COUNTRY CHARM
Bellwood Chapel Offers Charming Event Venue in Beautiful Country Setting
BY SUE SIENS
PHOTOS BY DEFINING THE MOMENTS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
The groomsmen are anxiously awaiting the beautiful bride and bridesmaids outside Bellwood Chapel.Bellwood Chapel is a hidden jewel, located at 4124 Old Rome Pike just outside of Lebanon, only 9 miles from the Lebanon Square off US Hwy 70 North (Carthage Hwy). It is owned and operated by local business woman Donna Odum, also owner of Henderson’s Flowers on West Main Street in Lebanon. The quaint and historic chapel, built in 1906, was originally a Presbyterian church. It was later used by a Baptist church, then nondenominational congregations, and is still used by a small church for services today. The chapel is a perfect location for an intimate wedding or other events of 100 people or less for seated guests, and 60 or less seated at tables. There is a dressing room for the bride and groom, and they also have a large white tent available for outdoor receptions and parties.
Donna says, “I wanted to own an old church for years, and I was so happy to buy this building. I love the old building,
For informal or formal weddings, Donna can arrange all the details, even a minister for the nuptials the serenity and the peaceful location.” Bellwood Chapel is the perfect place for Donna to utilize her many years of experience in floral arranging, event and wedding planning. You might say she grew up in the business, working with her mother, Joyce Draper, who purchased Henderson’s Flower Shop in the 1970’s. As a teen, Donna delivered flowers, and then learned to do flower arranging, and all the tasks necessary to run the shop. When her mother retired, Donna took over the business. For a few years, Donna also owned another wedding chapel, giving her experience for the full-service operation she offers today. Donna provides a memorable experience, with artfully designed floral arranging and decorations, and many other services that her clients need.
Bellwood Chapel provides not only the chapel building and grounds, but can also service all the needs for the perfect wedding, rehearsal dinner, anniversary party, or other special occasion. Donna can arrange for flowers and decorations, music and entertainment, catering, cakes, photography, videos, and even a minister for the ceremony. The chapel is also used for all kinds of parties, birthdays and holiday events, family get-togethers and reunions, club meetings, luncheons, church functions, and ladies groups.
“Sometimes it is easier for the clients to be able to work with one person, to help them and coordinate all of their planning needs,” Donna said. “I can provide the building, and any or all of the other services they may want. It takes a lot of stress out of planning the event, and we can work with tight timelines when necessary.” One recent example was a couple who decided to marry and needed immediate assistance. The groom, a serviceman, was on leave, and they wanted to wed before he headed off to military duty. “Because I own the facility, I have more flexibility to work with the clients’ schedules,” Donna noted.
For more information about Bellwood Chapel:
The chapel is perfect for smaller intimate weddings and events.
visit online at www.bellwoodchapel.com or call (615) 466-7075.
This wedding party looks lovely for photos on the front steps of the chapel.