Joe and Tom are first cousins, and they have spent their entire lives living and loving this community. They grew up in Kerrville, raised their families there, and now they are breathing new life into this place they love so much. Joe developed The Crossing at Kerrville, and Tom recently completed the renovation of The Chapel at Kerrville. Both structures are original to Kerrville, served as community hubs, and are still serving the purpose of bringing together family, neighbors, and friends for celebrations.
The Crossing was built in 1910 as the general store, and it was owned by Joe and Tom’s grandfather, Tom Densford. It was passed down through the Densford family, and Joe reopened it as a venue in 2019. Joe, along with his wife Stephanie and daughter Cayce, had long seen a need for an intimate, affordable option for weddings and events in the Millington area. “Our first wedding was December 31, 2019,” Joe recalled. “And then, well, you know.” They managed through the pandemic, hosting some small
weddings and corporate events. They also used that time to continue to make improvements to include adding a patio area and a gazebo, which is made from an upcycled grain bin from a nearby farm, and it’s a popular spot for photos. The Crossing features original exposed brick walls and wood beams, and while it is a very popular aesthetic for weddings, this authentic look has made filmmakers come calling too. The Crossing and the Kerrville community area was used as a location in “Black Snake Moan” and “Sun Records.”
An outdoor wedding option and an icon on the Densford property is a magnificent oak tree. The 300-year-old black oak is the second largest in the state, and the grand tree is a testament to everlasting commitment, making this the ideal backdrop for marriage vows.
Around this same time, the long-time Kerrville United Methodist Church shuttered its doors. The few remaining members relocated to other churches, realized the very rare opportunity he was being presented: he could buy a historic piece of Kerrville property and remake it into a wedding venue to complement what his cousin was creating just down the road. Tom used the pandemic time to design and establish The Chapel at Kerrville. The church was built on the original site of the Kerrville School, and the current church was built in 1948. Because there had not been any significant renovations over the decades, Tom made major updates to make it better suited for today’s weddings and events without losing any of the original character. Stained glass windows and original woodworking offer traditional spirit, while the new bridal suite is a glamorous hangout for the bride and her bridesmaids to create a special day.
In addition to The Chapel, Tom plus his wife Dena and daughter Heather, remodeled the former church parsonage. The three bedroom home became The Cottage at Kerrville. It is available to host overnight stays for the family, the bridal party, or as the perfect honeymoon bungalow.
The Kerrville revival is a family affair, thanks to the Hamiltons and Densfords. They are drawing on their own love of family and this special community to create unique places where couples begin their own happilyever-afters.
For more information about booking your event in historic Kerrville, visit thecrossingatkerrville.com and thechapelatkerrville.com
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