An Intimate Elopement On The Homestead

Bob & Lisa Watkins, innkeepers & owners of Arlington's River Rock Inn, specialize in romantic getaways. Sometimes a romantic getaway includes a destination wedding. Bridal couple Jeff & Shalice planned a trip from their home in Oregon up to the River Rock Inn not only for a getaway but to also say "I do"!
Bob suggested taking some footage of their ceremony, which took place last year. So, with his handy camera in hand, he was able to capture the vows & ring exchange footage for their family and friends to see. (It was an elopement style ceremony, with just the witnesses and bridal couple.) Since Jeff & Shalice are lovers of the outdoors, Bob had also suggested taking us out to "the north forty", which overlooked a beautiful section of their property. We even had a view of a building that was built back in the early 1900s, if I recall correctly!

Here's a little footage of this intimate, romantic celebration. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1TmK9uJgDg

"Funny" How Things Work Out

Kirsten & Adam are a couple that I served this last April. They had an intimate elopment-style wedding ceremony at Arlington's River Rock Inn (www.riverrockinnbnb.com). I am a lover of stories and did the rings that Kirsten and Adam have tell a story!

Kirsten and Adam had decided that they wanted to have an old-fashioned, elopement -- the kind where you take off onto an adventure and get married in front of God, a minister and two witnesses. The innkeepers, Bob and Lisa, stood in as the witnesses and I, of course, as the minister.

I had the chance to work with Kirsten and Adam via email, as we planned the details for their celebration. I had asked whether or not Kirsten and Adam had decided about whether they would exchange wedding rings. Since they were planning on having a family celebration in the future, they were unsure. As wedding day approached, Kirsten informed me that they did get rings and that they would be exchanging them during the ceremony. (At the time, I didn't know that there was a story behind the rings. Was I in for a suprise!!) With vows and ring exchange wording selected, I was ready to meet this LMP and deputy district attorney in person.

On a beautiful spring day, I performed their ceremony in the picturesque, woodsy property that the River Rock Inn is nestled in. The peaceful setting, the melodic sounds of birds in the backround surely set the mood. After a brief ceremony, it was official -- and Adam kissed his bride!

When we moved from the back patio to the inside of the lodge, I prepared their paperwork. I can't remember who started telling me the story but it is one that I won't ever forget.

Adam and Kirsten explained to me that the night prior to them checking in for their honeymoon weekend at the River Rock Inn, they had gone to visit Adam's mom. Before leaving, she had presented them with wedding rings that had belonged to his grandmother and great-grandmother. Now, keep in mind, no one knew of their plans for the next day.....Even more amazing, both fit perfectly onto both Adam and Kirsten's fingers! Need proof? See the picture of these rings on their hand above.

Some may say it's a coincidence. Others may say that it was meant to be. What do you think??