The elegant grounds of Heaven on Earth offer centuries old oak trees, a foot bridge, arbors and a gazebo surrounded by numerous varieties of blooming flowers all year long. Consider Heaven on Earth for your engagement photos, bridal portraits and of course the day of photos for your special day. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our renowned photographer Randy Bradley of Original-Images. www.heavenonearthweddings.com

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Stein

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Stein
May 23, 2009

A Heaven on Earth Wedding

The sun is just beginning to rise and already the lights, chandeliers, statues, ground lighting, air-conditioning, ovens, lamps, coffee pots and an unlimited number of other salutes to technology are being started, ignited and turned on for your convenience, though your arrival is a mere 8 hours away. When you walk through the door, all will be pristine, immaculate, grandiose in nature yet softened by understated elegance. You will smile with anticipation of the events that will unfold before you, seamlessly, over the coming hours. The smiles, the hugs, the tears, the handshakes, the adoration and most of all... the love that will engulf you during your time in those magical moments to come.

This is YOUR time, you are the Bride, the one upon whom all eyes will gaze mystically amidst comments of "She is so beautiful" and "He is so lucky". This is your time to shine, to express your love and show your heartfelt affection for one another. You are torn between the 8 year-old that played dress up as a child and always dreamed of this day and the woman that now walks down the aisle to accept the hand of her real life prince. To love and to Cherish, from this day forward.... have the dreams of your heart come true?

Everything is so perfect, the ceremony tearfully flawless and the reception a joyous celebration for all who attend. The sweet scent of your flowers fill the room while your guest are shrouded in romantic candle light, setting the stage for the perfect entrance of the new Mr. and Mrs.; All eyes upon you, anticipating, ready to celebrate your newly joined and eternal love.

This is your day, this is your wedding... This is your wedding at Heaven on Earth. Call us today to make "The Dreams of Your Heart Come True". www.heavenonearthweddings.com

The Story of Heaven on Earth

Unlike most beautiful show places of interest to the public built many years ago by the very wealthy, "Heaven on Earth" is a fledgling "step-child" of a Sophisticated middle-class lady, Susan Douglas-Sawyer, who has been carrying on a continuous love affair with her home for the past 39 years.

At first glance the imposing structure of the Southern Colonial architecture is awesome; sprawling majestically across 2 1/2 city blocks, rising three stories, containing 66 rooms and boasting in excess of 25,000 square feet of living space. Most rooms open to broad verandas overlooking the grounds and centuries old oak trees.

A Fairy Tale Romance

This fairy tale began unfolding in September 1970 when J. Herbert Douglas, a well known interior designer from Houston, TX purchased the "Big House" for his new bride Susan or his "Susie" as he so affectionately referred to her. Together they lovingly began the restoration and expansion of their grand home in the country to which they were so devoted, naming it appropriately "Heaven on Earth". In an effort to conform to the classic architecture of the main house (originally built in 1898), all new wings were built from old timbers, using doors, windows, fireplaces, staircases and flooring from old homes, schools, churches and buildings from that time period that were being demolished. Mr. Douglas and Susan loved personally sharing their spacious home. Tours, luncheons, weddings and receptions flourished from 1976 until Mr. Douglas' death in May 1983 at which time ground had just been broken on a final 7,000 square foot wing to their palatial dwelling.

In spite of depression and overwhelming grief over the loss of her beloved Mr. Douglas as she called him, she was determined not to lose their beloved home as well. Even through economic adversity Susan was able to find ways to keep "Heaven on Earth" alive when many other businesses were failing. In 1992, through her determination, sharp mind and undaunted faith in God she survived a tremendous monetary crisis and was able to complete what she and Mr. Douglas has started so long ago. Expanding their home from the original "Big House" of 3,000 square feet and 13 rooms to a truly palatial Southern Estate of 66 rooms and over 25,000 square feet of living space.

Susan, with her current husband Tom Sawyer, continues to love and nurture this elegant Southern Manor. As Mr. Douglas would have wanted, Susan has continued to share this very special home with others and has successfully seen over 7,000 couples married here in the past 35 years. Susan welcomes you to stop by and take a tour of her home. The Manor is available for weddings of up to 250 guests and works with the best vendor's in area to help facilitate your special day. www.heavenonearthweddings.com