'A Place of Elegance'

As people strolled through Coradell's Wedding Chapel during its grand opening on Saturday, many echoed the same sentiment - "I cannot believe this is in Burke County." The chapel, which features a balcony, gazebo, deluxe honeymoon suites with Jacuzzis and an elaborate chapel with seating for 150, among other amenities, is the only one of its kind in Waynesboro. Owners Hilliard and Lacy Baker saw their dream become reality after three years of planning the chapel, which is in memory of Mrs. Baker's mother, Cora Dell Garner, a longtime resident and community activist in Waynesboro. Shown above, Mrs. Baker, far right, joins her daughter Lisa Brown (middle) and granddaughter Davisa Brown in the chapel, and below, O.J. Frazier, Mr. Baker, Lisa, Mildred Fryer, Davisa and Mrs. Baker perform the ribbon cutting ceremony. Coradell's Wedding Chapel is located at 840 Academy Ave. and has already begun booking events through January 2008. The chapel's first wedding will be held Saturday, June 16. Hours are Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mrs. Baker was excited about the public support during the grand opening, as nearly 200 people toured the chapel. She said the public is still welcome to stop by for a tour.