The day before the wedding a convoy of cars set off for the Wild Horse Sanctuary http://www.wildmustangs.com and the sacred site of the Lakota Sundance, where Matt and Rebecca had been given rare permission to have their marriage ceremony. It was a hot afternoon, and driving through this beautiful land, with the herds of horses grazing, the Cheyenne River winding its way through the ravines, and then the Sundance site with its colorful Tree of Life in the center of the circular arbor, I was deeply moved by the beauty of the place, and what a privilege it was to be able to have the wedding there.
Our our way to the wedding rehearsal
one view from wedding site
Another view – the Cheyenne river
Wild horses in the sanctuary
Tipis at the ceremony site
Ceremonial Tree of Life
Buffalo skulls from Sundance the week before
Matt and Rebecca describing the order of events
Matt transforming for the rehearsal!
Sofiah and Amelia awaiting instructions
Planning in the shade
Cheyenne River next to reception site
Wild horses in the river by the reception site
sharing a glass of champagne after the rehearsal.
That night the Burns family hosted a barbecue at our house. There must have been 80 people. Despite the late arrival of the meat, (bison, of course, which was still in Matt’s car) and us forgetting to buy forks, a good time was had by all! It was a pleasure to meet and bring together our extended families and friends.
The morning of the wedding we held a foot-washing ceremony for Rebecca in the garden. All the women in our house prepared a lovely summer brunch, which we took out onto the grass and sat on rugs around Rebecca. This is a tradition we have done for many weddings, as a preparation – to symbolically wash away the old that is no longer needed, and oil the bride’s feet to prepare them to walk into her new life. I had collected wildflowers and sage to put in the water, and Bec chose henna oil, which opens the feminine aspect. Very appropriate! While we were massaging her feet, different women spoke to Bec of their wishes for her. When we finished, she was taken into a shady spot under a tree and three of her friends gave her a full massage and manicure and sprinkled her with rose petals from the garden as she rested.
Our lovely breakfast
Our sacred oils and locally gathered sage with an antler I found on a beautiful morning walk, that later was included in Bec’s bouquet.
Bride’s footbath. (Actually the inside of a crockpot, the only vessel big enough in the house!)
mama and little sister massaging Bec’s feet
Tender loving care
Part 3 – The wedding, to follow soon
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