Have you ever traveled down Bedford Highway and seen the most spectacular round building on the Basin looking like it’s about to go over a precipice (definition here intended for my best friend Holly) of land?
For years I would strain my neck as I drove to get a quick glimpse of this intriguing and mysterious structure much to the chagrin of my husband Chris who would prefer that I keep my eyes on the road 24/7 – understandable I know but sometimes you just can’t help but look.
It’s stunning.
And I finally got the chance to photograph a bride by the name of Milo this past Saturday August 14. She informed me that it was called the Music Rotunda (perhaps not it’s official name) and that there was a wonderful romantic story behind it. It’s a very special place for her as she grew up near the area.
I can’t believe I’ve been shooting weddings for over 5 years now and never heard of The Hemlock Ravine Park, a park just across the road from the Rotunda that has a heart shaped pond. As per the VisitorsHalifax.ca website, “When Edward, the Duke of Kent, arrived in Halifax in 1794 to serve as commander in chief of the Halifax Garrison, he was accompanied by his French mistress, Julie St. Laurent. He built an elaborate estate for her here on the property of Governor John Wentworth, overlooking the shore of the Basin. The only one of the estate’s buildings that remains, the tiny, elegant music rotunda, can be seen perched on a hill between the water and Bedford Highway…”
Now please trust me when I say I don’t endorse having a mistress at all, not my thing… but there is just something surreal and interesting about the history and beauty within the HRM itself.
Next time… a groom’s perspective!!
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