Venue Visit: Kings Crossing Barn and Farm
Recently, while exhibiting at the Southwest Wedding Expo, I met the owner of King’s Crossing Barn and Farm, a charming venue located between Lake Suzy and Arcadia in DeSoto County. She invited me out for a tour, and I very happily accepted.
The first thing I noticed was that this venue is very easy to find. In fact, I live only eleven minutes from King’s Crossing, and I had seen it many times on the way to Arcadia. When traveling on King’s Highway, you can see it from the highway at the end of a meandering gravel drive. The driveway is lined with a white wooden fence that is quite the perfect drive for a wedding venue. As you approach the barn, you can see the reflection of the white barn in the lake that is located in front of the barn which adds to the romantic ambiance. This venue has country charm without the inconvenience of traveling many miles off the beaten path. The many majestic oak trees spotted throughout the entire property, along with the John Deere tractor parked under one of the largest of these, add to the charm of this venue which gives it a very inviting and welcoming vibe.
The initial feeling of pure, elegant country charm follows you inside through the French doors as you enter a lovely foyer. You immediately notice that the decor of this entire venue is tastefully elegant and the pure white theme carries over to every room.
The bridal suite is just as elegant as the foyer. I was pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the bridal suite. It can very easily accommodate a large bridal party. There’s nothing left to be desired in this bridal suite as there are three salon chairs with golden mirrors to accommodate several hairdressers. This area is very comfortable with sofa and chair options for the bride and her bridal party. There are so many beautiful photo and video ops that are possible in this room.
As you leave the bridal suite, you pass back through the foyer and into the large reception area which has a wide-open feel owing to the tall cathedral ceiling with crystal chandeliers hanging from the wooden rafters. The double glass doors can be swung open to add to the openness of the room. This area can easily accommodate the seating of many guests for dinner and is large enough to be used to introduce the married couple. This reception area also offers plenty of room for dancing. The bar is located here which is convenient to the reception area, and there is a large kitchen for caterers adjacent to this area.
Right behind the barn, there is a walkway to a separate groom’s cabin for the groom and groomsmen. Several black wooden rocking chairs are lined across the front of the cabin. The interior is decorated just as you would expect it to be decorated to suit a man’s taste. It has the look and feel of a man cave complete with wooden floors and ceiling and is furnished with a brown leather couch and chairs. It’s the perfect area for the groom and his groomsmen to get dressed and hang out before the wedding. It’s so nice that this venue thought of the men. There’s no need for them to find another venue for getting dressed. This is a convenience that benefits the photographer and videographer as well. Having both the bride and groom, along with the entire wedding party, onsite allows for wedding preparation photos of everyone in the wedding party without having to travel to another location for the groom and groomsmen's shots.
Another unique feature of this venue is that there are two paved pathway options for the bride to walk down the aisle. One of the options is a shorter walkway that has the bride coming up from behind the guest that offers more of a traditional bridal approach. The other paved pathway is more meandering and offers a longer walkway. This was my favorite option as it showcases the bride and bridesmaids in such a beautiful and unique way as they approach the altar. At the end of the paved walkway, there’s a beautiful wooden cross in the covered altar platform area. The surroundings are so beautiful with the many oak trees that minimal decorations are needed.
After the wedding, there is ample space for all to stand or sit under the large covered open-air patio for cocktail hour. This venue offers plenty of room for the bride and groom, wedding party, and all of the guests to spread out and enjoy this beautiful property. I almost forgot the cows! They provide another unique photo and video op that completes the country vibe.
King’s Crossing Barn and Farm is a one-of-a-kind venue offering a picturesque and convenient location that is easy to find, spaciousness both inside and out, and the inclusion of both bride and groom dressing areas. Call King’s Crossing Barn and Farm today at (941) 979-2011 or email at info@kingscrossingbarn.com to schedule your tour. You will be so happy that you did. Visit the King’s Crossing website at www.KingsCrossingBarn.com.
