It’s been a few weeks, since I’ve done one of these, so real quick like let me explain…. I love working with vendors I love. So when it comes to your wedding planning process I thought I’d interview some of the best wedding vendors in the area to help you get to know them a bit and maybe expose you to some new ones you have not heard of. Also, I just added a new “Vendors” section to my website. Click the link up top for a complete list of people you have to consider working with when planning your wedding. So, now that you know the scoop, here are a few photos form The Belgium House, then it’s on to the interview.
How did you guys get started?
In 2000 my daughter Jennifer and her fiance Shane found a place similar to The Belgium House in Austin to use for their wedding. I fell in love with it and felt that Longview needed a place like that. After several years of design and research, we knew it would be something that our town and surrounding areas could benefit from.
How long have we been doing this?
The Belgium House has been in operation since December of 2007. I have been working with brides for fifteen years or more. Before I was a coordinator, I sewed for the public, which involved wedding dresses, and much more. I coordinated weddings for my church for a while, then opened The Belgium House. I have always loved being involved in the excitement felt by a precious bride.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There are so many things we love about our job. The look on the couple’s face when they first see the house is pretty amazing, We love seeing what girls and their mothers can come up with that is unique for there special day. We get to do all the decorating and creating for the wedding day, which is a delight, then finally on wedding day when the bride and her family see the results of all the ideas and designs brought together, making for a very happy time. As many weddings as I have witnessed, I still cry at that very special time in a couple’s life when they are pronounced man and wife.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened at your venue?
Some of the questions asked in this interview needed a little thought before I answered, but this question was easy. Our craziest wedding was September 17, 2008, the same weekend we had the hurricane. The Belgium House lost electricity for eight days. I called the bride and gave her the news. I offered to reschedule, or even refund, but NO she was determined to get married. As always, it is the bride’s decision, so I said, “OK baby, come on!!!”. We planned for generators, worked with the caterers to prepare ahead, added more candled to the decoration, and expected an unusual event. One hour before the bride was to show up, our electricity came on. WOW were we excited, and the bride was ecstatic to say the least. We had a wonderful wedding and it was definitely one we will never forget.
What are some things brides should look for when looking for a venue?
1. A bride and groom need to choose a place that will fit their personality and the mood they are trying to set for their wedding day.
2. Consider the manual labor it will take to make that venue work for them.
3. Is the date available? For a spring wedding, venues will book as far as one year out.
4. Will the size accommodate the guests?
What is something unique to your venue that you are extra proud of?
We are proud of the fact that this facility is service oriented. We are family owned and operated, and we are all here during the event to make sure the bride and her guests are given special treatment. Both my daughters, my son, each of their spouses, along with my fiance and I, and now even my niece are here to serve. We feel it a privilege to be a part of a wedding day and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
For more information, visit their website or give Jan a call.
Happy Planning!
The Belgium House
http://www.thebelgiumhouse.com/
Jan McClung
903. 660.0125
