Thursday, April 25, 2024
LITTLE PIECES OF ELEGANCE: Ty and Yoli Harwell are the owners of River View Ranch, an “affordable” wedding venue complete with a rustic interior and “little pieces of elegance,” — perfect for that country bride who prefers a little bling in her life. They are pictured with their miniature Yorkie, Lily.
SCENIC VIEW: River View Ranch, located at 2851 Caraway St., features a 6,700 square-foot climate-controlled barn that resides on 12 riverfront acres with a fire pit and a dock, making it the perfect scenery for a wedding, birthday party or anniversary.
GLITZ AND GLAMOUR: The bridal suite at River View Ranch features a rose-colored couch and full-length mirror with a chandelier overhead, making it that perfect backdrop for wedding glamour shots.
MAN CAVE: A standout feature in the groom suite at River View Ranch is the foosball table, which will give groomsmen the opportunity to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the wedding party.
River View Ranch, a new Hood County venue, has been capturing the hearts of many with its rustic charm and captivating décor.
Located at 2851 Caraway St. south of Lipan Highway, the 6,700 square-foot climate-controlled barn resides on 12 riverfront acres, making it the perfect scene for a wedding, birthday party or anniversary.
Owners of River View Ranch, Yoli and Ty Harwell, came up with the idea for an “affordable” venue about five years ago, when they were looking to get married themselves.
“We were shopping for (a venue), they were too expensive, so we fixed (the problem),” Ty said, with a smile.
The couple began planning for their new business venture back in 2019, but complications with the city and COVID-19 arose, making the process difficult.
It wasn’t until 2021 that construction finally began on River View Ranch and the venue officially opened for business in early May.
The grand opening was held on May 21, and the response from clients, Yoli said, has been astounding.
“It feels really good to see people walk in and just go ‘Wow.’ To hear the word ‘Wow,’” she said. “During our grand opening, you know, people didn't know who we were and just seeing people walk in, they're like, ‘Wow, this is beautiful,’ — just hearing that was music to our ears. Hearing people constantly complimenting it was very nice.”
The country-style barn features a rustic interior combined with “little pieces of elegance,” creating a special venue for that country bride who prefers a little bling in her life.
“It’s like denim and diamonds,” Yoli said.
The biggest sparkling eye catcher at River View Ranch is the 300-pound, seven-foot chandelier that hangs over the grand ballroom.
“It was almost called ‘the anchor’ because we wanted to throw it in the river about three times,” Ty said, chuckling. “It took both of us to hang just the skeleton with no crystals on it, and then she (Yoli) spent two days painting each crystal. Everything that sparkles, she put it on there.”
The entire interior design of River View Ranch came from Yoli’s vision. She said she spent many sleepless nights designing the space in her mind and coming up with ideas to make their venue perfect.
“I just knew I wanted rustic,” she said. “At first, I started more of just rustic, not elegant, but I don't know, it just kept growing more as I started shopping and looking online.”
“This all came out of her head — the look, every finish, the rooms, how they were going to be, where they were going to be, the upstairs,” Ty said. “I called her ‘Barney’ because she was always talking about the barn.”
Yoli said she has been collecting décor for River View Ranch for the past five years.
“It's even surprising to me the way it came out like, I did this?” she said, chuckling. “I've just been working on this for years and I never thought this day would come.”
The amenities at River View Ranch include a bar and commercial-style men’s and women’s restrooms downstairs, along with a bridal suite with a full-length mirror, a groom suite with a foosball table and a balcony view upstairs.
“The view off the balcony is amazing,” Yoli said. “That’s another that we get a lot of ‘wows’ as soon as they walk out there. It’s just another good feeling, people walking in and just being blown away.”
Outside amenities include a fire pit, a dock, a 12-foot porch and yard games of Jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole.
“There’s been compliments on pretty much every area — even the closet doors,” Ty said. “A lot of people say that Granbury needed this."
The Harwells are proud of their venue, and both stated what they will be excited to see moving forward.
“For me, it’s just seeing people smiling,” Yoli said.
“Seeing it succeed and people appreciating it and wanting to hold their events here. We're just excited about people being excited about it,” Ty said, chuckling.
“It feels good to finally clear my head,” Yoli added, with a smile. “I can sleep now.”
For more information or to book an event at River View Ranch, visit their Facebook page, River View Ranch LLC, or their Instagram by the same name.
