A Wyoming Reception (Part II)

OK. Enough boos and hisses from the peanut gallery. I know I'm in trouble because it appeared I was going to share details of our Wyoming reception yesterday, but then I didn't. I promise you this time I will. For real.

(Disclaimer: I'm also going to break one of my long-standing rules, which I have only broken on a few occasions. I've decided to post photos of people—real, live people—from the reception. Just a few, mind you. But if I don't, there won't be much to see except for a few exterior shots. And I decided you need to see a bit more than that.

So I apologize in advance to everyone who didn't realize they were going to make it on the blog. Except I don't apologize to Conservative Hubby. He threatened to sue me once if I posted a photo of him on the blog, but now that we're married I've decided that it would be awfully silly of him to sue me. So scroll on down for a photo of the handsome fellow enjoying Wyoming.)

As I mentioned in my last post, the reception occurred in the tiny town of Centennial, Wyoming. Conservative Hubby and I stayed at the Mountain View Hotel, along with My Family and extended family and friends. I think we had the whole placed rented, actually.


Most of the rest of the guests were right across the street at the Old Corral.


It was nice and rustic—a real Wyoming treat from what I hear. Those guests who arrived late were told they could find their keys taped to the door, and when the computer system went down the proprietors just wrote room assignments on a big marker board. So anyone who wanted could have moseyed on down the hall to say hello to Conservative Mom and Dad, who were tucked in among quite a few of our rowdy friends and family members.

The site of the reception—the Trading Post Saloon—was a quick walk from either of these fine establishments. It's just what you'd expect from a Wyoming saloon—lots of wood, a big roaring fire in the fireplace, antlers for railings, the whole bit. Needless to say, we didn't feel the need to do much decorating.


The shindig started out with cocktails (with a few of the locals who were at the bar thrown in for good measure—can you pick out the ones who don't belong here? I don't think you'll have a clue).


My Sister and I even got to talk our lovely Grandma C and Auntie J on the phone/computer for a bit. It was exciting to see them and give them a taste of the Wyoming reception even though they couldn't be there in person. (Conservative Hubby said hi too.)


Then it was time for dinner. The parental units sat with us at the head table, right in front of the fire. It was lovely, although it did get a bit toasty. I think my fake fur-lined boots were a bit too warm for the seating arrangements.


Then it was on to the important stuff, like toasts from our terrific fathers. A few wonderful friends toasted us too, and then we did the requisite cake ... er ... cheesecake cutting.


After that, the dancing began. It started with our "first dance."


And then the parents joined in.


And then it was a free for all, and we all drank and laughed and danced the night away to a terrific local band.


I even had to change out of the boots for a while, because it got a bit warm on the dance floor. And My Sister and I took turns wearing our Grandpa Charlie's cowboy hat, which made the evening so much more special.


Perhaps I'm speaking out of turn here, but I have to say, I think a fun time was had by all. At least I know Conservative Hubby and I couldn't have asked for a better evening. It was a blast, and we're so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family willing and able to make the trip to Wyoming in the middle of winter.

All I can say is thanks, pardners.


(By the way, if you're itching for details of the actual wedding, you'll find a few details and a link to some stellar photos here. And thanks to Uncle H for taking such terrific photos of the big party!)