"Redneck Wedding" down on the Farm

On Friday, Sept. 24, my "little" brother, Steve, was married to his sweetheart, Rena, down on the farm. Rena loves the family farm in Carleton and decided that is where she and Steve should be married. So, I flew in early and helped my mom with some cleaning, organizing and moral support before the big day.

So, we had to have a dress rehearsal. I found a couple of items in my mom's bedroom that were "perfect" for the "redneck" (as Rena said it would be) portion of this special event. The hat was given to my mom by some organization that she just couldn't bear to throw away. So, I decided it could be the head dress of the bride. We also found some flowers that were "perfect' for a bridal bouquet.

Well, Steve didn't have anything so we decided to change the attire and include a few more items that were necessary for the event.

The head dress went to Steve, the new bonnet went to Rena and Mom found these neck ties in the "cold room" that were perfect. Ok, so they weren't really going to happen, but we did have a great laugh.
We then needed to have a rehearsal of the "first dance" of the Texans. I think Steve is trying to figure out how he got out of the garage with tractor number one.
Here they are trying to get back into the garage to put the tractors to bed before the big day.
Ok. That was all fun but now for the serious event. Here are Steve and Rena walking down the "aisle" to the archway to get married. They almost went the other way, but cousin Dave steered them right and they went to where the guests were waiting for them.
So serious listening to Preacher Gil perform the ceremony.
They are husband and wife!!! YIPEE!!! If you look carefully in the next picture, you will see a small John Deere Tractor hanging down in the middle of the trellis. That is their version of a mistletoe.
Ok, already. You said it was going to be short and sweet so we could all go and eat!!!!
They did dance on the mini tractors to the "Big Green Machine", a country western song.
We had to get a few more wedding pics with some family.
The Groom, Mother of the Groom and Bride, what a great picture.
Family together again - all of my Mom's children in one place.
Children and daughters/sons-in-law pose with Mom before we eat.
The "feast"...chicken, Golabki (cabbage rolls), Pierogis, sauerkraut/sausage, potato salad, pasta salads, fresh veggies, fresh fruit, jello dessert, chocolate truffle. Yummy!!!
A great tasting cake - notice the mini tractors in the field...yep, they are stuck!!

I missed the cutting of the cake, but got the after picture which was probably better anyway.
Since Rena didn't carry flowers, this centerpiece on the chocolate fountain table made a great background for showing off the rings.
The bride at the end of the night. She was tired.
After a trip to Niagara Falls, they stopped by Mom's to open their gifts. Steve did a great job of reading the cards - what a hoot.

I made them a Dale Earnhardt lap quilt with pillow shams. They were quilted by my friend, Donna with flames and #3 over the entire quilt. Had to have a little red, nascar and #3 somewhere near the ceremony - couldn't be all John Deere green.

What a wonderful weekend. We are so happy that Rena is a part of our family. She is so sweet and funny and fits in perfectly. Congratulations, Steve and Rena....may you have a wonderful life together.

And, Mom, we made it. Got it all done and it was the perfect place. Thanks for putting up with all the changes and cleaning. We all love you!!!