BELL lAND BUBBLES
Glen Garden weddings are unique in so many ways. At the end of your wedding ceremony, after you've been pronounced "husband and wife," the two of you ring in the good news at the old farm bell. As you exit, you're showered with bubbles by your guests. If you think the latter is something only children will enjoy, you're wrong. Put a bubble wand in grandpa's hand, and you may not get it back!
FLIP-FLOPS
Yes, I'm talking about the things that go on your feet. Whether you're a guest or a bride, flip-flops are a great wedding shoe option at a garden wedding. They're so comfortable on a variety of surfaces. Of course, they wouldn't be suitable everywhere. But they fit here. In satin or rubber, with or without bling, they're sassy. And fun. And perfectly acceptable. (Tell mom I said so!)
VISITING GLEN GARDEN
We're delighted to show folks around Glen Garden. If you're considering a wedding here, you certainly want to make an appointment to visit and see what we're all about. Sometimes you want to come without an appointment. We understand how you feel. You're excited. But when you come without an appointment, you risk interrupting someone else's appointment or (even worse) ceremony. So please call or email before you come out. And we'll do our best to give you our undivided attention when you're here.
ABOUT FACE
Like most Southern gals, I know the importance of wearing pearls and of NOT wearing jeans EVERYWHERE. But when faced with whether to spend money on a plant or get a manicure, the plant wins every time. So why do I recommend that you have your hair and makeup professionally done on your wedding day? Because IT'S YOUR WEDDING DAY! On that day, there's no better place to put a few extra dollars than on YOU! You will love the way you feel. Your groom will love the way you look. Sometimes it takes a professional to achieve that look that you might not wear any other day.
HAIR SPRAY
A recent bride surprised me when she said she'd heard that I didn't allow hair spray in the bride's dressing room. What??? That would be like not allowing muck rakes in the barn. (OK, not quite!) Both are a necessity. In fact, if you forget your hairspray, I'll be happy to loan you mine!
FLOWER PUP?
Yes, you read that correctly. We're animal lovers and welcome your pup out here to participate in your ceremony. Because we've adopted a stray tuxedo kitty who tends to navigate the property during weddings, we request that your pup be leashed and under the care of someone who will be attentive to its needs.
THE RED, WHITE & BLUE
During a wedding that coincided with Independence Day, the bride had us decorate the chairs with our navy, ivory, and burgundy sashes. She invited guests to wear their patriotism. Most dressed in red, white and blue. Some wore festive hats; others wore festive pins. The bride's dress was even white with a burgundy sash. It was really beautiful, and the guests seemed to enjoy getting into the spirit of the day.
WHO IS JUBILEE?
Jubilee (aka Lee) is another animal we've adopted. He's our black Tennessee Walker horse. Jubilee is food aggressive due to having been starved by a prior owner. Your bouquet and boutonniere may be tasty, and he'll move into your space to investigate that possibility. If you're okay with that, you're welcome to have photos with him.
NO STRETCH LIMOS
Though I never rode in a stretch limousine until I was in my 50s, I understand why it's considered the preferred mode of transportation for a lot of events. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate them here at Glen Garden. They cannot make the turnaround in front of the cottage. In the past, they've pulled into our neighbor's driveway across the street (which isn't considerate), and then bottomed out on Hartwood Road while attempting to back down our driveway. Town cars are a great option for couples who want to exit in style.
LESS STRESS
Many brides approach the big day feeling stressed to the point of wanting it all to be over. In a recent wedding magazine, one bride said, "We decided not to have any attendants and just walk down the aisle side-by-side; it became just about the two of us making this journey together." Isn't that what it's really all about?
NOT EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE!
On a TV program showcasing platinum ($1+ million) weddings, a newly married bride and groom were asked to describe their favorite wedding moment. What do you think their answers were? Walking into the reception and seeing $500,000 in flowers and lighting? Cutting into their 7-tier cake? Feasting on lobster and caviar with 300 of their closest friends? NO! Both the bride and groom agreed: Their favorite moment was seeing the look on the other's face as the bride was walking down the aisle. THE BEST PART OF THEIR WEDDING COST NOTHING AT ALL!
CASUAL OR FORMAL
Your wedding may be casual or formal! Both are good fits here! Just remember that the prettiest thing you can wear is a SMILE! It goes with everything!
glengardenweddings@gmail.com
306 Hartwood Road, Fredericksburg, Va. 22406
540-847-1972