The Raven, a bird that can live up to forty years, mates for life and is an integral part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. It also was the theme bird for the wedding, and graced the invitations and wedding programs. The morning of the wedding, as we sat on the deck of the cabin and I did Andi’s hair, we saw two ravens fly by. We took it as a good omen.
The wedding celebration officially began on July 2nd in Yellowstone, although we didn’t leave until the morning of the third. The wedding wasn’t until Saturday, the fifth, but in the mean time there was plenty of hiking, water rafting, horseback riding, and general site seeing to be done. It was Wyatt’s first time in Yellowstone since his childhood, and he thought it was pretty amazing. He definately wants to return to do some fishing. Since we had the babies we were somewhat limited in our choices of activities. But we had a great time seeing all the wildlife and spectacular vistas to be found in the park.
On the morning of the wedding I awoke bright and early and went to help Andi make boquets, boutineers and corsages for the wedding. We used wildflowers–yellow snap dragon, blue lupine, white yarrow, and other various foliage found nearby to make the flower arrangements. Then I did Andi’s hair while Lexi (Andi’s sister) was on detail control–making sure everything that needed to go got in the car, etc. Finally we were ready to go. I drove with Andi (and her dad and Lexi) while Wyatt and the kids went with the rest of the wedding party to Artist Point. We (the Bride Party) went to the Outdoor Office at Canyon to change Andi into her dress and take down her hair. She looked so SO beautiful. The last charming touch was her hiking boots. Wyatt asked earlier if she was going to wear hiking boots to her wedding, and I told him she was, and he just shook his head and laughed and said “She is SO YOUR FRIEND!”
Since I was Matron of Honor/Photographer I ran ahead of her and the bride party to tell Dan to start playing the music (Wildflowers, by Tom Petty, only he played it live on his guitar), and then turned around to take pictures of Andi “walking down the aisle.” Once they got to me, I just jumped in line and walked in with everyone else.
The wedding was overlooking Artist Point, about a hundred yards from Lower Yellowstone Falls. It was so beautiful, although literally on the side of a cliff. I took turns standing on the side as a Bridesmaid and moving around to take pictures. But the whole ceremony was just lovely, especially because I knew how much it mean to Andi.
After the ceremony, and a day of driving around the park to get various pictures, we returned to the cabin rented by the Kierst for the reception. It was a lovely dinner and a great time enjoying the happiness of my best friend.
The honeymoon? Well, first Andi and Jeff are taking a severe back country hike to “Fairy Land” in Yellowstone, a hike Andi has already attempted twice. I hope this time they make it. Yellowstone back country is pretty rough.
Then they’re rushing back to Dallas to catch a flight to Africa where they will be on Safari in four different countries for 19 days.
Congratulations Andi and Jeff, I love you guys!