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| Harley Man and I did. Tied it up. |
One week ago today. We said "I Do" in front of a small, intimate crowd that included a few family members and friends. We met each other in front of the fireplace at the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming.
My daughter was the Matron of Honor and Elizabeth, Harley Man's daughter was Maid of Honor. Standing up for Harley Man was his son, Max as Best Man, and his best friend Denny Rowley. Bryce and Brooklyn, my grandchildren were Ring Bearer and Flower Girl. Actually they were just CUTE. Beyond belief cute. Adorable. Melt your hearts kind of cute.
I couldn't have pictured a more perfect day. Did I wish more family could have been there? Absolutely! Would I want more friends there? Yep! It's a long drive from Iowa and people are busy and have other commitments. We chose to have the ceremony here in Wyoming even realizing this may be the case. Hoping to create memories for all that were able to attend as not only about "our day" but to make the Labor Day weekend a great, crazy, fun weekend of memories being created and to be cherished. And a chance to get family and friends to our home since only a few had seen it since we moved here this last February.
On "The Day", we left the house for Buffalo after hair appointments, a few errands were run and after I was done creating an accessory for my hair. This consisted of cutting part of the shawl (that came with my dress) and and sewing onto a hair clip. I couldn't find the right vintage barrette for my hair.. Oh well. I was happy the way it turned out! Harley Man had stayed in a hotel the night before so he was already at the Occidental Hotel overseeing the flowers, cake, and hanging up a couple of strings of vintage lights in the Saloon.
Upon arrival at the Occidental we unloaded the cars and everyone explored the hotel where the likes of many famous people of the Old West walked - including Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Tom Horn, the young Teddy Roosevelt... and many more were common accessories to this beautiful place that has honored its rich history.
Many times the bar keep and hotel staff had to "shoo" away Harley Man away as yours truly had to honor some tradition...I didn't want us to see each other until 6:30pm.
One of those times he had to be "shooed" away was when I realized the wedding cake had arrived and...located in the walk in refrigerator. I had to pass him to get a glimpse of the "cake". Now I was very excited because we had met with one reputable baker and was quoted $650.00 for 75 people. We both about fell out of our chairs. I politely explained we were on a budget. But REALLY-$650 DOLLARS FOR 75 PEOPLE? Cake? Nothing fancy?! Unbelievable! We felt fortunate when leaving Sheridan and noticed a store front advertising wedding cakes. We felt it was meant to be. The nice cake lady was only charging $125.00 for the same request. Harley Man couldn't whip out the checkbook fast enough. We were sold. She was so nice. Plus the pictures of her past work were quite impressive.
Ours wasn't impressive. I did mention this was prepaid, right?
It was crooked, uneven, and....ugly. After all of the previous drama the last couple of days all I could do was have a couple or three Bud Lights and laugh. Sit down and laugh.
Anyway, I went to my daughter and son-in-laws room to get ready. I forgot about the lighting. Or the lack of lighting for an important day. I'm talking make up here. Since it is such an old hotel, lighting wasn't the best. Oh my gosh all I could think about was not to look like a clown.
At 6:30pm I walked down the historic grand staircase to meet my fiance.
So much happened I wish I could record it all. Like the fact that the Minister, Harley Man and I passed around my reading glasses, to the fact we couldn't find my ring for a few seconds. I pointed out it was lying on the floor.....and to the fact the processional was the theme to Peanuts which the minister played on the piano. A beautiful tribute to Harley Man's brother Stephen.
My vows to Harley Man:
"Larry, this is the greatest moment in my life. To marry my very best friend, who freed my soul to love, who opened my eyes and heart to a deeper love that I have ever known. A man of tradition. One who calls his mom every Sunday to talk and just to say I love you. Tradition. A father who is and will always be there for Max and Elizabeth. A man that loves Casie, Bryce and Brooklyn and baby girl Bass. A loyal man that stands firm for what he believes in and without a doubt will always be there for me. Through the pain and scars of cancer you were my pillar of strength. Through your love you have given me a new reason to stand proud and soar. I believe in you, love you, and will always stand by your side. This is the best chapter in our life. I love you".
BABY WE DID IT!!
Thank you to all that traveled hundreds of miles to a few miles to spend this best day of our lives with us. Thank you for helping us celebrate!
Grandma Becker's entry for this day:
"Another day and a bit cooler. Baked choc. chip and oatmeal cookies for Charles to take on fishing trip to Canada. Connie stopped on way from work and left them at Charles'. Still phone calls coming. Fixed pork chop, cucs, tomato dinner. Home all day. Got my new glasses.
It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!
xoxo
Melody
Check out the Historic Occidental Hotel:
http://www.occidentalwyoming.com/our-story-gallerynav.html
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