This time last year we were full steam ahead with preparations for Molly and Andy’s June wedding.
The ceremony and reception were being held at a picturesque farm… and not just any farm. Molly’s family has been on the dairy farm for three generations, and she’s the fourth. Not to mention, Molly grew up in 4H and entered a dairy cow every year at the county fair.
It was important to the bride and her family that the tie to the farm and dairy cows be part of the décor, but it couldn’t be the main focus. Even a devoted 4H-er doesn’t want a cow themed wedding.
Bringing in touches of cows… we had to get creative. Mom Lyn, a former county commissioner, had lots of leftover yard campaign signs. A talented friend had used them to make a life-size cardboard cow a few months back.
Lyn really wanted to include the cow in the wedding, and so the idea for the seating chart was born. That same friend brought the cow to life with brown paint and white doilies. Initially we talked about using cow ear tags as seating cards, but when we found some of Molly’s vintage 4H ribbons I knew what we’d do next.
Remember, sentimental finds are great for decoration, but you don’t want to ruin
anything for the sake of a good vignette. We wanted to use the 4H ribbons, but wanted to keep these special family pieces intact. So, we bought inexpensive ribbon and clear mailing labels. We printed the guests’ names on the mailing labels and stuck those on the cheap ribbon. Then we tacked that piece into the vintage award ribbons. You couldn’t tell the difference, and when the wedding was over the sentimental awards were as they’d always been.
When guests began arriving they were directed to make their way up toward the house
where they could enjoy a cocktail and sign the guest book before the ceremony. The cow waited in greeting, standing under the Magnolia tree where Molly’s parents and grandparents had been married. She was a conversation piece, photo opportunity, and just the perfect touch of ‘cow’ our bride had been hoping for.
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If the cow piqued your interest, check out more pictures of Molly & Andy’s June wedding in the photo gallery.