This has truly been the year of the weddings for the high school graduates of 2002. My son’s friends are getting married in droves and we have been so fortunate to be invited to almost all of them! This weekend we are in Abilene, Texas. Abilene is in West Texas, about 3 hours west of Dallas. Usually a rather arid spot, with lots of scrubby mesquite trees and cactus. So imagine our surprise when we came upon a lovely lake home where the out of towners luncheon was held and the secret garden of a hacienda styled home on a ranch diplayed a lush semi-tropical setting! My mother and her family are from Abilene and I spent summers here with my grandmother. When we arrived at the fabulous mid-century contemporary houme on the lake for brunch, I was speechless. I didn’t even know that there was a lake there!
We were greeted with Mimosas on the patio overlooking the lake. Stepping down to the sweeping lawn under giant pecan trees, we had the opportunity to catch upo and visit with old friends before going through a buffet line. The brunch featured an egg casserole, smoked ham, fresh fruit a black bean and tomato salad, fresh fruit and the best smelling biscuits ever.
The wedding at the First Baptist Church (where my grandmother and one of my aunts attended) was a beautiful setting for the wedding. However, the reception was just breathtaking! Located about 20 miles from the church in the West Texas countryside down several dirt roads, we came to a ranch with a long drive… and thankfully, valet parking… A stone wall concealed the secret garden within!
This venue is actually the private weekend residence of the bride’s mother’s family… if I have my story straight! Every detail was well attended to and complemented the setting perfectly.
Garden View of the Hacienda
Lush linens on the tables under the tent and scattered throughout the garden provided ample seating. Well, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Looking toward the entry acoss the pool.
Flowers draped over the cross were in memory of the couples loved ones.Swags of flowers on the tiebacks for the tent.
Guest begining to arrive.
The entryway at dusk.
The bride's cake featured fresh, lush flowers.
