Although we have been honored previously with several marriages taking place in the barn at our ranch, never before have we had one performed on a hill overlooking Live Oak Valley. The fact that the groom, Colonel Tom Norris, is my best friend and his bride, Danese Dunaway who has become a close friend, made the occasion truly special.

Tom and Danese

Tom and Danese first met when I was driving Danese and my daughter’s mother in law and Danese’s best friend, Pam O’Neal, around our ranch. We drove through Tom Norris’ ranch and found him working on his property and stopped for a brief introduction and chat. Later that afternoon we invited Tom to drop by our house for Happy Hour at which time he and Danese struck up a lively, largely two person conversation. As they say, the rest is history.

Two years later Tom and Danese asked if they could have their wedding on our ranch where they had  spent much time exploring in Tom’s ATV, a John Deere Gator, and enjoying many lovely Texas sunsets. Trudy and I were thrilled by their asking.

For both Tom and Danese this marriage was late in life. Danese had been divorced for over twenty years, was fully independent and happy. Tom had tragically lost his wife to illness about three years earlier and had suffered through tremendous grief only to accidentally find a new and beautiful life with Danese who redirected his emotions to a much happier state.

From left to right, yours truly, Colonel Tom, Danese, Pam O’Neal, and Bruce O’Neal (all photos courtesy of Trudy Hutton)

Tom and Danese chose to have a private ceremony with the Reverend Bruce O’Neal officiating, Pam O’Neal as matron of honor, Trudy as photographer, and me as best man. They wanted to be married on a hill I’d named LOV Lookout (LOV is taken from Live Oak Valley) or as the original Germans referred to these hills (as well as Danese) as mountains, hence, LOV Mountain. They chose late afternoon for the ceremony when the light is softer and appears magical followed by the traditional cake cutting, champagne toasts, and finally with the end of day being blessed by a Texas sunset.

Cake cutting taking place in the back of a Gator

Rings exchanged

Champagne toasts and laughter

The bride and groom standing at ranch entrance

Colonel and Mrs. Norris departing the ceremony in their John Deere Gator

While Trudy and I may be a bit prejudiced, we believe this was the most unique and joyful wedding we have attended. Congratulations Tom and Best Wishes Danese. We are so glad you found each other and thanks for sharing your excitement and happy times with us.

Tagged: cake cutting, champagne toasts, Live Oak Valley, LOV Mountain, Texas sunsets, wedding