Sunday, January 8, 2012

Wedding Venue Tour: The Woodruff-Fontaine House

As yet another surprise from my mom, we went to tour the Woodruff-Fontaine House this weekend as a possible wedding location. As a self proclaimed history nerd, I took note of this house's rich character and possibilities.

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Located in the heart of Victorian Village in downtown Memphis, the house was built along "Millionaires Row" in 1870 to the Woodruff family and witnessed it's very first wedding in its parlor in 1871. 

The house was sold 12 years later to the Fontaine family, who lived in the house for the next forty-six years. 

Following the death of Mrs. Fontaine, her children sold the home to Miss Rosa Lee in 1930 who converted the building into an arts school. The school later moved to another location in 1959 and became what is known today as the Memphis College of Art. After Miss Lee's death, the city of Memphis was deeded the property and restoration pledges were made in 1961. The house was reopened in 1964 for the public to tour.


Now, that I gave you a little history lesson on the house, can I just tell you that I adore it as a wedding location! I could easily see myself walking up to the front steps to say our vows, followed by a reception in the back gardens. 


Here are a few photos I took while touring the inside...
the front door

the foyer and staircase

another view of the staircase from the second story

Not the cleanest or prettiest pictures, but you get the point.
What do y'all think? Anyone ever toured the house before?

xoxo,
 

9 comments:

Megan said...

that place looks amazing!

Steph said...

I love the history behind this place! It is so interesting. The gardens in the back are beautiful and perfect for a reception!

Morgan Neal said...

I got married there in June! It was so hot! But so so gorgeous! Hardly had to decorate. We had our reception in the club room!

Michelle said...

Wow that's so pretty!

cndnlson said...

So cool! I like the fact that it is somewhere different!!

Anonymous said...

Girl, this place is stunning! Perfect place to get married!

Katie said...

It is GORGEOUS!!! So jealous!

ThreeByMe said...

I LOVE venue! I think it is such a jewel. Not only is the outdoor space amazing, but the bottom floor of the main house has brick floors, beams in the ceiling and has such a cool vibe! My vote is yes!!

Kristin said...

This is SO cool!! Love it