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avalon legacy ranch

Venue Spotlight: Avalon Legacy Ranch


Our Favorite Venues

Photo courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

Avalon Legacy Ranch is nestled in the trees just northeast of McKinney. Their outdoor chapel and converted house to reception space is both quaint and gorgeous. We had a chance to hear how this jewel of a venue came about from owner Debi Ladd.

 

When and how did you get into the wedding industry?

At the time I was wanting to move back to my hometown of Happy, TX to retire. My son found the home that would be the future Avalon Legacy Ranch. We saw the property and just had a revelation that it would be the perfect place for retreats and weddings.  We are a family-run and women-owned business.  I don’t think you could find owners more passionate about their couples and their weddings.

The property needed a lot of updating. We worked for a year before we opened the doors. The transformation was phenomenal. We feel blessed to be able to create one of the most beautiful venues in North Texas with an East Texas vibe.

 

Photo by courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

 

Where are you based?

We are five minutes from downtown McKinney. We have scenic vistas for weddings, a beautiful outdoor chapel, three different pergolas with outdoor fire pits, and a spacious venue with a bridal suite and multiple rooms for guests to congregate during weddings. Pictures don’t do the property justice. Just this week a bride said, “It is everything we didn’t even know we wanted and more!” We work seven days a week perfecting our venue for our couples and families so that every guest will be awestruck when they enter the property.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

 

Describe your favorite type of client.

Our favorite couple love each other, love their family, and love Avalon Legacy Ranch. We love couples who aren’t afraid to do something a little different and have a sense of tradition as well. We consider it the highest honor and responsibility to be chosen as THE PLACE for their wedding. We want couples to enjoy their day, treasure every moment, and not have to work or stress.

 

Photo courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

 

Why do you think couples have their wedding at Avalon Legacy Ranch?

Here is a reason from one couple…

“Avalon Legacy Ranch is where magic happens. You can tell there is a lot of passion and love for what the owner and staff do. Their attention to detail and the desires of each and every need is spot on. It doesn’t feel like you are 5 minutes from downtown McKinney when you are out there. It takes you to a sweet secret wooded hiding spot with luxurious indulgences.”

 

Photo courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

 

What do you love most about weddings?

There is no greater celebration than a wedding. To be a part of such a holy and celebratory event is the greatest honor and work I can imagine. We are able to help make people’s dreams come true. They start their lives at Avalon Legacy Ranch and I can’t think of anything better.

 

If you would like to contact Avalon Legacy Ranch for more details or a venue tour visit www.avalonlegacyranch.com or call (469) 450-6211.

 

 

Timing and Trusses


Wedding Planning Advice

 

apryl ann photography beyond lighting

Photo courtesy of Apryl Ann Photography

We’ve been showing you lots of options for how to hang more of your decor and draw the eye upward over the past month, but now it’s time to look at the logistics!  There are two big considerations when you’re thinking about hanging items in or around your venue – what will we hang things from, and how long do we have to hang them?

Rigging

Whether you’re looking at hanging lighting elements, decor pieces, or floral installations, you have to know your rigging points before the day of the wedding.  Some venues may allow you to use existing structures (like rafters) to hang your pieces.  Some won’t.  Some venues may not have built in hooks or hanging points, but will allow you to add them.  Some venues may not allow you to use building elements for hanging, but have no problem with you utilizing natural elements in place (like big tree branches).  So your first stop should be your venue contract to see what is allowed and what isn’t!

If you can’t use the bones that are already in place, then you may need to bring in extra freestanding structures, like trusses or lighting posts, to create the rigging points you need.  When you reach this point, we strongly suggest that you use a professional lighting or decor company to do the heavy lifting!  They can help you figure out exactly what you need to create the effect you want, as well as supplying the staff needed to make sure everything gets done quickly and safely within the allotted time.

Timing

Timing is a little more tricky.  If you’re hanging things yourself, leave extra time!  Also, measure ahead of time to make sure that your ladders are tall enough to reach where you need to be.  If you have pros coming in to set it up, they should be able to work within a set time span.  Most lighting takes anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to set up, depending on what you’ve got.  If you have access, lighting companies will often jump at the opportunity to set up the day before your wedding, so as to give themselves extra time in case something isn’t quite right.  Decor and floral generally takes less time to actually hang, but requires prep and building time on site to ensure everything looks fresh and clean.