I've been meaning to contact you and the Halls and thank you for a perfect evening!  Everything went so beautifully, the whole plantation looked beautiful, the tables and decorations were outstanding...it was just perfect.  And I loved the horse and buggy!  We have received nothing but compliments about the reception and many people have told us that it was the best reception they have ever attended.  

     When I get a chance to breathe (we both jumped back into work the day after we got back from the honeymoon and I've been trying to tame fourth graders ever since) I'll be sending a letter to the Halls and you formally thanking you. 

You went over and beyond and I can't thank you enough.

Rachel Pence Smith 

August 2008

 

 

  I know being the Mother of the first bride married there 2yrs. ago this October. I would recommend Darshana to anyone planning a wedding. I had so many people that were guests at Lisa's wedding tell me that was the most beautiful wedding they had ever attended.

 

We were happy with everything . I wouldn't change a thing.

We have also enjoyed the friendship since meeting you, Susan,and Dr.Hall.

Cathy Faust, Mother of Lisa Faust Mikeal   October 2007

 

 

Thanks again for the tour and all the planning for the
luncheon for our First Baptist group. They all thoroughly enjoyed it and want to come back.

Jean St. Clair

Happy Seniors of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville

 November 2009

 

 

 

 

My husband and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the team of people that made our wedding at Darshana Hall Plantation a fairytale come true. First and foremost, we would like to graciously thank Dr. Meredith Hall and his wife Susan for opening their home to us. They welcomed us in to their beautiful home and made it feel like our own for our magical evening. We will forever be grateful to them in making their personal space public so others could experience the ambiance of Darshana, as we did.

     

They gave us creative ideas and Keith Rhyne, Darshana’s Events Coordinator, surprised me with many added details. My mother asked Keith about making halos for the Flower Girl and the Jr. Bridesmaid. Keith went the extra mile and made the most beautiful halos brimming with gorgeous roses. My mother was amazed with his talent and we spoke often about how his work represents his love for his job. From the opening of the garden gate as I descended down the aisle to the last bubble blown as we departed on our honeymoon - Keith was there smiling with me the entire step of the way.

 

          Events Unlimited helped us coordinate our wedding with the use of their tent, chairs, tables, tablecloths, punch fountains, columns, and dance floor. Heather drew a blueprint of the grounds to help us visualize the placement of the tables and dance floor. Heather met with my mother and I numerous times and several times after business hours. She was so cordial and professional and gave us great ideas. I bought my invitations over the phone with her! I had seen the invitations in a magazine and I described them to her over the phone and she found the exact design. She also helped me choose a font and the color for the invitations. I bought my cake topper, wishing well, garter, lucky six pence, ring bearer pillow, and serving set at Events Unlimited. They have a vast selection of beautiful items and their staff is very friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure working with them!

                

Gregory’s Photography completed our special day by capturing it on film. Jimmy and Faye Gregory are extremely talented photographers. They posed us throughout the plantation and were very creative. Our favorite photo was taken at sunset by the gazebo. They captured not only the sunset but also the moon in this picture. The sky is streaked with brilliant hues of pink! Every photo they took has special meaning to us, in fact so special we purchased the proof book. As we flip through the book it’s like reliving our wedding over again. Jimmy and Faye are extremely friendly and fun to work with. We want to thank them for their beautiful work and helping us capture this moment in time.

     October 21^st, 2007 was not only our wedding day but the day Darshana imprinted our souls. We are forever grateful to those who helped in making our day memorable!

 

 Sincerely,

 Dwight & Lisa (Faust) Mikeal

 October 2007

 

 

 

 

The very first thing we would like to say is that words cannot describe how much my husband and I loved having our wedding at Darshana Hall Plantation.  Thank you to Dr. & Mrs. Hall, Keith, Nancy, and everyone else who played a part in making our wedding everything we’d dreamed it would be.  It was obvious to all attending how much effort was put in to making sure it was perfect.

 

Planning our wedding was a year long roller coaster ride.  We had originally planned on getting married on the beach at the Outer Banks.  That fell through 6 months later and we lost all of our deposit money to the reserved vendors.  We then settled on the Brawley Mansion in Mooresville.  We figured more local, much easier.  Well, surprise, surprise…the Mansion foreclosed exactly two months before our wedding and as you can guess…yes…we lost some more money.  By this time we were completely scrambling, distraught, and desperately trying to salvage the remains of what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives.

 

As I normally do when trying to collect my thoughts, I go for a drive.  Taking my usual route, I passed by Darshana Hall Plantation which I have admired since moving to this beautiful area.  I ran across it on a similar drive ten years ago, it caught my eye and I absolutely fell in love with it.  The house immediately became a regular on my “thinking” route and has played a special part in maintaining my sanity for many years now.  Often times, I would just pull over to the side of the road and admire it, imagining what life was like on the plantation a hundred years ago.  I tracked a bit of its progress as it was repaired and improved upon, always wondering what it was like inside the walls of such a beautiful, majestic estate.

 

This time, however, there was a difference.  It was not just simply a sign on the side of the road, but to me it was a sign from above.  The large green sign marking the entrance said that the plantation was now open to the public.  I immediately went home, found their website on the internet and discovered that they held events there.  We then met with Keith and Susan and the rest is history.  Even better, as of May 2, 2008, we became part of its history, “The Story of Darshana Hall Plantation”.

 

As every bride, I had specific ideas and dreams of what my wedding would be like.  I had already been planning my wedding, over and over again, for 10 months and had most of the details figured out.  My tastes are a bit of traditional elegance with a good helping of eclectic eccentricity thrown in.  Mix this all together and it can be a bit demanding.  Needless to say, there were a lot of unique and unconventional details in the event.

 

Well, hats off to Keith, for sure.  He handled it all, including a frantic and slightly controlling bride, with the utmost professionalism, attentiveness, consideration, and understanding.  Most impressive of all is that he pulled it all off, every detail, in less than 2 months.  I told him what I had in mind, what I already had established, and what I still needed.  There was never a “no, you can’t do that” or “sorry, that’s not possible” out of his mouth.  He was absolutely wonderful.  He became more than just a coordinator, he was my friend.  He counseled me when I was anxious, listened to me when I had an idea, calmed me and made me feel like everything was going to be just fine, and it was.   His love of the plantation, passion for his job, and heart bigger than he is shined constantly.

 

Dr. and Mrs. Hall have created an incredibly elegant setting that drops your jaw with every turn while still making it charming and cozy enough to be a home.  As soon as you arrive, you’re welcomed with Susan’s smiling happy face and you feel like you’re visiting a long time friend.  She offers you a seat and a drink and you immediately feel comfortable and relaxed.  This is how everyone felt at the reception, like they were celebrating with family.  What a wonderful atmosphere her and her husband have created.

 

The house is absolutely beautiful with its period furnishings, elegant decorations, and original architecture.  The grounds of the plantation are rustic yet well maintained, never once losing their traditional appeal.  The landscaping, gardens, and surrounding foliage just add to the natural beauty of the estate.  It’s like a painting.  Entering through the large front gate felt like stepping back in time.  I was getting married on a beautiful southern plantation.  Walking out of the large doors of the great hall, through the beautiful courtyard, to pledge my vows to the man I love under the wrought iron roof of the magnificent marble gazebo with the warm sun shining down on me, was truly like a dream.

 

Our reception in the courtyard of the back lawn was stunning.  The sun had set and the candles surrounding the courtyard and on the tables were lit washing the area with a soft glowing light.  It was so romantic.  The tables were set up and the place settings arranged perfectly.  All of my “unique” little details were in place and it looked magnificent.  I actually had to step back and look from a far for a moment.  It was ideal, exquisite, picture perfect.

 

Every request was met; every detail was exactly as it should be.  The staff was more than just attentive.  They were flawless and impeccable.  Every guest was made to feel like they each had their own personal server.  No one ever had to wait for anything.  Refills were poured before they could be requested, ashtrays were there as soon as you lit your cigarette, and dinner plates were cleared when you were done, not before.  These standards were held up in every aspect of our wedding and reception including, but not limited to the planning of it, to the food and the cake (oh, what a cake!), every vendor, the supplies and rental items, and of course, Darshana Hall Plantation itself.

 

We could go on and on about it, but it’s really best for anyone interested to find out for themselves.  We not only recommend the experience, but urge it.  It’s an experience my husband and I will fondly remember with happiness, gratitude and immense satisfaction for the rest of our lives.  Darshana Hall Plantation and it’s staff will forever have a special place in our hearts as well as our history, “The Story of Andie and Matt”.

 

Thank you again!

Andriette and Matthew Anslow

May 2008