The Reception

The Reception will be at La Colombe d'Or, which is French for The Golden Dove.

Built in 1923, the Fondren Mansion is a distinguished Texas historical landmark. As home to the World's Smallest Luxury Hotel (only five rooms, which we will have one of them), La Colombe d'Or epitomizes Southern French hospitality, elegance, and warmth. The actual reception will be in the Le Grand Salon de La Comtesse which is a beautifully restored French Ballroom from the estate of the Count and Countess Greffulhe. Originally carved for French Royalty, Circa 1715, the oak panels were installed in 1891 in the country estate of Comte Henry Greffulhe near Foutenailles, outside Paris. All of the fixtures are made of 24 karat gold. As an architectural setting for the Salon of Princess Elisabeth de Caraman-Chimay, La Comtesse Greffulhe, this exquisite room was the scene of the supreme social and cultural flowering of the fin-de-seicle refinement. Le Grand Salon was the scene of the last great ball of European royalty prior to World War I. Guests of Le Grand Salon included Czar Nicholas of Russia, Caruso, Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, Wagner, Marconi and Proust.

La Comtesse Greffulhe

The dress the Countess is wearing rests in the costume department at The Louvre Museum. At the turn of the century she was regarded the most beautiful women in the country.

Le Grand Salon

In the cove of mirrors to the right is where the cakes will sit, and in front of that is where the wedding party table will be. There is an entire area outside of the ballroom where the buffet and more tables will be.

Le Grand Salon