Wedding Countdown: Answered Prayers for a Venue

Outdoor venues for summer weddings are booked well in advance. My daughter’s engagement took place on July 13, so chances of finding a suitable local venue for an August wedding were slim.

The groom, David, told Kim about a private yard where he’d attended a couple of weddings. “It’s amazing,” he said. “You’ve gotta see it.” His mom phoned the owner (who she knew) and asked about its availability for August 17.

“Sorry,” said the owner. “We’ve blocked off that weekend because I’ll be out of town.” Then she paused. “But perhaps my daughter would be willing to host. She was married here three years ago, and she’s hosted weddings here in the past. I’ll ask her if she’d be willing to do it.” Thankfully her daughter said yes.

The ideal facility

This yard features ample parking, a welcoming entrance area where guests will sign the register, a bridge walkway over a landscaped pond (complete with fountain and waterfall), and trees for shade. An arch made of greenery and a gazebo with a stone table on which to sign the license adorn the area where the ceremony will be held. It even boasts a suite where the bride and her attendants can dress.

A separate building offers room for the caterer to stage the dinner, and there’s lots of space to set up tents for the reception area. Between the ceremony and reception, guests can play lawn games such as Bocce Ball, and kids can enjoy climbing, sliding, and swinging in the playground.

Nearly every summer weekend at this venue is booked for weddings. What would be our chances of finding a slot with only five weeks notice? Not good.

But God is in this marriage, and He made a way.

“Be still and know that I am God,” He reminds me.

He’s in control of every detail of our lives. Even wedding venues.

Read about God’s attention to details regarding my daughter’s wedding dress.