When we decided to get married there was at least no discussion on the location.  When Don and I met 6 years ago, it was  our garden at the D&D Ranch that became a unified pet project.  As old-fashioned as it sounds, our relationship flourished and matured right along with every rose-bush and bulb in the garden.  And as we discovered at the ceremony, this garden was the theme for both of our vows–unbeknownst to either of us.  My jaw nearly dropped when Don started reading his.

What a gorgeous day for an outdoor wedding. Everything was perfect.

We would sit in the garden at night, timing exactly when the sun tipped just beyond the horizon giving us the rosy glow that we so loved.  Our dear friend Wyn Bomar set us on the right course, designing a city meets country invitation highlighted by the bluebird of happiness.  Our garden is filled with these blue birds and we welcome every one of them.  If  you’ve never seen a real blue bird it is indeed a glorious sighting.  We have discovered that where the ranch sits is a migratory path and we intend to do everything possible to keep inviting these birds to our home.

This wedding was a magical day for us, our family and friends.  It was like someone from the heavens sprinkled fairy dust on everyone in attendance.  We’re still not sure who had more fun–our guests or us.  As an event planner, the day took on even more fun for me.  I wanted to create an event which  merged our personalities.  In the end,  it couldn’t have been better.  Take a tour around the garden, then whirl around the D&D dance hall.

And, as the sign says on the way out of the ranch, Happy Trails to you.  Wishing you the blue bird of happiness.

Someday, this young woman and her friends might have a memory of their overnight slumber party in a converted barn; eating french toast on an open air deck; riding horses and running around playing tag for hours into the night.  City girls don’t get to do much of that or real often.  Yes, this was indeed a great accomplishment to watch 5 young girls have the time of their young lives–much like I did when I was that age. 

None of us are one-dimensional beings.  Some days we girls want to be pampered at the spa and sometimes we want to kick back; dig around in the dirt planting flowers taking in the fresh air. 

Thanks, Elodie for reminding me that sometimes it is indeed the simplest of pleasures that are our greatest accomplishments.