My Bernheim Story #3: Cele Beckner

By Bernheim

A wedding with the formally known Big Meadow Overlook (now called Big Prairie Overlook) as a backdrop.

Oh why Knot?

In the summer of 1974, John and I decided to get married in September.  We did not want a big to do nor did we want to elope.  Just family would be invited.  So why are we waiting?  We decide on a Wednesday afternoon July 3 then we would have the July 4 holiday off from work.  And since we both enjoyed visiting Bernheim Forest we would be married there.  We drove to Bernheim to find a place to have the ceremony and decided on the Big Meadow Overlook where Mr. Bernheim is buried.  We had our dog Lady with us and she could not resist the water feature and jumped right into the pool.  We did not feel the need to tell anyone at Bernheim about our plans and John did not tell his parents until July 1.  Our wedding was 45 minutes later than planned-John’s parents got lost.  We will celebrate 45 years this summer-half of years when Mr. Bernheim bought the land and gave it the citizens of Kentucky.

~Cele Beckner, Shepherdsville, KY

Click here to read part 1 of Cele’s story.

Click here to read part 2 of Cele’s story.

John and Cele Beckner with family where they got married in front of the ‘Let There Be Light’ sculpture in 1974.

 

In honor of Bernheim’s 90th anniversary in 2019, we are making a conscious effort to collect stories and memories of Bernheim. In addition to your stories, both old and new, we are seeking any photographs, video footage and historical information you may have about Bernheim from the past 90 years.  Please let us know if you or someone you know has a great Bernheim story to share by contacting us at mystory@bernheim.org.

Please note: Any information provided to mystory@bernheim.org grants Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest the permission to reuse this information in print and/or digital formats, as well as other public display for the promotion of its 90th anniversary in 2019 and beyond, to further the efforts of our mission in connecting people with nature.

Our Newsletter

Sign up for the Bernheim Buzz

Get the "buzz" of Bernheim activity weekly in your inbox by signing up below.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.