The Chapel

Kelly and Anthony's ceremony will be held at the Majorie Powell Allen Chapel on the grounds of Powell Gardens, just north of HWY 50 near Kingsville, Missouri. (Map) The chapel will open for guests at 4:30 p.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m. Parking for guests is available in the Gardens' north parking lot. Once you've entered the Gardens' main gate, follow the signs to the Chapel.

The chapel, designed by Fay Jones of Jones & Jennings Architechts, is nestled in the woods of the Gardens' northwest corner. Jones, whose most noteworthy design is the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has created a breath-taking and sacred space for believers of all denominations to worship amid the peace of the Gardens. As described at the website: "The chapel's front glass wall sits closely to the lake . . . embracing the water's edge. Once inside, visitors marvel at the intricate patterns of wood that seem to make the light and shadows dance."

The Gardens

In 1948, George Powell Sr. took possession of 915 acres of farm land just east of Kansas City in Johnson County, Missouri. Some 20 years later, he donated the use of the land to the Boy Scouts of America, who operated it as a regional scout camp until 1984. That year, the Powell family entered into a partnership with the University of Missouri School of Agriculture and began developing the land into a natural resource facility.

By 1988, Powell Gardens was incorporated as a not-for-profit entity and opened the grounds to the public. The Gardens feature an exquisitely designed Visitor Education Center and Conservatory, complete with a full-service restaurant (Cafe Thyme) and gift shop, an island garden, and a rock and waterfall garden. Your invitation to the wedding includes admission to the Gardens, including a self-guided tour (if the weather is to your liking). Details regarding the Gardens can be found here. The month of December features a wealth of holiday activities, some of which you may wish to take part in that weekend.