In June 2005, a surprise wedding happened in the garden

One day while Anthony and I were working in the garden, our friend Nancy called and asked us if we would be willing to have a wedding in the garden—possibly in a few hours! Nancy is a minister who performs wedding ceremonies (see Heart and Soul Ceremonies) and the couple that she was to marry were still looking for the right place for the ceremony.

They were staying in an island resort that offered an elopement package and that's how they found Nancy. However, the setting at the resort was not quite what they had hoped for, so they asked her for suggestions.

The thought came to her that the garden might be a nice setting, so she suggested it to them. They said, "Yes!" and we quickly cleaned up the garden and switched out of our garden clothes. I had agreed to be a witness, so I jumped into the dress I had recently worn at my own daughter's wedding.

I couldn't help but wonder about the couple that would be arriving. How could they choose to get married at a place they had never seen? Where were all of the relatives? Why did they elope?

Not sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to greet a darling young couple who had just graduated from college and graduate school. They were very peaceful and soft spoken and without saying much, we walked together down to the garden and into the center. They liked it!

Nancy performed the ceremony in the Center Room and I stood there with them as their witness, while Anthony discreetly took pictures from a distance.

I felt goose bumps all over as I connected with the sacredness of the moment. What forces were at work to bring them to the garden? They even looked like they were color coordinated with the light blue delphiniums. His tie and her shawl were a perfect match!

Before long the ceremony was over, the papers signed, and the beautiful couple were on their way. I wonder if they treasure their memories of the Dragonfly Garden? We certainly treasure our memories of the magic they brought us on that special day in June 2005.

If you are interested in having a wedding at the Dragonfly Garden, please contact us.