Providence’s Old Rock Church a beautiful wedding setting
February 5th, 2010 Posted in Arts and LifeStory and photos by Bonnie Phelps
PROVIDENCE—The Old Rock Church in Providence is the oldest building of such great stature in Cache Valley, and it is a lovely place for a wedding. Not only do the venerability and beauty of the building lend themselves to the romance of the occasion, but it is also a convenient venue for both the couple and their guests.
Karl Seethaler is the owner of the Old Rock Church, but Nina DeSpain is the primary consultant for the weddings and receptions held there. DeSpain stands ready to lend advice and supply references for almost everything wedding related.
One thing that makes a wedding at the Old Rock Church exceptional is the
bridal room.
“We have the most spectacular bridal dressing room you’ll find anywhere,” Seethaler said. “You might find a pretty nice one at Buckingham Palace I guess, but this one’s close.” Upon entering the spacious and elegant bridal room one might easily mistake it for a room at Buckingham Palace. It is a powder room fit for a princess. There is a large vanity area with two long counters and full size mirrors where the bride and her attendants can get ready for the long awaited event; there is a spacious closet to hang gowns and dresses, with room for changing to boot; but the crowning touch is a stunning 3-way mirror on an elegant platform. It is there that the bride can admire herself from all angles before descending the grand staircase to her wedding ceremony or celebration.
The bridal room’s location was strategically planned when it was added to the building a year and a half ago. It allows the bride to descend to an indoor wedding in the chapel, or an outdoor wedding in the side yard. Darrin Brooks, who is currently a professor of interior design at Utah State University, designed the bridal room. The colors and textures Brooks chose are both calming and luxurious. It’s as if everything was chosen to make the bride feel like a princess, and yet calm her nerves and dismiss anxiety at the same time.
After the celebrating has concluded, friends and relatives may need a place to stay. Perhaps the most convenient place would be at the Providence Inn bed and breakfast just a few steps away. The Providence Inn is located in the new wing of the Old Rock Church that was built in 1926.
Whether it is for a romantic getaway, a place to stay while you are on a business trip or an overnight stay after a wedding, the hospitable behavior of the staff at the Providence Inn inspires a revisit. They have delectable breakfast options that can be had in the main dining room or in your suite, a selection of movies you can watch in your room (the popcorn is provided) and brochures and suggestions on dining and sightseeing in Cache Valley.
Walking into the bed-and-breakfast feels like entering a more peaceful day. It seems like it really is possible to leave all of your troubles in the car and enjoy a relaxing stay at a peaceful, historic building. The furniture and decorations are bright and cheery, and it appears as though you are entering a time when everyone took things at a slower pace.
Elizabeth Rogers was the interior designer for the Providence Inn. Seethaler was enormously pleased with her work.
“She’s an excellent interior designer,” Seethaler said. “This was her favorite project in her entire career.” Rogers taught interior design at Utah State University for several years, but is now retired. According to Seethaler, Rogers was Brooks’ teacher when he was in school studying interior design.
With the whole world moving at a breakneck pace, sometimes we just need to unwind and leave the world behind us. Seethaler has provided a way for us to do that. Whether it is attending a dazzling wedding at the Old Rock Church or relaxing in one of the rooms and the bed and breakfast, you’re sure to feel rejuvenated by the end of it. It’s just one of the side effects.
NW
Tags: bed-and-breakfast, Inn, Old Rock Church, Providence
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