The Prettiest Wedding Yet

We just raised the bar for weddings @ The Windmill. Since we opened in March of 06, we've had maybe 12 to 18 weddings out here. All of them have been pretty. All of them special. All of them perfect (and not so perfect) in their own special way. But the wedding we had out here last Saturday NIGHT for Kendall and Cade was hands down my favorite.
I think it's because they had it at night. The contrast between a jet black ski and tiny, bright twinkle lights always gets me. Plus, there was a chill in the air. It felt like winter and the families did a fantastic job.
Pardon me, but I gotta tell the story in chronological order. Otherwise, I'll get lost. First, all brides get access to WRP Friday @ 12pm before their big day. We do this for chaos control. Things will change. Decorations range from BIG to little. So, we always include plenty of time.
Usually, families want to get here @ sunrise on that Friday. But in this case, I bet the family didn't show up til 5:00pm. In fact, I took a nap waiting for them. But when they arrived, they were ready to go--no messin' around, if ya know what I mean.
We had a fun rehearsal Friday night with an absolutely INCREDIBLE spread prepared by the groom's dad, Tim Owen. I'd still want to know how he bbq'd his shrimp. All had a good time, me too.
By the next morning, it was full steam ahead by 9:00am. Kendall and Cade picked one of our arbors for the ceremony. We already had twinkle lights under each one, but the family added dried mesquite, spray painted white with twill over the altar.. In the daylight, it looked great, by night time... WOW!
The family said 100 would come and 100 came. We all huddled under the portable heaters, but from what I could tell--everything went off without a hitch. At one point, I looked up and said to myself: "I sure hope someone's getting a picture of this." Then at another point, the crowd gasped as a shooting star shot across the pitch black, starry night.
Thanks to Pastor Tommy (Colonial Hills Baptist), he had Kendall and Cade kissin' and I doin' pretty quick. It was pretty cold out there. So, I'm wouldn't say I saw people running for the heat of the pavilion, but put it this way: no one was slowing down to chit chat.
You know a lot of folks wanna have a big sit down meal for their reception. DON'T DO IT! It's a waste of money! We do our "Walking Hors' deourves". It's great. People can roam, visit, and gnosh til their full.
Once we had folks in our big pavilion, the waiters began cruising among the guests. The menu for Saturday started with: Baby New Potatoes stuffed with a cream cheese, bacon, chive mousse. Then, we served stuffed mushrooms with pecorino, romano cheese and finally prime rib or chicken kabobs withe marinated fresh veggies.
Sounds good, eh? Our chef is new. She's worth a million bucks, but don't tell her!
After the big eats, the crowd enjoyed incredible cakes made by the groom's sister, Whiteny Owen. I knew they were good after I tried 'em and then looked up and spotted one of our waiters off in corner stuffing his face like he had only one minute to eat til' he was full.
After that, the fun became a big party. Good music, good dancin' and good times. The families left this morning after a big ranch, continental breakfast and a lot of laughs.
So if you see them around town, you might wish Kendall and Cade Owen congratulations. And if you see the bride's family, Cindy and Jackson Brewster, or the groom's family, Tim and Trussia Owen, give 'em a pat on the back. They're great folks and we're all the better for getting too enjoy a few hours of their lives.
Good people. Good times. Thanks for letting us play along.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200