Saturday Wedding in the Country

We were honored to have been invited to a much-looked-forward- "Country Western Outdoor Wedding." The bride and groom are sensible, down-to-earth young couple, and we had been looking forward to this beautiful day. However, the weather was NOT cooperating, but this snow (about 8 inches) and cold 25 degrees was entirely waaaay NOT NORMAL! But we also knew these ranchers, cowboys, bride and groom would not be put off by such a thing as cold, mud, or snow, so off we went, a drive about 80 miles from us.
We were late! We turned off the main highway to follow the "Wedding" signs. The road soon turned to mud and in some places we had to leave the road entirely, and take the field, hoping that eventually, we would find the next "Wedding" sign. Thank goodness for 4 wheel drive! The road seemed to go on forever, with NOTHING in the landscape indicating we were going in the right direction, and we had begun to think of turning back, but there was no place to turn around. We would not have been so late if it hadn't been for these slackers - ya know, ya can't just run them down and we were in THEIR field.

Finally, after slogging/sliding/skidding for 30 minutes, we saw trees and vehicles! Oh, I'm sorry we're late!

Here they are freezing (below) during the ceremony - if you look carefuly, you can see the little flower girl wrapping in a blanket. The bridesmaids must have been freezing also, but each was wearing their western boots. The minister was a hoot, and taking advantage of the cold (IMHO) by being cute, and adding a few little jokes, chit-chat - we are all wanting to grab him by the neck and say, HURRY UP! The guys were each so handsome, and had the advantage of a vest over their shirts (and maybe long johns!) The grounds had been bulldozed flat for the ceremony/chairs, and the site was selected because of the two huge trees, but unfortunately, days before the affair, a storm blew one down, making yet another must-do job to be done by the young men. But these young cowboys are tough and resiliant!

Here they are leaving - we are all hoping her beautiful dress was not ruined by the accumulating mud.

Below, the guys' horses (since we were late I don't now who they belonged to - I am guessing the groomsmen and best man and groom.)

Below, fancy boots, and the bundled up flower girl.
There's the bride's Mom - all happy. She's a first Time Mom-in-Law (oh yeah, and a quilter!, AND my friend.)

The Bride's father, looking handsome and also probably really happy he can get warm sitting on his horse.
Too-close photo (hey, they were moving fast!) of part of the team of draft horses, pulling the wagon, taking the bride and groom away to ??? -- I couldn't see ANYTHING in the distance except more snow and open spaces -- where did they go?


No close-up photos of bride and groom - that was someone else's job. We all headed back to town, along the same muddy route, for a much-needed meal and warmth at the Town Legion Hall!

I would never have made it in my little car - and I can barely recognize our vehicle, it is so covered with mud. We had a great time, this was a unique experience, and we are both pleased to have been invited. I've mentioned before in my posts, that this area in Western Nebraska is still real-cowboy, ranches, and I am thrilled to peek into this way of life, once in a while.