“We are so grateful for our Morgan Hill family,” said bride

By Jodi Hall

Jodi Hall

The lasting legacy of 2020 will be the memory of neighbors’ generosity, business efforts to support the community, and community support for our local businesses. It will be our downtown sidewalks full of people sitting at new outdoor seating and extra time with our families. For a few of the businesses located at the Morgan Hill Granary on Depot Street, the time we came together to create a one-of-a-kind, beautiful wedding for an employee will always be cherished and remembered.

The intensity and emotional overload of our new reality created by the pandemic has made us feel more like family than ever before. Therefore, when we heard of one of our employees’ plans for her wedding at the courthouse, my husband Doug Hall and I looked at each other and said, “Why not here?”

Plans quickly came together to create a simple and memorable evening for the couple and everyone lucky enough to attend in-person and on Zoom. Granary owner Weston Miles Architects gave their blessing, and the courtyard setting under the twinkle lights and next to the orchard grove was perfect for ambiance and social distancing. Rich Ledesma of the Running Shop and Hops helped rearrange the courtyard and took professional photos. Home décor specialist AR Workshop lent their expertise with the addition of “Mr.” and “Mrs.” pillows and a welcome sign.

Becky of Realm Flower Co. really transformed it to a magical venue, with a garland of olive leaves at the foot of the stairs to create a circle of love, little sprays of flowers on each side of the stairs, rose petals, and a gorgeous bouquet of calla lilies, lisianthus, and delphiniums. After the event, she said, “It was so impromptu and intimate. I’m so glad this couple now have such a special day to remember and photos of this beautiful ceremony.”

The bride’s father walked her down the aisle (following the couple’s two four-legged ring bearers) on a long white aisle runner which extended the entire length of Bike Therapy. My husband, Doug, wrote and performed a beautiful ceremony for Shelley and Matt: “This relationship is a true American love story: St. Louis meets Seattle. Brought together by science, jazz and coffee connect. When we talk about chemistry . . . yes, we’re talking about it in the literal sense! Now they get to share their doggies and bike riding.”

Our sales manager, Sahara Almquist, organizes many of the store’s events and was excited to do this very meaningful one. “We don’t just work together; we ride bikes together, and feel like a true second family,” said Sahara. “We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a phenomenal caring community that can come together during such unprecedented times for something so special. It was a magical night to remember.”

The night was such a wonderful reminder that we are all here for each other. “We are so grateful for our Morgan Hill family,” said bride Shelley Patterson (née Vekasy). “The bike family and the community here are incredible, and our hearts were so full of love and gratitude on our special day. Not a dry eye that night!”

Jodi Hall is the owner of Bike Therapy, along with her husband, Doug. They moved to Morgan Hill with their two children three years ago and could not love it more. Jodi is a member of the Downtown Association board and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocacy Group.