Herlong Mansion

Imagine award winning Old World gardens of manicured lawns surrounded by ancient oaks dripping in Spanish Moss. Massive magnolia trees, camellias, azaleas and knock-out roses explode into riots of color throughout the year. European urns filled with cypress and cascading flowers flank the massive Corinthian columns of the majestic historic Mansion. Family and Friends gather together on the shaded verandas sipping cool drinks as a quiet breeze carries the light splash of water falling from the garden fountain. Birds are singing and darting about while the sound of a horse drawn carriage draws near.

Great tents set up on the lawn provide a dramatic background as the bride walks past her guests now seated in the shadow of the stately Mansion. All the brides maids and best men are assembled along the staircase beneath the evergreen garland of ribbons and flowers.

Antique Oriental rugs have been rolled out for the groom as he stands waiting at the bottom of the stairs for his lovely bride. They ascend hand in hand framed by the columns as the Officiate presents them for the first time as man and wife.

The celebration carries the guests through the gardens to the decorated tent where tables have been set with varied tantalizing offerings and waiters stand at the ready to carve and serve.

The bride and groom and all their guests dance the evening away finding it hard to believe that all this old world elegance is just minutes away from modern day Gainesville.