Once in a Lifetime

One month ago, Seth and I were proud to be able to attend the wedding of our two good friends, Ramona and Gabe. This was not your typical walk down the aisle and say "I do" wedding. No. This was a traditional Navajo wedding. A traditional Navajo wedding on the Navajo reservation near Monument Valley. With the ceremony taking place in an honest-to-goodness hogan. How's that for awesome?

Seth and I were both super excited when Ramona told us that they'd decided on a traditional Navajo wedding and that they wanted us to come. There was no decision to be made. We were going.

Ramona and I have been friends for over 10 years. Seems weird it's been so long. She and Gabe have been together for longer than that so it was only fitting they seal the deal. Seth and I are so happy for them. What a great couple.

Now I won't go into a ton of detail because pictures say it better, but I wanted to show a few pictures of the preceding activities and the wedding day itself. What a cool experience.

The inside of the hogan. I love being in there.

Ramona's family butchered a few goats and sheep for the festivities so Seth got in on the action.

At Goulding filling up the water tank.

Ramona's sister, Joann. Best basket weaver in the West!

Hanging out in the shade house to get out of the heat.

After the ceremony. Aren't their wedding clothes amazing? I think that was my favorite part! (that's the hogan in the background)

Ramona and Sylvie. Best buddies.

Me and Joann. She's such a cool lady.

The amazing wedding cake Ramona's cousins got for her. No I didn't make it... I just got to do the final touch-ups!

My dad got to come along as the wedding photographer. Not a bad gig, eh?

 

 

There were a few baby goats around so they got some cute pictures with them (this is one of my dad's pics)

Ramona's mom making some dry bread. (another of my dad's pics).

 Those are just a few of the pictures I have. You can see a bunch more from my dad on his Flickr page. It was such a neat experience and I was so glad to have been invited to be a part of it. Ramona even let us participate in the ceremony which meant a lot. She has always been such a good friend to me. What an honor to be a part of something so special. Congratulations you two! We wish you the best in your new life together!