Venue Edition - Longview Mansion
Lees Summit, MO
A glimpse into a venue we love with a creative photographer behind the lens.
Photography: Jenny Shipley Photography
Venue: Longview Mansion
As you proceed down the long driveway the crisp white and umber brown Sicilian stone exterior of Longview Mansion instantly catches your eye. This 107 year old mansion was designed by Robert Alexander Long, a lumber baron and philanthropist. With this family and community in mind this immensely elegant structure was the celebrated show piece on an expansive property that originally was know for raising prize winning horses and purebred Jersey dairy cattle.
Longview Mansion is listed on the national register of historic places and offers a nostalgic appeal to couples from all over. For a more intimate setting, the Library on the main floor, has the capability to seat seventy guests for an evening soiree. This room boosts rich wood moldings alongside a slate surrounding wood burning fireplace. Crystal wall sconces provide the space with such a rich ambiance when enjoying each others company.
For larger events the permanent tent structure, the Pavilion, can accommodate two hundred and seventy guests for dinner and dancing. In this instance, guests will have the opportunity to experience the mansion many decorated rooms through welcome and cocktail hours.
Personal bride and groom suites are positioned upstairs on opposite wings of the mansion. The bridal suite is complete with light textured fresco walls and delicate wall moldings. Victorian style furniture offers relaxing spots as everyone gets ready. The groom’s suite pays homage to the equestrian legacy with hand painted murals of the property and heirloom inspired memorabilia. Both areas allow for serene moments before festivities begin.
The cultivated gardens, wooded surrounding sites and sprawling manicured fields give couples the opportunity to capture sweet embraces to remember for a lifetime. Quiet paths leading up to gazebos that reflect the mansion’s building style is a great place to take in the sites of Old Longview lake. Architectural structures from the original horse farm still remain and offer a glimpse into this well preserved estate.
Outside ceremony locations are well desired on the property. The historic Sunken Garden highlights the picturesque sprawling mansion in the background. Being surrounded by colorful hedges in the middle of the wonderous oasis is breathtaking. If you imagined more pastoral views, the West Lawn is perfect to take in the the rolling hills and lush foliage. Each destination on this property opens our hearts to appreciating the generation before us and celebrating the new one.
Photography: Jenny Shipley Photography
Venue: Longview Mansion
