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You do the 'I do,' and they'll do the rest

December 22, 2007 12:35 am

BY BILL FREEHLING

Anyone who has planned or seen the planning involved in a traditional wedding knows how much time goes into the experience.

Before the bride and groom say "I do," the flowers must be selected, the music has to be arranged and the chairs need setting up. That scratches only the surface and doesn't even mention the thousands of dollars that are often spent on the big day.

Those looking to renew their vows or get married without all the planning and expense now have another option in Spotsylvania County--the Garden of Love: When I Say I Do.

Married Spotsylvania couple David and Elaine Canty opened the Garden of Love in a building they're renting at 5933 Plank Road. It's between Chancellor Elementary School and the Harrison Crossing shopping center.

Located inside a plain-looking building that also houses BMK Taekwondo, the Cantys' wedding chapel doesn't look like much of a garden from the outside.

But stepping into the indoor "garden," a visitor hears soft music and flowing water. Two flower-adorned columns of chairs are on the carpet under a canopy and in front of the altar. The Cantys plan to add Christmas decorations in the back and improve the landscaping.

The Garden of Love, which is also where the Cornerstone Faith Healing Christian Ministries holds Sunday services, can comfortably hold 100 people.

A couple looking to get married in front of just one to four people can rent the facility for an hour for $95. That includes prerecorded music as well as the setup and decorations. People with up to 50 guests pay $150.

People can get married or renew their vows at the Garden Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. as well as Sunday afternoons. Little advance notice is required to rent the facility. There's a changing room in the back and a corner for picture-taking.

The Cantys know of a few justices of the peace who can handle the services. Couples can also bring in their own officiants, flowers and music. The Garden is flexible in terms of setup.

The Cantys started a home-based business called Memorable Moments about 12 years ago. Elaine Canty handles the photography, while David Canty is a professional saxophonist and DJ. They'll provide music, photography and videography at the Garden.

The Cantys would eventually like to contract with limousine services and nice restaurants to offer an entire experience for the people saying their vows.

The Cantys say the Garden of Love was a logical extension from Memorable Moments, which also provides decorations and rentals for weddings. They do about 115 weddings per year.

They say many of the couples they see aren't affiliated with a church. They often have a hard time finding a place to get married.

"We wanted to create opportunities for couples," David Canty said.

David Canty grew up in Philadelphia and began playing the sax at an early age. He moved to the Fredericksburg area about 25 years ago. His wife grew up in Fauquier County.

For about 20 years, David Canty worked in computer networking, making the commute to Northern Virginia. Elaine Canty worked in retail. They've been doing Memorable Moments full time for the past six years.

David Canty said he much prefers helping people enjoy their wedding experiences to sitting in traffic on Interstate 95.

"Weddings are a joyous time for us," Canty said. "We love to do what we do."