“I’d climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you!“
Welcome to the Wedding Celebration!! ❤
Wishing much love and happiness to Kevin Marshall and Marrci Irwin on their Wedding Day.
Kevin & Marrci were married in our vintage venue, Tirzah, located in the Heart of Texas in the Downtown Belton Historic District. It was a beautiful summer day.
This sweet Couple is from Lampasas, Texas. They wanted an intimate Wedding with immediate family which includes 8 of their combined children — Yours, Mine, and Ours!!
The Wedding Ceremony was very beautiful and witnessed by their closest family and friends.
Behind the scenes, I had some wonderful help cleaning and setting up the chairs for the Wedding Ceremony.
The Couple ventured away from Tradition. The Groom had previously seen his beautiful Bride in her Wedding Dress because he went with her to pick out the perfect dress for their special day. In fact, he was the one who zipped up the dress when she was trying it on.
The Groom’s father, Michael Marshall, had the honor of marrying the sweet Couple.
Their Wedding Party consisted of their children as they all stood together while the vows were exchanged.
The Bride walked down the aisle to “You’re The Reason” by Calum Scott … “I’d climb every mountain and swim every ocean just to be with you!”
Marrci’s sister walked the Bride down the aisle, and she read some beautiful words before the Couple said their vows …
“You have known each other from the first glance to this point in commitment. All of those conversations that were held while riding in the car or over a meal or during long walks; all of those sentences that began with “When we’re married,” and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart; all these common things, and more, are the real process of a Wedding. Look at one another and remember this moment in time! Now, you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life. For after these vows, you say to this world, this — is my husband; this — is my wife!”
One of my favorite parts of a Wedding is seeing the Bride and Groom look into each other’s eyes as they are about to say their vows. This couple just could not stop smiling at each other. Their happiness was contagious because I kept smiling at them.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss your Bride!”
“May we present Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Marshall!”
After the ceremony, the Couple and family enjoyed the delicious Wedding Cake with sweet tea and lemonade with sliced strawberries and raspberries.
The Groom made a loving comment … “I love this woman; I am happy that we finally got to do this.” The Bride also happily stated … “I just love being able to kiss him for the rest of my life!” ❤
Having an intimate Wedding allows the Bride and Groom to incorporate sentimental touches. The Couple gave personalized thank you cards for each guest with individually boxed-up cupcakes for each guest to take home.
For their final farewell, their children were blowing bubbles of wedding wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.
A very special Wedding memory for me was when the Bride left a review, “Diana Roberts our lovely, sweet, gorgeous venue host and owner of Tirzah, put so much extra into our ceremony making sure that my last minute nuptials were just as beautiful and memorable as if I had planned them for a year.” The Bride’s words were a treasure and warmed my heart!
We are so happy for this sweet Couple. Remember this moment in time! Cherish the memories and create many more in the years to come!! ?
Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Jessica Bryce Photography
Wedding Cake: HEB
Hair: Roots Salon and Trading Co.; Stylist is Katie in Lampasas, TX
Venue: Tirzah
Tirzah
If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.
Copyright 2020. Tirzah. All rights reserved.
“Take my hand, take my whole life too For I can’t help Falling in Love with you!”
Typically, it is the Couple’s Wedding Vision that comes together into a magical day; however, this was a Surprise Wedding!! The Couple set the date, chose the officiants, and selected the venue, but it was the Bride’s best friends or rather sisters by heart that planned the wedding for Mike Elkins and Montie Smith; the rest of the details were a complete surprise until the Bride and Groom walked through the doors of the venue on their Wedding Day!
Mike and Montie were married in our vintage venue, Tirzah, located in the Heart of Texas in the Downtown Belton Historic District. It was a beautiful autumn day in October that was filled with with love, laughter, pumpkins, and hay bales. ?
The Couple held with Tradition and elected to not see each other on their Wedding Day. This Tradition often builds excitement and anticipation for the Wedding Ceremony.
One of my favorite parts of the Wedding is when the Groom sees his Bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle towards him in her Wedding Dress. The Couple did not see one another until Montie walked down the aisle with her mother.
Another Wedding Tradition that the Bride included was based on an old English rhyme … “Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue, a sixpence in your shoe!” Brides have been following this custom for centuries. Montie’s dad placed a penny in Montie’s shoe to bring prosperity to their marriage.
The Maid of Honor was Montie’s daughter, Mary, and the Best Man was Mike’s brother, Albert. Mike’s son, Alex, played a song on a guitar as the Wedding Party was walking in.
There were two officiants, and the two were each of the Bride and Groom’s dads. The Wedding Ceremony was very beautiful and witnessed by their closest family and friends. The Couple wrote their own vows which told the story of their love.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss your Bride!”
“May we present Mr. and Mrs. Mike Elkins!”
The Couple’s Guestbook was a Wedding Tree where people added their fingerprint and signed their name.
A Loving Memory display was included to remember their loved ones … “We know you would be here today if Heaven wasn’t so far away.” For as long as there is a memory, they live on in our heart.
Montie’s daughter, Mary, and Mary’s friends assembled all of the Party Favors to thank the family and friends for attending the nuptials.
Coronas De Oro served a delicious meal at the Reception. Wine was served to toast with; the wine bottles were personalized with the Couple’s picture on them, and their children were given a bottle of wine to take home as a gift.
Another best friend of Montie’s, Allison Allen, made their Wedding Cake.
For their final farewell, the guests were blowing bubbles of wedding wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.
On their way to a happily ever after, the Newlyweds honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While they were there, they went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and saw a black bear. They also explored Elvis Presley’s home, the Graceland Mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee.
The couple traveled on to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina and went on a tour and carriage ride at the Biltmore House. The timeless beauty of the Biltmore was built in 1895. This historic landmark is America’s largest home with 250-rooms and 8,000 acres of grounds and gardens.
A very special Wedding memory for me was when the Bride thanked me for “making their day so special.” Those sweet words were a treasure and warmed my heart!
After the Newlyweds returned from their Honeymoon, I gave them a small gift which was an ornament replica of the Biltmore House, and I asked the Bride if she had to do it all over again with the Wedding, would she still have a “Surprise Wedding?” She said, “Yes, I wouldn’t change a thing!!”
We are so happy for this sweet Couple. We wish them many years of love, happiness, exciting adventures, and cherished memories!! ?
Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Tirzah
If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.
Copyright 2018. Tirzah. All rights reserved.
It was a cold winter morning. In fact, it was the coldest day of the year! As I was driving to our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Tirzah, the temperature in my truck displayed 15 degrees Fahrenheit. I was thinking that we would have to resort to Plan B and have the Ribbon Cutting inside the building; however, around 10:00 a.m., the temperature warmed up enough so that it was bearable, not comfortable, but bearable so we had the Ribbon Cutting outside.
Tirzah is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places as a contributing building in the Downtown Belton Historic District in Belton, Texas. We are not sure when the building was built, but through our research, we found documentation supporting the building’s existence in the 1880’s.
This building had been abandoned for over 20 years and had been marked as condemned by the City of Belton, Texas. The Ribbon Cutting was held in celebration of the restoration of this grand iconic structure, and our guests will be the first to see the preservation efforts. I tend to refer to the preservation efforts of the historic building as ‘Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow!’
We had the honor of Adam Lozoya, the traveling pianist, performing beautiful prelude music before the Ribbon Cutting as guests were arriving. The music started the event with a festive spirit.
The event was opened with a prayer by Reverend John Heckmann from St. Paul Lutheran Church, in The Grove, Texas. Pastor Heckmann also gave a blessing for Tirzah as we dedicated our business to His glory.
The prayer was followed by the Presentation of the Colors by Boy Scout Troop 118. Cory Roberts was the Color Guard Commander. I was so proud seeing the flags as they were walking down N. East Street with the Courthouse in the background, hearing Cory give the commands, seeing the Scouts salute the flag, and everyone saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dean Winkler, a General Contractor with CRW Construction was introduced, and he said a few words about their experience. It was a daunting task to renovate this building, but this trusted crew gave our condemned building a productive life; a building that was once abandoned will now thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Our vintage venue is steeped with history. Frederick Gillmeister owned the building in the 1880’s and used the building as a restaurant. Around 1889, Mr. Gillmeister sold the building to William Froderman. Interestingly, both families, were born in Germany and found themselves living in Belton, Texas. Mr. Froderman used the building for a bakery and boarding house. Over the years, they made numerous wedding cakes. He also used the building as a venue for weddings and banquets.
Both families, the Gillmeister’s and the Froderman’s, ran the business downstairs, and they lived upstairs. Fred and Julia Gillmeister lived in this building along with their only child, Louis Gillmeister. And the Froderman’s raised six children here. Imagine what it would have been like to live here growing up as a child. To give you a glimpse, Louis Gillmeister was quite athletic, and he would entertain the restaurant guests by walking up and down the staircase on his hands.
Louis was an only child; however, he went on to have six boys of his own. His son, Leonard Gillmeister and several family members of the Gillmeister family were present with us at the Ribbon Cutting. Leonard is 91 years old and remembers going into the building once as a little boy and seeing a display of cookies and donuts.
I feel like our families have a special connection with each other, and they even showed up early and helped us get ready for the celebration.
Interestingly in 1914, Belton’s Downtown “Historic District” was called the “Paved District.” The Temple Daily Telegram had an article titled “Splendid Sidewalk Work” which stated “the grade of the walk is being raised and new concrete walks laid in front of the building owned by William Froderman and other surrounding buildings.” Since this building existed numerous years before the pavement was ever added, our guests were cautioned as they enter the building to notice that they will need to step down.
Several people have asked what we are going to do with the building. Our business is founded on Christian principles. Our name, Tirzah, was inspired by Song of Solomon 6:4, “Thou art beautiful, oh my love, as Tirzah.” The focus of our business revolves around Love and Romance. We strive to transform Dreams into Cherished Memories. Our primary repertoire encompasses the following, but we offer so much more! We are romance travel specialists, and we assist with wedding design including traditional and destination. Additionally, we will be carrying on the tradition of hosting memorable events in this unique, nostalgic, and intimate setting. The very first couple under our ownership, Jake Roehl and Whitney Joeckel, will be celebrating their dream day, their wedding, in this beautiful historic venue.
As we took a few more photographs to record a little more history for this building, the City of Belton council member, Jerri Gauntt, was present for the Ribbon Cutting. Belton’s Director of Finance, Brandon Bozon, and Temple’s Director of Planning, Brian Chandler, were also present. The members of Belton’s City Council are Visionaries in Preservation, and they have been very supportive in our endeavor. We were awarded the Facade Improvement Grant by the City of Belton, and in addition, the Belton City Council approved a five-year 100 percent Tax Abatement.
The Downtown Belton Merchants have been very welcoming. A community that supports one another maximizes everyone’s chances for success. My supportive new neighbors include Leila Valchar with My Giving Tree, Robert Potts with Cochran, Blair, and Potts, Melitza Rivera with Southern Comforts, Maria Aida Riddle with Aida’s Outlet, Michael Cox with East Street Barber Shop, Laura McWha with McWha Bookstore, David Tuma with The Belton Journal, and many more.
My family is my Circle of Strength. We are founded on faith, joined by love, and kept by God. I could not have made it this far without their help, guidance, encouragement, and prayers.
A friend is what the heart needs. Friends divide our sorrow and double our joy. Our joy was definitely doubled at our Ribbon Cutting. Many friends joined us in our celebration even with the cold temperature.
I prayed about the decision to purchase the building. Was it the path that I should take? The Sunday before the auction, I noticed a bulletin board at church that said, “If you are walking with God, you will always be going in the right direction.” So as we are walking by Faith, we keep taking the next step. At the tax auction, we became the blessed owners. We then took the step in the restoration, and we are celebrating today with the Ribbon Cutting. My children, Cory and Candice, my greatest blessings did the honors of cutting the ribbon. We saved the ribbon in between the two cuts, and the rose-gold scissors have been engraved with Tirzah and the date of 1/7/17.
These two pictures touch my heart. I love how Candice and I are so proudly smiling as we watch Cory make the final cut to the ribbon. This is a memory that we will always cherish.
Cory then turned the “Sorry We’re Closed” sign to “Come In, We’re Open” and said, “We’re Open!”
We thanked everyone for coming on this cold winter day and spending part of their day with us. We were excited to have them see the wonderful preservation efforts. We asked Leonard Gillmeister to do us the honor of being the first guest to enter the building followed by the remaining Gillmeister family.
During the Open House, refreshments were served. Tidbits of history were on display with historical articles, vintage photographs, and various artifacts such as a giant baker’s mixer.
Our Ribbon Cutting was a very memorable moment as we reached a milestone. Thank you and welcome! To God be the Glory!! ?
Tirzah
If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.
Copyright 2019. Tirzah. All rights reserved.
Jake Roehl and Whitney Joeckel are the very first couple to celebrate their dream day, their wedding, in this beautiful historic building, Tirzah!
Jake and Whitney’s wedding was a very meaningful and intimate occasion. Having a small wedding let them incorporate special moments that would be difficult to include in a large wedding. For instance, as their guests entered, each one found a card on a prayer board with a prayer inside that was written just for them.
They even wrote a prayer for me and Cory that we treasure.
For the couple’s Guest Book, the guests signed a large wooden letter R with messages of love.
The couple chose not to have a first look prior to the wedding. Jake arrived first at the venue, and he went into a separate area so that Whitney could go upstairs for the final touches of getting dressed for their wedding.
As the Bride was alone with her father before they walked down the aisle, they said a beautiful prayer together. They walked in to the song called, “Oceans … When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours, and You are mine!”
Jake sees Whitney for the first time in her wedding dress as she is walking down the aisle. This is a look of a man in love!
Both the Bride and Groom wrote their own vows to each other. At the beginning, the Bride seemed a little nervous, but as the Groom was saying his vows to her, you could see her nervousness fade away and be replaced with a radiant smile.
Two signature stand-out moments in this intimate ceremony included a Blessing of the Rings and a Feet Washing Ceremony. Their wedding rings were passed around the room on a beautiful small dish that read, “Amore.” Each guest prayed a blessing over the rings, and then they passed the rings to the next guest.
In the Feet Washing Ceremony, Whitney washed Jake’s feet. The beautiful symbolism of the act depicted their love and commitment; it demonstrated a humility of the heart, a sign of being humble, thoughtful, and willing to serve just as Jesus encouraged us to follow in his example. In John 13:1-17, Jesus washed the disciples feet and instructed that we should do the same.
Another personal touch was that they had a display to meet the “Maids and Men.” Each had four attendants, and then Jake also had a Best Girl, his daughter Paige. Letters were written about each of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen with a story introducing each one. The letter mentioned how they met and why it was important for them to stand by the Bride and Groom on their wedding day, and then some trivia that the guests might ask them to start a conversation. It was a very nice way for the guests to learn about the wedding party.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds took pictures in the courtyard with the rustic rock wall as a backdrop. The photographers for the event were Jade and Kyle Pierce.
Since Jake proposed to Whitney on the beach, the reception design incorporated candle-lit lanterns with greenery and seashells. The colors of the wedding were navy with a hint of blush.
The florist for the event was Revyn Marburger with Ivory Bell Floral and Boutique. She provided the floral arrangements as well as the lanterns.
Jake and Whitney had a Sweetheart table at the head of the Grand Room.
The Bride and Groom chose to have a dessert table with brownies that the Groom’s daughter had made and a small white cake; however, for their cutting of the cake, they cut the cutest cupcake with a little red heart on the top.
After toasts and eating a delicious Bar-B-Que meal from Miller’s Smokehouse, they danced the night away under the stars. The first song that the couple danced to was “Who I Am With You” by Chris Young.
When it was time for the Bouquet and Garter Toss, Jake’s daughter Paige caught the bouquet.
The couple said their goodbyes and had their final farewell. They laughingly entered the Grand Room, and they stopped to tell me bye and described their day as “magical!” ❤
For their getaway, they left in Jake’s jeep, and Jake lifted Whitney up to help her inside. They honeymooned in San Antonio, the City of Romance, and stayed at Hotel Emma on the Riverwalk at Pearl. Hotel Emma is a historical hotel that was once a 19th century Brewhouse. The hotel was named in honor of Emma Koehler, who ran the brewery during Prohibition after her husband died. This riverfront hotel has a genuine cultural flavor filled with a warm social experience.
Filled with faith and full of love, they each married “God’s Best” for each other. It was a beautiful, heartfelt day full of personal touches!! ?
Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Tirzah
If you would like additional information about our vintage venue and the services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.
Vendors:
Venue - Tirzah
Photography - Jade and Kyle Photography
Florist - Revyn Marburger with Ivory Bell Floral
Caterer - Miller's Smokehouse
Copyright 2017. Tirzah. All rights reserved.