Parker County Today February 2020 | Page 65

2010. It was their love of Italy and all things Italian that was just one of the things the entrepre- neurs shared. Knowing what it takes to run your own business, they purchased their first winery and moved it to Grapevine in 2014.  “While a smaller space, we often host corporate and private events and yes, even weddings,” Debbie Wilson explained. “It was here that the idea of more event space was planted. We were routinely asked to host events larger than our space and so our search began for a second location. After two years, we had nearly given up when we received a flyer in the mail for the sale of a vine- yard in Springtown. We knew that’s what we wanted to create a place where people get married, families are started, celebrations are held and the ‘good life’ is more than an experience; it is a feel- ing. In 2016, the purchase of our beautiful vineyard was complete and the hard work then began!”  The Wilsons are in the business of creating wonderful memories and nothing means more to them than knowing they helped create some of the most special remembrances in someone’s life — not just for couples, but their friends and their families. After they purchased the Springtown venue, cottages were moved in and uniquely decorated and named to create a different experience. The wedding venue was later constructed, complete with a tasting room that is open to the public, an estate barrel room, and a ballroom with beautifully appointed bride and groom suites. The three separate and unique spaces are tastefully designed with Old Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean-type architecture and furnishings.  “With so many lovely elements, it’s difficult to choose the most beautiful feature of this venue, but our personal favorite is the courtyard. Complete with an 8-foot fountain, park benches, cafe lights and Talavera tile in blues and creams, it is so reminiscent of Europe that guests feel instantly transported,” Wilson explained. “A full view of seven acres of vineyard, it’s just a magical space to spend time. “  Wilson says that their Estate Barrel Room is the most interesting space, as sub-surface barrel rooms are fairly uncommon in Texas.  “Engineered with the help of experts from California, this room is built into the hill. Temperature- controlled and storing our estate wines, it also boasts an outdoor fire pit, in true Texas style. This room is ideal for rehearsal dinners and smaller weddings. It also makes for a beautiful exit after the reception and wonderful photo ops throughout,” she explained. The venue is not only compatible for weddings. Couples can spend a weekend here enjoying time with their family and friends in a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere.  “The cottages provide a wonderfully convenient space to relax and avoid the traffic and rush- rush running to and from hotels, venues and restaurants,” Wilson explained. “Our three spaces each provide a completely unique vibe, so that a rehearsal dinner, ceremony/reception, accommodations and even a farewell brunch can all be hosted right here, maximizing precious time with friends and family.”  The Brooks at Weatherford —  Lending Natural Beauty as a Setting for Your Special Day  Following the desire of their hearts to live closer to children and grandchildren and closing the doors of their longtime San Antonio-based business, architect and builder Steve Heflin and his wife, Tricia, moved to the Metroplex. “We began dreaming, planning and praying for a business venture we could do together, one that would meld our talents in design, construction, decorating and hospitality,” Tricia explained.  Perhaps it was 35 years of marriage and a bit of divine direction that sparked the idea of creating a wedding and event venue with unique style and beauty. Searching the Ft. Worth countryside led them to a 21-acre farm just outside historic Weatherford. The estate encompassed a 120-year-old farmhouse, guest house, beautiful trees, natural springs and pasture land. “Pouring [in] the same expertise and attention to detail Steve used in designing beautiful custom homes, we began collecting architectural elements such as 300-plus-year-old doors, gables, mirrors, 63