Decisions, decisions...

bsn1752

I know that I just posted regarding almost the same subject... but I've done some investigating...

After seeing and finding pictures of the Marty Leonard Chapel (shout out Brooke!)... I just love it.  It's amazing.  And the more I think about having an outdoor wedding, the more I don't want it, especially in March and with the weather being unpredictable like it is during that time of year.... and plus, I REALLY love that moment when the doors swing open and every turns around to see you.  Just thinking about it chokes me up, and I haven't gotten that way about the originial ceremony site.

Well, here's the dilemma... I've signed a contract at Sky Creek Ranch, and they will still be my reception site.  The fee for Marty Leonard Chapel is $950 and they're available on my date... and Sky Creek is willing to take $250 off of my total (they already gave me the ceremony site for free, but an additional $250), which would leave me making up $700... not too bad.

Plus, the chapel and the reception site are about 30 minutes apart... is that too far to ask guests to drive?  My MOH keeps telling me that it's not too far and that people won't mind driving that far...

But, thoughts?  Should I change the ceremony site? Is 30 mins too far to drive?  Is it worth the $700.

(I know I will probably get flamed tomorrow for asking for all of this input, but I've come to depend on you ladies for my wedding support)

brooke.anne

Ha, I like the shoutout!  

Here's my thoughts on it, I think you should do what makes you happy. I know it sounds cliche but I really think it's your day and you deserve everything you want. If it is worth it to you, to go with Marty Leonard (which is, like you said, amazing) then I say go for it. It doesn't sound like you would be out too terribly much (money wise). I think $700 is worth making your wedding day all that you want it to be. 

It is better to go with your heart rather than worrying about it up until your wedding date and then wishing you would have done Marty Leonard afterwards and possibly regretting it. 

As for the 30 minute drive, it is a little further than people would probably like to drive, but I'm sure they would still do it. 

 

So, personally, I think you should go with Marty Leonard, plus I'm a little biased and want to see pics.!

 But really, do what you think will make you happy!

MissAngel

I don't think it's too far to drive at all.  I've done it before and didn't mind it.  It seems that you really want this chapel and I think you should see if you can swing it.  $700 would be a lot of money for me to swing, but if you can do it... I'd say go for it!  You are right about the March and unpredictable weather and just the thought of having the wedding there gets you choked up... I'd say you've found THE ceremony site.

AmberMarieTX

I think in DFW, 30 minutes isn't a far drive at all! Do it!

BTW- I subbed at an elementary school by Sky Creek Ranch and thought of you when I saw the signs!

fallbride1109

Only you can really say.  If it's worth it to you to eat $700, then go for it.  Just make sure you're thinking of everything--did you print STD's yet, will the chapel need decor that you would have had at Sky Creek, is it big enough, will you have to adjust your timing or schedule in any way, etc.  30 minutes would be the maximum I would drive anywhere.

And it IS beautiful.

angieandjames

I think 30 minutes is perfectly okay - just maybe drive it around that time of day and make sure that's accurate is the only thing I can think of.

Yay for finding a place that gets you all choked up!!

angieandjames

UUUUGGGGHHHH I just went and looked at it, and did the 360 view... wanted it to go faster, so I tried the "click and drag" method, and I'm a little sick to my stomach now.  I ended up spinning in fast circles looking at the ceiling.  Bad bad idea... but, it's beautiful

MLandCJ

I love that chapel!

I say do it.

bobbileighb

If you love it and it fits your needs and you can swing the 700.00 then I say do it.

JennaV26

That chapel is fantastic! But personally, I wouldn't be too thrilled with having to drive 30 minutes from the ceremony to the reception venue but I might be in the minority. Have you blocked hotel rooms yet? That might make a difference to me. I probably wouldn't mind driving to the reception venue if it was right by my hotel but if I was staying near the chapel and had to drive another 30 minutes back after the reception too, I probably wouldn't like it. Also, will you be having alcohol?? If not I think it's less of a concern!

That being said, if having the wedding at the chapel would make you happy than go for it. You don't want to look back on your wedding day and wish you had done it differently because you settled to please other people. I support you either way!!

TexanTreasure08

The chapel is beautiful & it even made me consider it for 5 minutes before I remembered that we are broke. I would do it if I had extra money!! And 30 minutes is not a big deal, just try to book hotel rooms near the reception venue.

Do It!!!

tam427

I think it also depends on your guests. Personally all my guests are OOT so I don't want to ask them to drive between a reception and venue site, since they are not familiar with Dallas. If they are local and know the area, then I don't think it's that much of a problem, just make sure you leave enough time between the ceremony and reception, especially if you are having it on a Friday around rush hour.  Does your current venue have another room you could use for an indoor ceremony? I know it would not be the same, but it might be worth looking into.

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:4e0ac5f9-5550-48f5-bce8-3fc0498a8c42">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it also depends on your guests. Personally all my guests are OOT so I don't want to ask them to drive between a reception and venue site, since they are not familiar with Dallas. If they are local and know the area, then I don't think it's that much of a problem, just make sure you leave enough time between the ceremony and reception, especially if you are having it on a Friday around rush hour.  Does your current venue have another room you could use for an indoor ceremony? I know it would not be the same, but it might be worth looking into.
Posted by tam427[/QUOTE]

No indoor area... :(  If the weather is bad... they push the reception tables to the side.  UGH.

Jay&Marissa

It is absolutely gorgeous.

When they said they had your date open,though, did they specify what time? Because they schedule 3-4 weddings a day there.

Tiffany618

If you love it then go for it.  It realllly is gorgeous!!!

Your wedding is on Friday, right?  I would definitely make the drive during Friday rush hour before you decide.... that can be a really bad drive traffic wise. 

Remember the clock is ticking though... every minute you and your guests spend in the car is potentially less time for your reception and photos.

tam427

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:8c49465a-c2ba-4c74-a913-b70f19e276bd">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Decisions, decisions... : No indoor area... :(  If the weather is bad... they push the reception tables to the side.  UGH.
Posted by bsn1752[/QUOTE]
 
That's a bummer. If it were me, and I really wanted an indoor reception I would try to find someplace a little closer. But if you love the venue and think your guests won't mind, then you should do it.

bsn1752

Marissa - the time would be 6:30 pm!  They actually said the whole day is available.  They only schedule 2 a day!

Tiffany - the wedding is on a Sunday!  So that's the saving grace for me... there won't be any traffic!

Tiffany618

Oh awesome, then I say go for it!!!   I don't know where I came up with Friday, sorry.

bsn1752

Thanks for the reassurance ladies... I will definitely let you know what we decide!

carmen9311

i would also say go for it! i don't think people will mind the drive, especially in dallas--i feel like everything is spread out. if you love it, i think it's worth it

llc2011

I say do it!  IF you've been thinking about it so hard, it probably means you really want it

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:ba17127b-0aee-4b01-9c47-ec172705df64">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]I say do it!  IF you've been thinking about it so hard, it probably means you really want it :)
Posted by llc2011[/QUOTE]

Girl, I've been thinking about this NON STOP!  :)

cfibelkorn

Brianna, I think you should do it!! I know $700 is a good chunk of change but in the grand scheme it isn't tooo much for your wedding. Also people will drive 30 mins (or at least I would)

The worst thing you could do is settle and not be as happy as possible when you walk down that aisle!

And the Chapel is drool worthy

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:83b955bd-16f4-47d4-a575-40060fc092ef">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]Brianna, I think you should do it!! I know $700 is a good chunk of change but in the grand scheme it isn't tooo much for your wedding. Also people will drive 30 mins (or at least I would) The worst thing you could do is settle and not be as happy as possible when you walk down that aisle! And the Chapel is drool worthy :)
Posted by cfibelkorn[/QUOTE]

Thank you... that's so sweet of you.  I've talked to several people (and most of my BMs) about it and they're all totally on board with driving... plus, it's a pretty easy drive especially for a Sunday.

And yes, the chapel is totally drool-able (?)... :)   The best part is, everything I think about it, I get goosebumps and a big lump in my throat.  That's GOT to be a good sign!

awilkins78

If I were a guest at your wedding, I'd probably prefer a 30-minute drive to a ruined or awkward outdoor ceremony if the weather was bad.  As long as your OOT people have transportation, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.  As for the $700, I would think you could make most of that up by cutting back elsewhere in your budget, if the chapel is that important to you.  Plus it doesn't look like you'd need to do much to decorate it since it's already so pretty (IDK if your other place would require $$ to decorate for the ceremony), so that could save you some money there.

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:9ebbd012-8d3b-4f59-b5fd-6a354dbae391">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>If I were a guest at your wedding, I'd probably prefer a 30-minute drive to a ruined or awkward outdoor ceremony if the weather was bad.</strong>  As long as your OOT people have transportation, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.  As for the $700, I would think you could make most of that up by cutting back elsewhere in your budget, if the chapel is that important to you.  Plus it doesn't look like you'd need to do much to decorate it since it's already so pretty (IDK if your other place would require $$ to decorate for the ceremony), so that could save you some money there.
Posted by awilkins78[/QUOTE]

That is an excellent point and you are absolutely correct...

You guys are making my decision so much easier.

brooke.anne

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:9ebbd012-8d3b-4f59-b5fd-6a354dbae391">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>If I were a guest at your wedding, I'd probably prefer a 30-minute drive to a ruined or awkward outdoor ceremony if the weather was bad.</strong>  As long as your OOT people have transportation, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.  As for the $700, I would think you could make most of that up by cutting back elsewhere in your budget, if the chapel is that important to you.  Plus it doesn't look like you'd need to do much to decorate it since it's already so pretty (IDK if your other place would require $$ to decorate for the ceremony), so that could save you some money there.
Posted by awilkins78[/QUOTE]

<div>True <strong>THAT</strong>!</div>

laurendoster

I fell in love with the Marty Leonard Chapel the moment I walked in.  It was the first time I've been sappy this whole process, my eyes watered a little bit!  Country clubs can provide a nice backdrop for a ceremony - but the pictures from MLC will be so powerful!

I wouldn't worry about 30 minutes - my reception will be about 20 minutes away.  I think it provides a nice transition and gives you time for pictures!

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_decisions-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:8c789000-1e49-4278-a8e0-31b7c7600558Post:3667cd9f-09f3-4339-968c-632cee9fab4a">Re: Decisions, decisions...</a>:
[QUOTE]I fell in love with the Marty Leonard Chapel the moment I walked in.  It was the first time I've been sappy this whole process, my eyes watered a little bit!  Country clubs can provide a nice backdrop for a ceremony - but the pictures from MLC will be so powerful! I wouldn't worry about 30 minutes - my reception will be about 20 minutes away.  I think it provides a nice transition and gives you time for pictures!
Posted by laurendoster[/QUOTE]

Thank you! Are you getting married at MLC?