Cowboy Weddings n Branding

Our Ceremonies are simple yet great. They are more than fine all by itself. We come dressed in western wear, usually in period clothing, cowboy hat and will carry a holstered Six Shooter if all the same to you. (We fix'em so they only shoot blanks) And our charge for the service is discounted for for new business this month to just $175. And with a "Branding Ceremony" or any other services ordered the officiant fee is waived. We have additional offers for your consideration. The Branding Ceremony is by far the most exciting service offered brides and grooms since we can remember. It's our creation and is inclusive and interacting with your guests making them part of the special day. Included is the Conference meeting where we learn about you and the families, Brand Design, (your logo) Branding Iron, Artwork and Camp Fire. Also, to spice up your service with or without the branding a pose member can be present. This cowboy is available to seat guests if needed, swipe a few gifts at gun point, entertain the youngins, but most of all, when I ask if there are any persons thinking about objecting to your marriage, the cowpoke saunters through the guests with an itchy trigger finger sending a message that there better not be anyone objecting or it will be his last idea. Once the guests are cleared he will turned to me and say, "Go ahead boss, there ain't none out here." He will also, upon the pronouncement of Husband and Wife start shootin up the sky like Yosemite Sam might do. The cost for pose is just $150 per member. Booked rates are honored no matter how far in advance. We have Props and Cowboy Games which we can discuss later.

This depends on the service requested. For a simple service, its always nice to meet in person as it makes for a much more personal ceremony. But we do not require such a meeting and a phone call can suffice, either way we don't charge for the time. The Branding Ceremony does require some face time in order that I learn your stories and who will be honored at the camp fire. Also together we design your own personal brand, which can be used throughout your entire event. If you have pose, its a good chance to choreograph whatever you wish to happen.

I have been doing ranch style weddings since 2004. During my career I wanted more for the bride and groom. The unity candle and sand deal are tired and guests have seen it done a 1000 times. The Branding Ceremony is like slowing down a country western song and taking the family back to grandma and grandpa carving their initials in the big oak tree. I thought about how grandparents are unfortunately ignored or just not thought about. Parents are much the same. The Ceremony honors the families of the Bride and Groom for making such a great persons, which the other has chosen to love. Its become a way for one to thank the others family and show the values won't be forgotten as the couple "ride for their brand.' Since the ceremony is my invention we are improving it all the time and each ceremony is customized to the couple and the family so my training never stops.

At my ranch we rented it as a wedding venue. Soon the clients wanted our catering. Then they wanted horses involved or other services and opportunities. We had fun with the couples and their families and sooner than later couples asked me to preform the service. Including the entire family became a trademark as well as ingenuity. And now we bring the flavor of the Country Ranch directly to your event.

I have couples of all ages from all walks of life. The story is the same one no matter who they are as values are shared and love of family is expressed.

I did a wedding for a couple and at the rehearsal dinner I overheard the brides brother say to another family member how sad it was that "Dad" couldn't walk 10 feet without crying in pain. The Dad was the father of the bride. He was a policeman and was shot a few years earlier in the knee cap. He also needed a hip replacement as well as both knees needed the same. Since the bride was a little girl sitting on those knees of his, he told her that one day when she was to be married that he would walk her down the aisle while she sat side-saddle on a horse. It was their thing, their story, just the two of them. Now here they were the night before and there was a quiet lament over his inability to complete his fairy tale promise. The next day, I had a crew saddle a horse and hide him in a panel truck not far from the ceremony site. The truck had a side loading door and was parked in such a way that only one side could be seen by guests. I was to walk with the bride into the ceremony and then conduct same. Without being noticed we drove to the door side of the truck. The Bride not knowing what was up became concern as we were off script. The horse came down the shoot and I put her on side saddle. She immediately began to cry. I told her to buck up and not screw up her make-up. I walked the horse with her on-board right to the back of the seats. I looked at her Father and gestured to take the lead, He stood tall and said he would take it from here. He made those 10 steps or so full of pride, honor and love for his little girl. He felt no pain only joy.

I'd say, viva la difference and have fun doing it. Stay away from the stuffed shirts. Don't settle for you Dad's officiant, this is your day. Assume the role of being the wedding producer. Surprise your guests every chance you can. Lastly, look for tradition in non-traditional places.

Ask the prospective officiant when was the last time he rode a horse? That will tell you how serious he takes himself. Remember pride in work does not necessarily mean one must be serious all the time. The ability to laugh and make laughter are critical in making your guests enjoy your wedding.