Groom: Scott James Gardenhire, 30, Graphic Designer
Married Since: May 7th, 2011
Wedding Location: Stone Bar Ranch in Sheridan, CA
Wedding Theme: Country Carnival
Bad Timing
Fashion model-turned-editor Ivy met graphic designer Scott at his office party. She thought he was the “cutest guy she’d ever seen in real life,” but they were both seeing other people at the time. Despite the obvious chemistry between them, she and Scott became just friends and sometimes kept in touch.
Months later, Ivy heard through the grapevine that Scott was now single, but she didn’t think much of it. A little while later, while at a bar with friends, she bumped into him again. This time, Scott was going for it. He ran up to her, gave her a big hug, and admitted to having had a secret crush on her for some time. He asked her to spend Thanksgiving with him so they could get to know each other better – a huge deal – and the two danced the rest of the night away.
“I just kept thinking, ‘Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God,'” says Ivy. “I actually sang I Could Have Danced All Night from ‘My Fair Lady’ when I got home.”
She couldn’t believe their moment had come; both of them were hoping to make the magic last.
Third Time’s a Charm
After their memorable bar date, Ivy and Scott were inseparable. They spent every single day together for the next nine months, making up for lost time. Ivy says they always knew they’d be together forever. Scott, a true romantic, actually proposed three times; once at a friend’s wedding, another time while they watched fireworks on the Fourth of July, and finally in front of her family on Christmas Day. Although Ivy had said “yes” each time, it wasn’t until the last proposal that he actually presented her with a ring.
Unwrap My Love
On Christmas Day 2008, Ivy woke up to find a stack of gifts on a chair next to her bed. Each box had two things in it — a gift and a ring box. Each gift came with a note and each ring box had a piece of paper with the shape of a ring inside with a message written on it. The gifts were things like a Chipotle gift card, a wallet, and tea, and each gift was accompanied by a special note explaining why that particular ring box wasn’t Scott’s style.
Ivy was confused and beginning to wonder what was going on. Then she opened the last note that read: “Look at me.” She looked up to see Scott there with the ring in his hand, asking, “Will you marry me?”
Two years later they became husband and wife in a beautiful, rustic, carnival-themed wedding ceremony on a California farm. You’re going to adore their photos. Share the love!
Beautiful photos by Tom Tomkinson Photography