“And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden . . .” Genesis 2:8
The setting for the wedding seemed as though it could have been part of that first garden. The site for the sacred vows was called the Fragrance Garden. Brilliant blooms were accented by seemingly random bursts of lavender. Sandstone pathways led to a wisteria-covered canopy. The wisteria arbor reached to cover a grotto-like corner where the pianist mingled music with aromas emanating from banks of flowers.
All this beauty graced a small part of the vast Red Butte Garden which makes its ascent up the mountain where the University of Utah is situated.
Although the setting was different, the preparations for our granddaughter’s wedding were the same - attention to dresses, hair, nails, rehearsal, flowers, music, the reception. And my, what a reception it was! It was held in a glass-enclosed arboretum called Orangerie, no doubt because of the fragrance from blossom-laden orange trees.
However, exciting as the exotic plants were, even more impressive were the deeply meaningful vows and minister’s homily. The Lord had graciously drawn the bridal couple to Himself and He spoke in every phase of the service. The songs, the Scripture, and the pastoral counsel all echoed the love of God. Together we sang “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, reflecting the blessing of marriage that pictures the love of Christ for His church. The closing song, Psalm 121, gave the assurance:
“God shall guard from every ill,
Keep thy soul in safety still.
Both without and in thy door,
He will keep thee ever more.”
----From 'Bible Songs'
The setting for the wedding seemed as though it could have been part of that first garden. The site for the sacred vows was called the Fragrance Garden. Brilliant blooms were accented by seemingly random bursts of lavender. Sandstone pathways led to a wisteria-covered canopy. The wisteria arbor reached to cover a grotto-like corner where the pianist mingled music with aromas emanating from banks of flowers.
All this beauty graced a small part of the vast Red Butte Garden which makes its ascent up the mountain where the University of Utah is situated.
Although the setting was different, the preparations for our granddaughter’s wedding were the same - attention to dresses, hair, nails, rehearsal, flowers, music, the reception. And my, what a reception it was! It was held in a glass-enclosed arboretum called Orangerie, no doubt because of the fragrance from blossom-laden orange trees.
However, exciting as the exotic plants were, even more impressive were the deeply meaningful vows and minister’s homily. The Lord had graciously drawn the bridal couple to Himself and He spoke in every phase of the service. The songs, the Scripture, and the pastoral counsel all echoed the love of God. Together we sang “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, reflecting the blessing of marriage that pictures the love of Christ for His church. The closing song, Psalm 121, gave the assurance:
“God shall guard from every ill,
Keep thy soul in safety still.
Both without and in thy door,
He will keep thee ever more.”
----From 'Bible Songs'
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