The Grand Lady: Historic meets Modern
How it all began
The Grand Lady held their first wedding in the fall of 2020, though their event hall did not open until 2021. Katie, the owner, got married in 2012 and became enamored with the idea of revitalizing historic buildings with character, and turning them into a space to celebrate the camaraderie and joy that accompanies weddings. They hunted across more than 5 states, for over 5 years, and in 2017, a friend sent them the listing for 19704 Hogeye – which would later become The Grand Lady.
Photos: Sarah Tribett Photography
Photos in order by: Valerie Thompson, Ann Mark
The History
Built in 1881 in Bartlett Texas, The Grand Lady has seen many different versions of life. She first started as a one story wedding gift, and evolved into a two-story art deco mansion in the 1920’s to accommodate the growing entertainment need. Eventually she was abandoned, until she was reclaimed and reconstructed in the 1970’s in her existing location. While she was a farmhouse in the 90’s, now she serves as a wedding venue. Katie describes the mansion as the “crown jewel of the property.”
Photo by Main Squeeze Photography
Photos in order: Blake Fountain, Kelly Connor, Two Fish
Aesthetic
The overall aesthetic of the property doesn’t necessarily fit into one niche style. Balanced with a new, modern reception hall, The Grand Lady brings the old saying, “something old, something new” to life. The Grand Lady prides themselves on being inviting and joyful. Weddings are uniquely special events that focus on joy, love and community.
Photos in order Kelly Connor, Main Squeeze, Kelly Connor
There is no shortage of variety in scenery at The Grand Lady. From the historic mansion, to fields filled with beautiful trees, the flower garden in the back of the property, the Biergarten inspired courtyard, and newly built reception hall, the possibilities are endless.
See more of this Fall Wedding at The Grand Lady
Photo by Caitlyn Pfeiffer Weddings
Photos in order: Blake Fountain, Valerie Thompson, Rachel Driskell Team
Photos in order: Dance Ross, Sarah Tribett Photography, Amanda Pomilla, Sarah Tribett Photography, Ann Mark Photography
Photo: Amanda Pomilla
Quick facts
Hopping into logistics, The Grand Lady can host up to 250 guests, although most comfortable around 200 guests. On your wedding day, you’ll have access to the entire property, including enough tables and chairs for 250 guests. They also allow couples to use 5 cocktail tables, and 2 bar facades to upgrade their decor. There are a few additional rentals options such as lounge furniture, column pillars, and shade umbrellas.
The Grand Lady, like many other venues in the area, does require couples to contract a wedding coordinator to ensure their day runs smoothly. Check out our past blog post to find out if a wedding planner or coordinator is the best fit for you! The venue has a fantastic list of planners and caterers that their couples chan choose from (including our team!)! Additionally, couples can bring in vendors who are not listed, though they will need to go through an approval process with the venue to ensure they meet the required standards.
Photos by Main Squeeze Photography
Photos in order: Caitlyn Pfeiffer Weddings, Dance Ross Photo
Photos: Two Fish
Advice from the grand lady team
The team at The Grand Lady has some wonderful advice to offer couples. “People do this professionally. Ask for help from a planning professional if you’re overwhelmed and let them take the reins! Then you can concentrate on what you care about most.” Your vendors are here to help you. We’ve likely seen every scenario you are stressing about, and are more than happy to share advice and guide you through the wedding planning process!
Photos in order: Ann Mark Photography, Rachel Driskell Team
Let’s get this planning party started! Want Bianca Nichole and Co to help plan your wedding at The Grand Lady? Click here to send us an inquiry!
Bianca Nichole and Co is a team of wedding planners in Austin, and will travel to San Antonio, Fredericksburg and the surrounding Texas Hill Country area.
