If you watched Kellie Picker and Wes Brown find love in Christmas at Graceland, I’m sure you’ll be tuning in on Saturday night to watch Wedding at Graceland.
And a lot of other folks will be joining you. In the current TV Weekly, it says, “Christmas at Graceland was one of the highest-rated films in the history of Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas.” With popularity like that, why not do a sequel? And have it on the air just six months later.
Actually, a more correct title would be:
Proposal at Graceland — Wedding at the Chapel in the Woods
You will recognize the Graceland front door behind Wes Brown as he proposes to Kellie Pickler.
But this is where the wedding will take place. I have not been to Memphis since this chapel was unveiled during Elvis Week 2018, so I had no idea where the Chapel in the Woods is. But, thanks to Google Maps, now I do.
In this aerial view, you can see that the chapel is very close to the Guest House at Graceland at the top and a long way from the Graceland mansion down at the bottom. That actually makes good sense, because presumably the wedding party and guests would be staying at the hotel. Plus, there’s the proximity of several bars where folks could go to continue the party.
Here’s a front view of the Graceland Chapel in the Woods. The TV Weekly article calls it exquisite and picture-perfect. To my eyes, it looks a little less than that. That large wall off to the left definitely takes away from the curb appeal. See those folks and the tables beyond the wall? This is the patio area where guests can mingle after the wedding, weather permitting. Here’s a better look.
I hate to fuss too much, but I don’t find this view appealing. There’s that big, long, plain white wall, but I’m sure the view looking away from the chapel is lovely with the trees and the landscaping.
Kellie Pickler said, “It is an intimate chapel in the woods that has so many windows, so natural light floods in.” Not from this side of the chapel.
The windows on the opposite side certainly make up for that. And, both ends allow a lot of light to enter. The Graceland website says the seating capacity is 100 people. It doesn’t show in this picture, but an intimate reception area is located at the back of the chapel that offers a table to showcase the wedding cake.
Also, note the door for one of the two private dressing rooms.
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When I searched the web for photos, look what I found.
It seems there was an earlier Graceland Chapel in the Woods, and it was close to the mansion. I’ve never seen it, so if you have, share something in Comments. I did find out that it held 50 people.
(Note to anyone at EPE who reads this blog — The #4 official Graceland Blog for Elvis Week 2018 has a picture of this chapel, not the new one. You might want to fix that)
I think this one really qualified as picture-perfect. Perhaps it’s been torn down, and that’s a shame, or maybe they’ll think of another way to utilize it.
It also had an inside reception area with a hand-painted mural of the Graceland mansion that served as backdrop for photos as the newlyweds cut their wedding cake. I kind of like this and wonder why the concept wasn’t incorporated into the new chapel.
Okay, back to the movie. As you can see, Priscilla is in it. According to US Weekly, she will reminisce on her own big day during her cameo. Kellie Pickler had very nice things to say about her: “She’s so lovely and has such a sweet, sweet, kind spirit.”
There are also a number of Elvis’ songs included in the soundtrack:
Love Me Tender
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
A Little Less Conversation
And Kellie Pickler gets to sing several Elvis hits, especially, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
For some reason, Wes Brown shaved off the beard he had in Christmas at Graceland. I think he looks better with it.
I hope you will enjoy Wedding at Graceland on Saturday night. It will be one of the few times, my wife and I will be watching the same show on TV.
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