Vows in the Rose Garden

Two months later, the bitter winter snows of the Wachau Valley had surrendered to the gentle, sweet warmth of early spring. In the ancient stone courtyard of Castle Schwanstein, surrounded by the budding white roses of the restored terrace garden and the fragrance of blooming jasmine, an intimate marriage ceremony was held under the golden rays of an alpine sunset. There were no television networks, no paparazzi, and no political…