Fall Farm Wedding

Yesterday was one of our happiest events of the summer at Squash Blossom Farm - the wedding of our two former interns, Bethany and Brendan. We are tickled to have played a small role in this love story and to provide the setting for its culmination in marriage!

Bethany and Brendan lived with us for five months three years ago and were integrally involved in many aspects of the farm, from bread-making to gardening to cow-milking and coop-cleaning. So, it was delightful and appropriate that they took many farm photos in their fancy wedding garb.
Cleaning a cow shed is a good test of whether you can get through deep manure together!

Bethany and Brendan always volunteer for coop-cleaning duty when they visit --but we made sure the coop was impeccable this time before they arrived for the wedding.

Another good rule for marriage: when life gives you muck, wear muck boots!

Calf break.

The pampas grass makes a dramatic wedding portrait background.

Breathtaking.

Minutes away from becoming husband and wife.

In the meanwhile guests arrive,

sign the  guestbook and write messages on cloth for a prayer flag banner
.

Gifts are deposited in the Willys truck.

Brendan’s sister performed a gorgeous original composition for the wedding ceremony.

Brendan and his parents proceed toward the ceremony.

Bethany and her parents ready to proceed.

The farm stage makes a lovely  wedding venue. The ceremony...

the ring...

husband and wife...

Yes!

the kiss!

Tears of joy...

laughs of joy!

Time to bustle up the dress and party!

The canoe bar -- perfect for a pair of wilderness camp staff.

Brendan had brewed delectable beers and mead for the wedding.

Bethany wore her grandmother's wedding dress, which her mother and aunt were also married in!

Lucky and happy groom!

Our talented daughters, Sara and Cadence, planned, prepared and presented the food, made from local, organic and farm ingredients. Special thanks to our WWOOFing intern Lynnette and friends Miriam and Betsy for their invaluable assistance.

The chefs.

Everyone seemed absolutely delighted by the food. Many people told me it was the best food they have ever eaten at a wedding.

We made 60 wood-fired pizzas.

Sara made 20 scrumptious pies in assorted flavors for dessert - inspired by the bee theme of the two B’s, Bethany and Brendan, served with organic vanilla ice cream.

FInally, a beehive pinata, filled with honey candies.

If a beautiful wedding, surrounded by loving family and friends in a wholesome, picturesque place can portend a happy future, Bethany and Brendan should have a wonderful life together indeed! Congratulations, dear Brendan and Bethany!

Intern-al Workings

Saturday after the Farmer’s Market, we said farewell to Jessica, our 3-day-a-week WWOOFer since April.  She is off to experience other farms.  We will definitely miss her! Not to mention,  her meticulous weeding and wonderful baking. The critters, especially the cats, are bereft.

Late Sunday night, our 2011 interns, Bethany and Brendan arrived to spend a work day and do some wedding logistics planning. They awoke at dawn Monday morning to help me round up the meat chickens; it was the day of the dreaded event, the trip to the poultry processor.

Brendan caught the escapee.

Forty two meat chickens and three  additional roosters ready for their last adventure.  These are  Poulet Rouge/Freedom Ranger  chickens, and they have been such amiable and funny birds. They sound like kazoons when they crow, which is especially endearing.  They had become quite large, so will make generous, delicious roast chicken dinners. Even though I  have raised meat birds many times now, I still cried a bit when I delivered them.

While I drove the truckload of chickens to the processor, Bethany and Brendan weeded. It was a hot, sultry day and they took a well-deserved break in the shade of the grapevine. Their wedding (at Squash Blossom Farm!  is just  a month away, and they radiate happiness.

Hey, I saw that.

In the afternoon we sat down and talked wedding details.  So organized, Bethany has a portfolio of planning spreadsheets on Google docs. Everything looks under control so far, It is going to be so much fun.

All day, WWOOFer Lynette worked in the steamy hot kitchen, roasting and then freezing pans of tomatoes and making cheese.  I mowed the yard and pastures and when Rog got home he mowed the trail, where he found this beautiful, perfect giant puffball, which we shall eat tonight. Lynette was delighted - she is a major mushroom fan.

Wordless Wednesday: Second Spring CSA Box of 2014