At Mitchell Grove, the garden has two natural hardscape focal points: the gazebo and the arch. Most couples choose to orient their ceremony toward the gazebo, but this wedding took a different approach. By turning toward the arch, they framed the garden in a fresh way that opened the view to both the orchard rows and the redwoods beyond.
It’s a simple shift that made a big difference. The arch, built into the garden itself, became the centerpiece of the vows. Guests could see the layers of landscape — the cultivated orchards in front and the towering redwoods behind — all tied together by the arch’s clean lines.
That’s one of the joys of a DIY-friendly venue: you can choose how to set the scene. Whether it’s the gazebo, the arch, or something else entirely, the orientation is up to you. This couple’s choice shows that creativity with the garden layout can shape not just the ceremony but the whole atmosphere of the day.