“I do!”
"Do you take...."
"I Do!"
Highland Cattle bring people together in the most joyful ways. Many years ago, a professional photographer from Maryland was visiting Vermont. He emailed and asked if he might stop by to take some pictures of our Highland cattle. He, his partner, and I had a lovely stroll around the pastures with our cows and calves, with both Owen and Annie snapping pictures as we walked and talked.
Soon beautiful pictures of our fold were sent to me along with a box of exquisitely fragranced and packaged soy candles. Through the years Owen and Annie have stopped to visit when in Vermont, either at the Farmers Market or here at the farm. This winter while in Vermont, another visit to the farm was planned by Owen and Annie.
As would have it, the Vermont weather was not cooperative. With a brutal storm and road closures we all decided it was not safe to try to make the trek to the farm.
“I guess we’ll just have to plan a visit during your next trip,” I said sadly.
“There was something important we wanted to talk to you about. We’ll just have to tell you on the phone. I’ve asked Annie to marry me. We would like to get married at your farm, if you will let us.”
In January, October seemed like a long way away. A few texts, a phone call or two, and then all of a sudden, the big day was here! It would be just Owen and Annie, Ray and I, and a Justice of the Peace. Ray arranged for a congregation of our Highland cattle to witness the ceremony. Spreading a sweet-smelling bale of second cut hay along the fenceline adjacent to the pasture where the ceremony would take place assured the cattle would be happily munching away as Owen and Annie exchanged their vows.
With the beautiful fall foliage just past peak, and the Green Mountains of Vermont and Adirondacks of New York aglow in the late afternoon light, everything would be perfect. Although natures altar needed no additional beautification, flowers were added to frame the wedding couple. Annie would be wearing the dress her mother had designed and worn to her own wedding in 1960, sixty-five years prior.
Something was missing. Ray thought Annie needed a bridesmaid. And he had just the girl to fill that role.
Shat Acres Demi Moo, orphaned at just one week old when momma Shat Acres Danica succumbed to mastitis and needing to be bottle fed, Demi loved to be combed and spend time with people. Now six months old Demi would join the wedding party, making the perfect day even more perfect. I purchased a tiara for the furry bridesmaid to wear, but Demi was having none of it. She preferred to attend go au natural.
Highland cattle bring smiles wherever they are. What better way to add more joy to an already blessed day than by having four-legged, fuzzy, Demi Moo as bridesmaid for the sharing of vows? Owen and Annie were first acquaintances, brought together by Highland cattle but are now dear and cherished friends. xo