Weir Only Human, Special Edition:
Flower of North Texas

by Bob Weir

    The resplendent costume and booming voice signified his rank as a centurion, standing guard at the entrance to the castle and ushering guests through the heavy oak doors. When we entered the ornate lobby we were immediately captivated by the meticulously crafted sculptures, the beautiful carving that framed an assortment of paintings, and several gleaming chandeliers, providing a mixture of warmth and sweet celebration. The distant sound of live music created the perfect atmosphere for the beginning of a fun filled evening. My wife and I were honored to be among the approximately 150 guests at the opening night of Flower Mound’s first combination wedding chapel and reception hall on Corporate Circle, just off 2499, about 1 mile north of FM1171. Built by Cliff Hodge and Associates, and leased by the owners of the Ordorf Haus Restaurant in Highland Village, this long overdue addition to the area will soon become one of the most popular entertainment venues in northeast Texas. Wedding planners should put this at the top of their list as an all-inclusive establishment that not only offers a cozy yet spacious chapel for the nuptials but in addition, a shot walk along the stained concrete lobby and your guests will be comfortably ensconced in the ballroom atmosphere that was once the exclusive province of big city hotels.

   The Chapelle des Fleurs offers more than a wedding chapel and reception hall, it offers a superb opportunity for corporate sponsored banquets, civic association meetings, church services and more. The costs of the various functions can be readily obtained; but this level of elegance is priceless. Arranged in old world country French motif, the exquisitely embroidered drapes and the candlelit tables surrounded by floral designs gives the impression of a moonlit garden. White-jacketed wait staff, carrying gleaming platters of mouth-watering appetizers, walked among the guests, stopping to offer a warm smile as an accompaniment to the aromatic delicacies. However, the warmest greeting was provided by the supremely graceful, Janice Orndorf, who personally welcomed each guest with a handshake, a brief tour of the facility and an American Beauty Rose as a parting gift at the end of the evening. (You won’t get that at The Mansion or Nana’s at the top of the Anatole.) To call it a touch of class would be a gross understatement; this was that rare and stately brand of nobility and excellence that has been all but lost in the world of fine dining. From the moment of our arrival we couldn’t have been more comfortable if we were at a family gathering in our own living room. You only had to glance at the faces of the guests to know that they were experiencing similar joy at being present for what I believe will be a long remembered premier.

    For this occasion, the Glenn Dorsey band and vocalist played a medley of Frank Sinatra style songs, Glenn Miller arrangements and some spirited jazz selections. Annette and I are proud of the fact that we were the first couple to christen the dance floor, although it wasn’t long before we had a lot of high steppers to compete with. The music was another major component in the brilliant mosaic that, pieced together, made it an unforgettable adventure in nightclub style entertainment. I haven’t even mentioned the food yet, but suffice to say it exceeded our most ambitious expectations. The chef should be awarded a culinary arts degree for gastronomic excellence, if there is such a thing. Once measure of how much fun I had was the fact that I missed out on some of the most scrumptiously attractive menu items at the steaming buffet table. I gazed at them longingly as my wife whisked me onto the dance floor, again and again. Of course, I would much rather dance with her than stuff myself with jumbo shrimp, garlic and cheese-filled mushroom caps, smoked salmon cones with cream cheese and cucumber, fried stuffed jalapenos......er, sorry about that, I guess I’m still salivating. Incidentally, just a final note about the bartenders. Those guys were as cordial as old friends, while performing the art of mixology with polished refinement. In case you haven’t noticed, I was very impressed with this opulent jewel that has emerged so close to home. I congratulate the Flower Mound Town Council for their foresight in approving such a luxurious addition to our fair town.