Our wedding will be held at Ella's parents' home in the Methow River Valley in central Washington state. The house was completed in October of 2007, and Ella's parents moved in the moment it passed the inspection!
Alex and Ella's wedding: Rancho del Valle
Building the ranch
The Bradens have spent time in the Methow Valley for as long as Ella can remember. As a child, she helped Mom and Dad build the cabin on their land near what we call Texas Mountain, several miles from the river up in the hills on the saddle between Texas Creek and Cow Creek. The cabin has been a family refuge for years; New Years in the snow has become a tradition, Byron has treated the family to delicious fresh venison and we have enjoyed many a peaceful moment at the family's second home.
Upon their retirement, Wendy and Byron decided to leave the Seattle area and live year-round in their beloved valley. Wonderful as the cabin is, it's not suitable as a full-time residence, so they have built their retirement home in the valley. The construction process was hard but wonderful work. Byron and Wendy have built their dream home together (with some help from folks who have done this before!).
In October 2007, the house was completed and passed inspection. Ella's parents moved in that day, and Byron immediately took advantage of their new kitchen!
Ella, Alex, and Byron move the irrigation equipment.
Painting the doors of the under-construction house.
The house in winter.
The house in the landscape, seen from across the Methow River.
The Cabin
It's a little log cabin, 24'x16' with a loft and everything that you really need in the world. No running water or electricity, but there's a wood stove, books and the family.
Byron, Wendy and their family friends began laying the solid foundation in 1985. With the aid of her alligator squirt gun, Ella kept everyone cool. Since then, she and the cabin have grown up alongside each other.
In all seasons, it's a place to relax and take a deep breath, forget what day of the week it is and just enjoy the moment. Winter brings great skiing; many a friend has been introduced to the joys of exploring the silent winter woods.
Spring brings the sunflowers, lupine and yarrow. Everything is green and growing and blooming. We will share some of this beauty of the spring hills in our wedding.
Summer is the dry season. There's plenty of dust, but the breezes over the ridge keep it cooler than down in the valley.
The cabin and the land are deeply ingrained in Ella, and sharing that part of herself with Alex has truly been a joy. The valley is a perfect setting for this joyous celebration.