Their Way

Three tiered “tree stump” serving platters. That’s what did it for me. Not the pie in place of wedding cake (although that was unique and delicious). Not the backdrop of Mt. Gould and Mt. Wilbur (although the view was stunning). Not the Red Bus ride before and after the ceremony (although that was pretty cool). Not the wedding dress the bride made herself (although it was beautiful). Not the suspenders and hats the groomsmen wore (although that was a stroke of genius). Not even one of my best friends acting as officiator (although that was bizarre yet fitting all at the same time). It was the log serving platters. They were such a minor touch. Yet they solidified things for me. Ron & Jessie’s wedding was a memorable thing to witness…let alone be a part of. Four summers in Glacier National Park transformed me. I think I’ve gone over that ad nauseum. But it’s done just as much, if not more, for the life-long friends I found there. I first met Ron in 2002. We were just acquaintances at first. But over the next four years, we grew into good friends. I first met Jessie during my last summer…in 2005. It’s the same story with her. We became closer the longer we knew each other. They are just two examples of how the park brought some special people into my life. But for Ron and Jessie, it was even better. They met each other In Glacier and eventually fell in love. None of what I experienced can top that. It’s only fitting they got married in Glacier. It was simply the only appropriate place they could do it…the “right” way to go about things. But they didn’t only do it the “right” way. They also did it “their” way. That’s what impressed me so much. In the beginning, I was worried about the disorganization and lack of specifics. They’re both well aware of what I’m talking about so I know I’m not offending them. But I noticed something happening in the days leading up to the ceremony. It was slowly donning on me just how perfect things really were. The final realization didn’t come until right before the ceremony. I saw Dave going over his notes and preparing to marry two of his best friends. (Dave is a de facto father of our quirky group and there was simply no one more fitting to fill that important role). I finally donned the suspenders and hat I was supposed to wear for the wedding. (I knew the look Ron was going for but I wasn't sure I could actually pull it off). I marveled at the homemade dress Jessie wore. (Jessie is crafty individual and I had been wondering what her vision of a wedding dress looked like). I saw the wedding party being transported in a Red Jammer bus. (The “Reds” are one of the many unofficial symbols of the park and there’s no better mode of transportation to choose in this scenario). I looked up and noticed the incredible backdrop of the Many Glacier Valley. (The valley’s mountains were the backdrop to our seasonal lives and this new chapter simply had to take place beneath them). I saw the pies being placed on a table in place of a wedding cake. (The pies from Park Café were a dessert staple for anyone who lived and worked in Glacier). Then I saw those serving platter logs. I never would have had the forethought to include those in wedding plans. Much like a wedding cake is tiered, these logs were different sizes. On the highest one sat a fresh strawberry pie…the king of pies for my friends and I. All I could do was grin from ear to ear. This was a damn cool wedding.