Pies and BBQ For The Best Rustic wedding

UPDATE: If you have been reading my blogs, you know that I'm an author of TigerFish, a memoir, and I also work diligently at minimizing single-use items, plastic or otherwise, and opt for eco-friendly products whenever possible while practicing minimalism.

Imagine my joy and pride when our daughter planned and carried out her wedding in an almost eco-friendly and minimalist wedding without my input!

Aerial View of the American Wedding Ceremony

Post Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony Party

Here's a beautiful video of her wedding, directed and produced by the groom's uncle Doug Keeve at  http://theartistscompany.com/keeve/  Instagram @dkeeve

When Nat, our daughter, announced her engagement, her mother-in-law and I vouched to stand by in supporting roles to fulfill her wishes. I'm happy to report that we kept our promise and stress at a manageable levels, no bridezilla mom or mother-in-law for the two of us. The only downside was that we both suffered "Post Wedding Blues" of having to leave our families and friends with whom we treasured spending time together immensely.

Everyone pitched in and followed the bride-to-be's spreadsheet for their scheduled tasks for both Vietnamese and American Wedding ceremonies. 

 Ranch Wedding 

Pictures of the front and back pasture of their home in Damascus, Oregon 

Rented wedding tent, furniture and accessories

Everyone pitched in and followed the bride-to-be's spreadsheet for their scheduled tasks

• She rented everything to cut down on accumulating material possessions and waste such as cloth napkins, tablecloths, chairs, tables, benches, tent, glasses, plates, silverware, ice chests, lightings, and PA systems for the speakers and their toasts. (Benefits: Minimalism and Sustainability)

She rented everything to cut down on accumulating material possessions and waste

Wedding Vegan Treats

• Their wedding invitation and RSVP were online, The Knot website, and no paper or stamps waste. (Benefits: Zero-waste and EcoFriendly)
• Nat worked with a local Portland, Oregon dressmaker, Lena Medoyeff for her American traditional white silk wedding dress. It's a simple sleek line design with no train or veil. She had one made for her Maid-of-Honor in silver silk. (Benefits: Local and independent business. Fair Trade. Sustainability)
• For the traditional Vietnamese wedding, Nat also worked with a local Portland Vietnamese seamstress Kim Phuong Ao Dai . She wore the same headdress I used at my wedding 33 years ago. (Benefits: Local and independent business. Fair Trade. Reuse & Recycle. Sustainability)
• The bridal shower and bachelorette party consisted of a weekend glamping at Pt. Reyes Natural Seashore in California where the bridal party showered the bride-to-be with gourmet food, wine, and love. (Benefits: EcoFriendly and Sustainability)
• The wedding party didn't spend heaps of money for the traditional rituals, clothing and accessories! (Benefits: EcoFriendly and Sustainability)
• Both bride & groom requested no gifts, but if someone insisted otherwise, money was the option for their ranch improvement funds. (Benefits: Reduce gift wrapping waste. Ecofriendly and Sustainability)
• Instead of a wedding cake with a bride and groom topper, Nat chose local berries and peach pies by Lauretta Jean's Pie Bakery because who doesn't love pies? The bangin' bonus is their pies came in Pyrex dishes which are useable and Nat hinted that families and friends could be getting some pie gifts at some point! (Benefits: Local and independent sources. Sustainability)
• In keeping with her ranch style home and outdoors setting, Nat favored the local and independent BBQ caterer, Sugars who served up some pretty mean pulled pork, brisket, corn bread, and mac and cheese that anyone who's not a vegan or vegetarian or bashful would line up for seconds and thirds. (Benefits: Local and independent sources. Sustainability)
• Vegans and vegetarians didn't have to suffer or went without delectable dinners or desserts. Nat personally selected and picked up a variety of dishes and sweets from New Seasons, a gourmet and foodie heaven of a grocery store nearby.
• The centerpieces and other flower arrangements came in bundles from a Hmong farmer who lived down the road from my daughter's house. My tasks, amongst others, was to pick these up and I met the hard working lady as she filled out the last items for the delivery. (Benefits:Local and independent sources. Sustainability)

The wedding party didn't spend heaps of money for the traditional rituals, clothing and accessories!

Rented table settings & local flowers

• Nat also used small mason jars adorned with twine and paper name tags for Sangria at "Happy Hour" to prevent mix up and reduce waste. (Reduce plastic use and waste. EcoFriendly and Sustainability)
• All drinks came from either glass bottles or aluminum cans, no plastic bottles or straws.  (Benefits: Reduce plastic use and waste. EcoFriendly and Sustainability)
• We donated my husband's red, white and sparkling wines from recyclable bottles. (Benefit: No plastic waste)
• There were no guest party favors unless someone wanted to take a mason jar with the bride and groom's names on them. (Benefit: Reduce waste)

Finished DIY Bouquet

• Instead of rice to shower the bride and groom, we used my home grown lavender seeds, dried rose petals mixed with bird seeds and filled the compostable paper bags for each guest. (Benefits: EcoFriendly)
• Friends and families gathered around the bride and groom, showering them with love, supporting them by performing different tasks like disc jockeying the dance music, officiating the wedding ceremony, setting up and breaking down the large party tent, tables, chairs, and helped eat the leftovers the next day. (Benefits: No chance of getting multiple blenders. Reduce waste)
• No embarrassing traditional garter belt flinging, no tossing of the bride's bouquet (Benefit: Less waste)
• I put together a slideshow last minute, and it was a big hit. Everyone seemed to cherish the pictures of the bride and groom's from their childhood, growing up years, and their courtship days. It brought a lot of laughter, oohs and ahhs, and a few tears for sure the parents and grandparents. (Experience over things. Benefits: Sustainability and Zero Waste entertainment)

Overall, I love and respect my daughter's decisions to use local sources for many of her wedding necessities from dresses, flowers, food, desserts, and fruit for the Happy Hour Sangria.

Here's to the newlyweds, starting their lives together on an almost ecofriendly and minimalist beginning and living within their means! 

May their lives be filled with love, laughter, and lots of pies!

Newlyweds cutting the pie