Total Eclipse of the Heart

Well, if you're from the United States (actually just about everyone in the world probably knows about it, but I digress) you probably know about the amazing phenomenon that happened on August 21st-the total solar eclipse. It was an incredible sight to see all across the country, and we were lucky enough to have the longest duration of totality in Carbondale.

At Garden Grove, we were even luckier. We got to watch two incredible things happen that day. As cliche as it may sound, we got to watch both a total solar eclipse, and a total eclipse of the heart (the bride refused to let that song be played, but I had to throw it in here somewhere).

The wedding guests mingled with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while the eclipse approached totality, and once the breathtaking moment was over, everyone joined the bride and groom inside to celebrate their marriage.

As the ceremony came to an end, we watched the guests amazement as the eclipse approached and finally entered totality, showing them a nighttime illusion of The Wedding Garden for a few short moments. The silence that you heard the closer it came to time of totality would give you goosebumps. I swear the entire town was holding it's breath, waiting for that moment of darkness to fall. The lights in the trees sparkled, the cicadas and crickets came out to sing their songs, and the daytime animals were silent. I'm sure any one of those wedding guests would agree with me; it was.. it was just incredible. I can't describe it in any other way.

We talk all the time about being able to help make a couple's day as special and unique as possible. This couple took the extra step and planned their day where the cosmos would line up for them and give them the best guest entertainment people this century have ever seen.

As I sit here willing the words to be typed, I just can't help but sigh in happiness. It was an absolutely incredible experience for everyone involved (even our staff got to step out of the venue to watch parts of the eclipse).

From all of our staff here at Garden Grove to you, Kelsey and Billy, thank you so much for choosing us to be the spot in which you planned your magical day. As much as it was a once in a lifetime experience for you, it was for us too, and we are so grateful to have been part of your moment.

Congratulations! We wish you a lifetime of happiness.