresses and shoes the night before to make sure they have everything
If you book a videographer, have them sound record your vows and add them to your wedding video
Before the wedding day, write out a list of all the people you want to take group photos with so you don’t leave anyone out
There will be hiccups, so roll with the punches and take everything in strides
Know that everything will come together!
Styled Photo Shoot - Mary Cyrus Photography
The TEAM
Photography and Creative Direction: Mary Cyrus Photography
Video: Captured by Kelsi
Coordination and Planning: Jade Lux Events and Design
Makeup: Elisa Maria Makeup Artistry
Hair: Master Hair Hero
Dress: Gracyn Elizabeth Bride
Florals: ETX Silk Floral Designs
Catering: The Guilty Pig
Cake: Pop’s Cakes
Tableware: JK Rentals
Stationery: Paper n Peonies
Woodwork: Phillips Forest Products
Signs: Stone House Decor
Models
Bride and Groom- Lithopolis and Queenie Miller
Bridesmaids- Sharmonique Manning and Jaharra Lynn
Cutest dog in the world: Ronon Cyrus
We did it!
Wow! What an eventful weekend! The Grand Opening, Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner, and the First Wedding! If you missed the Grand Opening / First Wedding, don’t worry - I have taken a thousand pictures.
Last weekend was a blast and I am so blessed that mostly everything went smoothly. It was a learning experience for sure. For example, boutonniere’s go on the same side as the pocket square.. Who knew? Also, double check that you’ve locked the round tables before putting decorations on them. And even before people are sitting at them. Pro Tip.
Like I said, it was a learning experience, but the first wedding being my brother, I could not have asked for a more perfect weekend. We laughed, we cried happy tears, and we danced the night away. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Carlow. I love y’all
Let’s look at a handful of pictures of the venue now that it is 90% finished. I am so excited for all of the weddings coming up who will create memories of their own that will last a lifetime!
The last Construction Update
Welcome Back!
This is our last construction update blog before the Grand Opening on April 15th! (We want y’all to be somewhat surprised at the Grand Opening).
If you are planning to attend, check out our Facebook event to let us know! We want to make sure we have plenty of refreshments for everyone!
Now, let’s check out our progress!
Plants are going in the ground! Landscaping is scheduled to be complete by Wednesday. (There will be sod/grass)
Cleaning up is not as fun, but at least we have a scissor lift! A cleaning crew will be coming soon to help!
The railing upstairs turned out so good! It was not what I had in mind, but Caleb really outdid himself!
Another picture of the awesome railing, but also.. We have speakers and a sound system now. Y’all, we were jamming all weekend long!
We added subway tile to the kitchen and it is looking so fresh, so clean.
In the kitchen, we now have a stove top, double oven, and a food warmer
Another exciting recent purchase - an ice maker!
Last, but certainly not least, FLOORING in Gracyn’s Chapel! It looks beautiful!!
A little close up of the flooring because, I am obsessed. Gracie Girl is coming together.
The Chapel Door
Stained glass was one of the first items we picked out. We even did it before breaking ground on the venue.
It is also something I have been most excited for, because as you know, I love giving each building a little character.
To tie in the old English nursery rhyme - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, we decided to go with a blue color for the stained glass. It is even prettier than I imagined!
Now, y’all know I am a sucker for cool back stories to make the venue even more special. Well this one came out of nowhere. We met with a stained glass specialist, Debbie Hogan, back in the fall. She had no clue where the venue was actually located. She only knew it was North of New Boston somewhere.
Well, after giving her the directions, as she turned off of Hwy 8 and rounded the curve, she almost cried…She lived on the property for the first 5 years of her life!! Is not that the craziest, but coolest thing?!
Below are a few pictures so you can see how BEAUTIFUL it turned out!
Full view of the front door of Gracyn’s Chapel. It turned out so good!
Close up of the stained glass from the outside.
My cutie husband installing the glass.
The view from inside. Obsessed.
Debbie Hogan, the stained glass cutter, former resident lol.
It’s another Construction Update
Happy Monday friends!
We are less than a month away and time is ticking. Yes, we are very stressed, but it is a good stress- right Caleb? =)
A few things that are going right now:
-The fireplace is being built
-The Reception Hall has been textured and has the first coat of paint
-The front doors of The Reception Hall are installed and painted
-The kitchen is starting to look like a kitchen
-Bathroom walls are up
-The accent wall in the Groom’s Loft has been designed
-Round Tables for the Reception Hall have been delivered
-The Bridal Suite furniture will be delivered this week
The front door really completes the sleek look of The Reception Hall. And that pile in the front are the round tables to go inside when ready
View from the sliding kitchen doors. Painting everything white made a huge difference. We didn’t think it was possible, but it looks so much bigger now.
View to the Groom’s Loft. There will be sliding doors up top and railing will be installed soon. The batten strips are for the accent wall upstairs.
View from The Groom’s Loft.
Peep the industrial sink on the floor for the kitchen. That sucker is huge!
Speaking of kitchens, the first coat of paint on the kitchen cabinets
There is a ton of storage space and there will be an island in the middle for caterers to prep food
The men’s restroom. Maybe a boring picture, but hey it’s progress
The Groom’s Loft
The walls have been textured and painted. Once the bridal suite was finished, I have been so excited to get started on The Groom’s Loft and give him some personality.
It is hard to see and I didn’t want to give it all away, but this is the accent wall. It is going to look awesome.
The beginning of a fireplace. One of my favorite parts of the venue. He used some of the original brick to make me happy, but also newer brick to make it safe. The four corner oranger pieces are from the original and have a star in the middle. The final fireplace will be about 9 feet tall.
How to Create your Wedding Guest List
Deciding who to invite or better yet, who is going to get upset about not getting an invite, is the most stressful part when planning your wedding.
I have thought about this for weeks and weeks trying to create a strategy to narrow down the guest list so that it will fit venue occupancy and wedding budget. Aaaaand, I believe I have got it!
So, lets get started!
First, you put together your entire list, anyone and everyone you, your parents, fiance, fiances’ parents can think of to invite to your wedding.
Secondly, you form two lists- the A and B list.
The A list consists of immediate family and close friends. The A list is the list of people who without a doubt will be invited to the wedding.
Then, everyone else goes into the B list.
Now that you have your B list, you take each person and follow the flow diagram below.
This make take several times going through the diagram until you have your final wedding guest list count. I hope this helps and if you have any suggestions on how to make this better, please let me know!
I sent a picture of a scribbled diagram on a piece of paper to my good friend, April Hackney, and she sent this back. She is so talented and can do pretty much anything! (you would believe me if you saw the drawing I sent her).
If you need anyone to create a sign or draw up something cute, she is the girl you need! Her social accounts on facebook and instagram are Charming Chalk Shop.
Construction Update
April is right around the corner and we have been working hard over here at Four Fifteen! The snow pushed us back, but this past week we have knocked off some BIG items. Thankfully the weather has been amazing and we are back on schedule. Whoop Whoop! The courtyard and sidewalks were poured and I am feeling so spoiled walking around on the concrete. Y’all, I can wash all of my shoes now! Landscaping is starting today and I cannot wait to see how it transforms the venue. It is going to be beautiful! We are to the point where we can start ordering furniture, mirrors, and light fixtures. Yesssss…The fun stuff!
I also want to take a moment and thank y’all for being so supportive and cheering us on throughout this process. I love all of the shares on social media and being stopped at Walmart to tell us how good the venue is looking. I feel incredibly lucky to watch my dream come true and to also have a huge amount of support from the community. So, thank you!
Okay, the reason you are here… See below the pictures of the progress!
Reception Hall
View from the Groom’s Loft
The Groom’s Loft
The Groom’s Loft
The Groom’s Loft
Courtyard
Courtyard
Gracyn’s Chapel
Gracyn’s Chapel … that door #allthehearteyes
5 Tips on Getting Healthy for Your Wedding
Before we get started, I want to say that healthy does not equal skinny. Your beauty is not measured by your pant size. I’m going to say that again for the people in the back. Your BEAUTY is not measured by your PANT SIZE. Starving yourself will leave you miserable and in the end, you won’t be happy on the happiest day of your life. Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or personal trainer, but this is advice I wish I would have known when starting my fitness and health journey.
With that being said, here are 5 tips on making you HEALTHY for your big day.
Drink Water
If you know me, you know how passionate I am about drinking my water. There are so many benefits, but I’ll highlight just a few. Drinking water flushes out the toxins in your body, helps your body digest your food, and delivers oxygen throughout your body. Do you ever have a headache and then remember you haven’t had any water that day? Your brain needs the oxygen from the water to function! Lastly, but most obviously, It keeps you hydrated giving you more energy and mental clarity throughout your day. This is especially important during wedding planning mode.
Start small with a few bottles of water a day, and then work your way up until you get to the recommended amount - 3 liters a day.
If you’re looking for a water bottle, I carry my Hydrojug with me every where I go. The jug holds 2 liters of water and is just really freaking cute. I have an affiliated link with them that I’ll share below! (Tip: If you get a straw, it makes drinking water 10 times easier)
https://www.thehydrojug.com?aff=6313
Move Your Body
This one is obvious, but exercise! Working out at least 20 minutes a day will make such a difference, physically and mentally. Find what you enjoy and do it consistently. Yoga, weight lifting, spin, running, walking, etc. Your options are endless. Try different things out and find what works for YOU. I love lifting weights but you might enjoy hot yoga. Everyone is different.
Whatever it is, working out is going to relieve you of the stress you are holding. I cannot emphasize this enough, but girl move your body.
Each Nutrient-Dense Foods
Basically, stop eating crap. I’m talking candy, McDonald’s, coke, processed foods. Eat more nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, fruit, and lean protein. I’m not saying you need to restrict yourself because it’s all about balance - the 80/20 rule. 80% of the food you eat is whole nutrient-dense foods, 20% of the food you eat is what you are craving. Don’t go on a diet or starve yourself, but eat the foods that provide nutrients for your body.
I track my food with the app MyFitnessPal. It allows me to see what I’m putting in my body and if I have room to eat that blueberry donut.
Sleeeeeeeep
This one is easy to neglect. You need 6-8 hours of sleep every night. It varies depending on the person because personally, I need like 9 hours of sleep. Sleep is so important because it’s giving your body a chance to rebuild muscle tissues from working out, replenish cells and restore energy after a long day of wedding planning.
Stop Obsessing over what You Look Like
You are surrounded by people who love YOU, not how much you weigh or how pretty you are, but you as person. They wouldn’t love you any more or any less if you looked different. Having negative thoughts about your body creates such a toxic internal relationship. I’ve always heard “if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, then don’t say it to yourself”. Obsessing over your body will bring you on a roller coaster of emotions and that is unhealthy for your body and your mind. So love yourself and give yourself some grace. The results will follow.
So many girls starve themselves and do endless amounts of cardio to prepare for their wedding, trust me I was one of them. Looking back, it left me exhausted physically and mentally. I was a basket case trying to get skinny for the wedding day and some would say a bride-zilla. Don’t be like me. Enjoy this time and use working out as an outlet to relieve stress and eat the right foods to fuel you body and brain. You deserve to be your healthiest and happiest self come your wedding day.
Construction Update - Bridal Suite Edition
The Bridal Suite is slowly becoming one of my favorites at Four Fifteen Estates. So much thought goes into designing a space for brides to get ready for the big day. We wanted to create a space for you to have as your own so why not build the cutest little house?! With natural lighting, plenty of vanity space, and unique touches here and there, we hope you love it as much as we do!
As you can see from the pictures below, the bridal suite is (almost) complete. A couple of items to check off include setting the toilet (fun stuff I know), hanging mirrors, installing faucets, cleaning, aaaaaand moving in furniture. The next time you’ll see the construction update - bridal suite edition, she will be styled and ready for the first wedding!
History of Wedding Rhyme
Something Old, Something New
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
And a Sixpence in your Shoe
Everyone has heard the Old English rhyme, but where did it come from?
According to Readers Digest, the rhyme came about in the Victorian Era from Lancashire, a county in England. Each phrase in the rhyme is meant to ward off the “Evil Eye”. The Evil Eye is "a curse passed through a malicious glare that could make a bride infertile." Talk about haters.
Something Old
In the Victorian era, wearing “something old” would protect couples from the Evil Eye casting infertility on the bride. (I can’t make this stuff up). Today, it represents continuity and stability. Carrying on the tradition of bringing a heirloom into your wedding day is like bringing wisdom into your marriage.
Something New
Incorporating “something new” represents optimism for the future. This one is easy as your wedding dress, exchanging wedding rings, new shoes, etc. could be “something new” to use.
Something Borrowed
“Something borrowed” ensures good luck to the couple. It is encouraged to borrow from a happily married friend or family member. In the old days, it was encouraged to borrow undergarments from a girlfriend who has healthy kids. (I think it was all about making babies back then.) Of course, today is a little different and borrowing something sentimental will make your day even more special.
Something Blue
This one is my favorite. Wearing “something blue” was meant to deflect the Evil Eye. Blue is the worldwide color of purity, loyalty, and reliability. For example, being baptized in water. Brides would wear a blue garter under their white dress to keep that Evil Eye away. Today you can wear the blue garter or incorporate the color blue with flowers, ribbon, or even a pair of pretty Tiffany blue shoes.
The front door of Gracyn’s Chapel will have deep blue stained glass across the top arch to incorporate the color blue and to help you keep the Evil Eye away.
And a sixpence for your shoe
It was custom in the 1600s for the groom to give his bride a piece of silver and a silver sixpence was symbolically used. Walking down the aisle with a sixpence in your left shoe continues the tradition of bringing good fortune, wealth, and a lifelong happiness to the marriage.
You can find these on Amazon, Etsy, or at Gracyn Elizabeth Bride!
Whatever traditions you incorporate into your wedding, have fun with it! This is such an exciting time in both of your lives and the beginning of a new chapter. So be creative, make it your own, and ward off that Evil Eye with...
Something Old,
Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue,
And a sixpence in your shoe.
10 Questions You Should Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Venue
What is the maximum capacity?
Whether you plan to have a small intimate wedding or full out party, this is important to know for several reasons including your guest list, table decorations, and information for caterers. You can expect 10-12% of guests declining, or more with Covid. If your venue capacity is 250, you do not want to send out 300 invitations. For Four Fifteen Estates, 250 people in Gracyn’s Chapel and 300 in the Reception Hall.
Is your ideal date available?
This one is obvious, but it’ll allow you to decide if you want a light and bright spring wedding or a beautiful fall wedding.
What is included in the venue rental fee?
Some venues have only the buildings, some have additional things like chairs and tables. This is an important question because it could give weight to your final decision. Included in our rental fee is full access to all three buildings, tables and chairs for the reception hall, four arbors to choose from, and miscellaneous decorations to be used for table centers.
Are there any additional fees?
Examples of this include wedding insurance, damage deposit, clean up fee, serving alcohol, etc. It is a great question to find out up front before the contract is presented and you are caught off guard. We have a damage deposit and require you to have wedding insurance. For more help on the insurance, check out our last blog. Which leads to the next question.
What are the catering and alcohol policies?
Can you have your own bartender? Are you allowed in the kitchen? It is nice to know this before booking a bartender or caterer. We do not have any catering policies and our alcohol policy is that the bartender must be certified.
What is your refund policy?
Because, covid. Or any other life crisis that could come up leading up your wedding. Our refund policy is cancellation 180 days before the wedding, you will get a full refund except for the down payment.
Is there a payment plan?
Make sure you know what the payment plan will be so you can financially plan for it. We do not have a payment plan. We only require the final payment 30 days before the wedding.
Do you require a wedding planner or coordinator?
Some wedding venues require you to have a wedding coordinator to make sure the day goes by smoothly. Four Fifteen Estates provides a day-of coordinator who knows the grounds and to work behind the scenes.
Can you book the venue for your ceremony rehearsal?
This will help you pick out your wedding package and also let you know how to prepare for the ceremony.
What’s next?
Here is where you’ll ask how to book the venue and the process of planning your wedding. Four Fifteen Estates will go above and beyond to help in any way we can from picking out vendors to help set up the wedding. We are here for you!
How to get Wedding Insurance in Texas
Four Fifteen Estates is in your corner and we will do everything we can to make sure your wedding day goes by without a hitch. But, if it doesn’t, there’s something else you’ll want in your corner..
What is Wedding Insurance?
Wedding Insurance is a type of event insurance that protects you from losses in certain situations involving the wedding day. It is like most other types of insurance- it’s unlikely you’ll need it, but if circumstances change you’ll have peace of mind knowing you are covered. Similar to car, phone, and life insurances, you can select different policies for wedding insurance.
Why do I need Wedding Insurance?
To start, it has become a standard practice for venues to require you to have wedding insurance, and Four Fifteen Estates is no exception. Apart from that, we all know that life is unpredictable and even a day as special as your wedding isn’t exempt from surprises. Cough, COVID, cough cough. If you need to change the date or replace something, it’s nice to know that you’re protected from financial loss. Four Fifteen Estates will reschedule your wedding date without additional charge, but we cannot say the same for other vendors you have booked for your wedding.
Examples:
You have a beautiful table arrangement with candles lined down the center. The table gets bumped rushing around decorating and a candle falls over catching the wooden farmhouse table on fire.
Karen has Covid symptoms and attends your bridal shower anyway. Everyone and their momma now has the virus and is quarantine.
Terry forgets to put it in reverse and runs into the side of the Reception Hall.
Where do I get wedding insurance in Texas?
Thankfully, the internet has everything - including easy ways to get wedding insurance. TheKnot.com provides a long article on this but we will summarize. A few of the most popular online providers are WedSafe, WedSure, EventHelper, and EventSured. Each of these are simple and easy to use and can even email the certificate to fourfifteenestates@gmail.com. You can expect to pay between $150 to $350, depending on the size of your wedding and what you add to your policy.
What info do I need to get wedding insurance?
The minimum insurance specifications. For us, it is no less than $1,000,000.00
The venue’s physical address, email address, and phone number:
415 County Road 2101, New Boston, Texas 75570
fourfifteenestates@gmail.com
903.701.6060
Your own personal information
Your wedding date
Your credit or debit card for payment
When Caleb and I were getting married, they required us to have insurance. My first thought was, dang they are just trying to take our money. But, that’s not the case. I wish I would’ve had something like this to help us understand what wedding insurance is. It is designed to protect couples and to have one less thing to worry about. If you have any questions, we are here to help.
What to expect at your VIB
When booking with Four Fifteen Estates, you will receive a free VIB (Very Important Bride-that’s you) appointment at Gracyn Elizabeth Bride.
Reasons why this is an amazing deal:
1. You get the entire bridal store to yourself
2. There will be snacks, sweets and drinks for you. I could stop there, but we’ll keep going
3. Two consultants will be there who know the inventory inside and out to find EXACTLY what you’re looking for
4. You are shopping local
5. It’s free and most importantly, it’s FUN and removes any anxiety/stress you may have when shopping for your dream dress
Gracyn Elizabeth Bride is a beautiful store where they take pride in stocking up with timeless and trendy gowns. Boho, traditional, elegant, simple, sleeves, illusion back, open back.. you name it, they have it! Every kind of bride will be able to find her dream dress at GEB. There will also be unique surprises throughout your appointment that will make this moment during your wedding planning, something that will be unforgettable.
Speaking of planning, the snacks and sweets will be from local vendors for you to be able to taste test. This private appointment is literally like a mini bridal fair designed for YOU.
As you can see from the photos below, you do not want to sleep on this amazing deal. It’s such a fun time and will make dress shopping a breeze.
The Show Room
A glimpse of the many beautiful dresses at GEB
Personalized Cookies made by Sugar Mill Bakery
Fun Games and Yummy Snacks for You and Your Bride Tribe
Meaning behind the Name
I knew where it was going to be. I knew what I wanted it to look like. I knew how I wanted it to run. I knew everything, except ONE thing - what are we were going to name the venue.
From the beginning, I referred to it as Gracyn’s Chapel. It tied in with my mom’s bridal store, Gracyn Elizabeth Bride, and stood as a memorial for my still born sister, Gracyn. It seemed perfect, but something didn’t sit right. I felt like Gracyn was not my story to tell, but rather my mom’s testimony to share.
Back to square one.
One day at church, our preacher spoke on Ephesians (which happens to be my favorite book in the Bible) and really focused on Ephesians 4:15. “Instead, speak the truth in love, so that we become more like Him, who is the head, that is Jesus Christ.” Boom, that was it. It spoke to me and I knew I wanted to incorporate it in the name. This Bible verse is such a good example to live by for two reasons. 1. Speak the truth in love 2. Be more like Jesus. We get so wrapped up in how other people are wrong because of their political views and Facebook posts and blah blah blah. The world would be a better place if people focused on bettering themselves and spoke to one another out of love. (And that is Shelby’s Ted talk for the day)
Continuing on with the story.. We brainstormed for weeks playing with the numbers 4-1-5: Venue 415, The 415, 415 Estates, etc. Finally, a young lady at my mom’s dress shop wrote out the numbers in cursive on a sticky note. It was beautiful and that was all it took. Four Fifteen Estates. I still have that small piece of paper in my jewelry box.
Also, as a bonus, our wedding anniversary is 4/15. #allthehearteyes
Also, as an extra bonus, the address to the venue is 415 County Road 2101. Mind blown.
Side note: I couldn’t NOT put a personal touch of Gracyn so the chapel does have her name, Gracyn’s Chapel.
The meaning behind the name has several layers and could not be more perfect. I wanted the name to have as much meaning to it as the venue does for all of the future couples getting married at Four Fifteen Estates. May you speak the truth in love so that you become more like Him, Jesus Christ.
Construction at Four Fifteen Estates
It all begins with an idea.
Welcome to the first 415 blog! Let’s kick it off with a construction update! There has been so much excitement at Four Fifteen Estates and I know you’ll be as excited as we are.
Multiple crews have been in and out making this dream come to life. A huge thank you to Josh Foster who has worked endless hours making sure the ground and parking lot is perfect before building. Ishmael Hernandez for pouring concrete in the short timeframe between rainy days. David Bell and his crew for getting the exterior shell up in a blink of an eye. A big thank you to Pablo, Jose, Armando, Andy, and Enrique for studding up the buildings and the exterior of the bridal suite. Last but not least, Krause Plumbing and Dwyer Water Wells for getting all of the really important things that people often over look! All of these guys have worked long hours and on weekends. Thankful does not even come close to the feeling I have for all of the crews.
Seeing the progress as the venue goes vertical has been so much fun to watch. Below are a few updated photos of the construction so you can see how far we’ve come.
If you have any questions or would like to book a tour, please feel free to reach out to us at fourfifteenestates@gmail.com - we’d love to meet you!
Exterior of Gracyn’s Chapel
Interior of Gracyn’s Chapel
The Bridal Suite
Exterior of the Reception Hall
Interior of Reception Hall
View from Groom’s Loft