Out and about: Weddings and Valentine’s Day
Lee and Jetina Bingham are lifelong Texans. Lee hails from El Paso and Jetina from Midland. The couple married in 1984 and moved to Central Texas in 1993. Lee and Jetina now have the distinction of living in one of the first houses constructed in Williamson County.
David and Jerusha Dyches McFadin moved from Tennessee to Texas and built the house in 1850. The old oak tree beside the historic house was said to be planted by David from seed he obtained at the Battle of San Jacinto.
The structure was built with 27 inch thick walls of rock taken from the river behind the house.
“This was Comanche Territory,” Jetina explained. “We have found many relics even though the property was excavated by the University of Texas years ago.”
Behind the property, overlooking the San Gabriel River, is “Comanche Bluff.” Legend has it a tribe member jumped to his death to avoid being captured. Confederates camped at the nearby springs on their way to battles and the house served as a safehouse for women when local men went off to war.
The Binghams believe their ownership was divinely inspired.
“We lived across the street from the property,” Jetina explained. “The old house was sadly deteriorating. One day Lee pointed to it and declared, ‘that’s my property in the name of Jesus!’ ”
A few weeks later, Jetina’s car made a loud banging noise. On the way to the mechanic shop they noticed a “For Sale” sign at the run down house.
“That afternoon we put in a full price offer,” she said.
The car’s banging noises mysteriously stopped.
The couple live in the house and have built an event venue on the property. Documentation in scrapbooks shows how the building looked when purchased. My tour showed the results of hard work and outstanding skill. Lee is a general contractor. His company, Precision Construction, did the renovations with Lee as general contractor.
A Valentine’s column about a wedding venue makes me nostalgic. Bill and I were married February 14 many decades ago. My mother made a beautiful cape to wear over my wedding dress that snowy day. Our tiered wedding cake was embedded with red roses. Even back then I was partial to a good theme.
Planners and special venues make special days memorable. Bingham Ranch Events offers a lovely, rustic backdrop for weddings and special occasions. A large pavilion and spacious catering room with a separate bar are surrounded by an open grassy area.
Amenities offer comfort and elegance. A private bridal dressing room in the historic house provides a serene space to prepare with special lighting for hair and make-up preparation. The Men’s Suite is a spacious area where the guys can relax, play games, or watch TV while waiting for the big event.
Bingham Ranch Events is a family affair. Son Neal learned construction under his dad. His company, Imperial Remodeling, has done renovations of several historic homes in Georgetown. Neal helps in any capacity needed for events. Daughter in-law, Melody, is a licensed event coordinator.
Lee is an ordained minister who has married several couples. Jetina decorated the venue and is involved in booking weddings and other special celebrations for 2025 and beyond.
Business has been good so far. The next phase at Bingham Ranch Events is the construction of a 7,000-square-foot building for hosting events up to 500 guests. It is projected to be complete by 2026,
An Open House is scheduled Sunday, March 16 from 1-5 p.m. The majority of the vendors are in the “wedding business” but many serve other types of events.
“I’m sure the community would be curious to come see this historic property and the transformation it has undergone,” Jetina acknowledged. “We welcome all who would like to attend.”
Bingham Ranch Events is located at 901 Farm to Market Road 1331, Taylor. Go to https://binghamranchevents.com/ to learn more.
Wishing all my readers a heartwarming Valentine’s Day!