Camellia Gardens

The Dream

The story of Camellia Gardens starts out a little differently than the others I’ve shared. A little over 30 years ago newlyweds Mitch and Marilyn were living in Charlotte, NC. They started talking about the future, and, as is often the case, the subject of children came up. While they loved living in the city, it was important to them both that their children grow up in the country. They envisioned little ones running barefoot through the grass, climbing trees, and playing in the mud. They imagined privacy and freedom to roam and explore.

One day Mitch took Marilyn on a drive in the country. They pulled up to a large piece of property. As she looked around, Mitch asked her what she thought of the land. “It’s beautiful!!” She replied, having no idea why he’d brought her there. Before the conversation could continue, however, a truck pulled up, and a man hopped out.

“Hey Mitch! Can I go ahead and cash that check?”

It was that moment that Marilyn realized the land her husband was showing her was theirs!! He was showing her their future.

And what a beautiful future it has turned out to be! Their babies were born and raised in the house they built on that land. Their love of trees and flowers blooms in every corner of the perfectly landscaped grounds.

A Camellia Gardens Wedding

Garden weddings are my favorite! There’s just no end to the possibilities! And you’re already starting with something beautiful (a garden) and putting something that’s also beautiful (a wedding) in it. What could be more perfect?

And Camellia Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve visited. Every nook and corner is thoughtfully landscaped with roses of all varieties, large trees, stepping stone paths, and, of course, camellias. They provide beautiful spaces for both the bride and the groom to get ready on site. Just picture this….

You and your dearest friends gather under the arbor on the porch of the bridal suite. You toast the day with mimosas and enjoy the sunshine for just a few moments. It’s a perfect day. Mild, sunny, bird song fills the air, and flowers bloom everywhere you look. You take a deep breath. Your maid of honor gives you a big hug. And then you go inside to get ready. The time has come: today, you’re a bride!!

The Perfect Day

From the bridal suite you make your way down to the Grand Oak. Waiting in the shade of this century-old tree is your groom. His back is to you, and you smile at the way he proudly holds his shoulders in his tux. Dress whispering across the grass, you tiptoe closer. When you’re just a few feet away, you call his name. He slowly turns. You lock eyes, and time stands still. His eyes fill with tears, and he takes the last few steps towards you, takes you in his arms, and whispers in your ear, “You are even more beautiful than I’d ever imagined.” Standing there together under this tree that has witnessed countless other moments like this one you take a few moments to just be.

From those slow moments the rest of the day speeds by in a blur. Standing at the top of the aisle. Your dad offers you his arm, smiles through his tears, and gives you away to the man who’s stolen your heart. Your friends and family surround you both as you vow to faithfully cherish one another all your days.

After the ceremony you, your husband, and your guests enjoy a perfect dinner in the most beautiful white tent. Each table has been carefully placed and decorated so perfectly that it looks like an extension of the garden. And, as evening closes in, the market lights on the terrace turn on. The party makes its way over, and you dance the night away under the stars.

And, at last, your friends and family send you off in a shower of bubbles and flower petals. Holding your new husband’s hand, you can only smile. It’s been a perfect day.

A Legacy of Love

Camellia Gardens is the perfect place for your wedding. I’ve already described how beautiful it is, and I hope you’ve been able to picture it all as you’ve read!! But what truly sets Camellia Gardens apart from any other venue is the legacy of love. Before Camellia Gardens had ever hosted a single wedding, it grew a family. Before even a single bride had walked down the aisle there, a couple of newlyweds had a dream. And that dream has grown to be something that’s just as beautiful as the flowers blooming in every corner.

If you’re looking for more than a pretty backdrop for the most important day of your life you need to look at Camellia Gardens. If you want to say “I do” in a place where countless others have begun their own marriages and, what’s more than that, where people have truly lived out marriage then you need you look at Camellia Gardens.

In case you missed it, the most recent portion of The Story of Us hit the blog a couple days ago!