One of the phrases I use quite a bit, “Bonaventure is for lovers.” Its a phrase that either makes people smile or in my case as cemetery storyteller in an old Southern city garners some scornful or cringey looks. I, however, am of the school of thought and have always found them to be romantic places. In high school when I worked as a groundskeeper in Rantoul, Illinois’ Maplewood Cemetery, I thought nothing of taking a girl on a date there. I’d bake a quiche, grab a blanket and drive just outside of town to the little 1840’s patch on a hill surrounded by budding cornfields under the stars. There was this one modern granite vault that was perfect for throwing a blanket over. We’d climb up spread out and dine. Ah, good times. Even if I’m now the voice that says, “Kids, don’t climb on the vaults.”
I’m not sure how widespread this was in history, but at least in Savannah, if a man were serious about a woman in the whole “Til’ death do us part,” thing, the tradition was to go to the cemetery to propose to her. The couple’s families would wait outside of the gates, and if she said, “Yes,” they walked out holding hands. If she declined, I guess they had other formalities. Its no wonder Bonaventure has so many weddings then. I remember one Halloween weekend? There were 19 over a few days and 6 or 7 on the actual Halloween date. Good times. I myself told a story at a wedding in Bonaventure 2 years ago on Halloween night and gifted the couple a story at the grave I plan to feature on the upcoming “Bonaventure After Hours: My Skully Valentine” event, February 16th, 5 PM to 8 PM. Its not a story I often do publicly but I positively love and covet it and only share it on special occasions so am excited to break it out again!
Which, yes, this will be a special Bonaventure After Hours where I will highlight stories of couples and even some singles who were perhaps too unbridled for marital bonds but had some adventures all of the same! Naturally, per “real life” and my style, these stories will range from what happens when the love was written by someone above, and then what happens when it full on flies off the rails and nobody gets out unscathed! Either way, guests will find the whole experience leaving them insatiable and everyone will want a cigarette following the adventure. Yes, that good.
This 2.5 Hour spectacle includes the Official Event Poster, “Love, Truth & Stories,” signed by myself and runs $44.95. This event WILL SELL OUT & as of this posting we’re more than halfway there so get your tickets now at 912.319.5600 or just click BOOK NOW anywhere on the website! Come fall in love with Bonaventure and what we do!
Listen To Shannon recite his lover’s tribute, “Media of Two.”
Official Poster