Sarah Beth & Ron Arthur of Santa Fe, Texas
Married June 28, 2008 - Silverton, Colorado
At 9 am on Saturday June 28, 2008 Family and Friends gathered at the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Station in Durango, Colorado for an old fashioned wedding. Western Union Telegrams were sent out 6 months prior informing guests of the wedding plans. Clothed in period Western wedding attire, the couple and 25 guests boarded the historic 1880's Presidential class parlor cars “The General Palmer” and “The Nomad” for the three and one-half hour train ride through 46 miles of spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest to the old mining town of Silverton. Traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive history was brought to life by the sights and sounds of cowboys and the Old West from over a century ago.
The morning train ride was complimented with pastries and mimosas’. Guests enjoyed the scenery by relaxing in several seating areas including a Victorian style parlor car, lounging area, and a large outdoor viewing platform. The bride, mother of the bride and Matron of honor prepared for the wedding ceremony by getting ready in the private stateroom of “The General Palmer”. The strapless dress of all white sateen, white sateen bolero jacket and veil were gently laid on the iron post bed. The white leather Victorian lace boots sat on the footstool. A small velvet pouch contained the antique diamond flower pendant necklace from the bride’s great grandmother. An antique blue broach was attached to sheer white ribbon holding the brides bouquet of spring green hydrangeas and green roses together. As the final curl of hair was put into its place, a white silk flower was pined in the brides’ hairstyle. The train whistle blew informing the passengers that the train was approaching the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado.
The bride pulled back the heavy Red Velvet curtains and emerged from the stateroom. As the bride was escorted off the train with the help from her flower girl, she saw her groom in his attire for the first time. From his cowboy hat, boots, ascot, gold paisley vest and western duster frock one would have thought they were taken back in time. As the groom glanced at his 1890’s silver pocket watch, he knew it was time. With a smile beaming on his face, the groom approached the bride and as she stepped off the train platform, he kissed her hand.
At the Silverton train station, the bride and groom were greeted by local firefighters who transported them by the Silverton Fire Department's 1929 Pumper to the historic 130 year-old church. The marriage of Sarah Beth Maddox and Ron Arthur Ringstaff took place June 28th at First Congregational Church in Silverton, Colorado The First Congregational Church of Silverton is one of the oldest Congregational Churches in the state. It was established in 1878. Sunlight beamed through the old windows creating a lovely glow on the bride and groom. The Matron of Honor and Best Man stood on either side of the bride and groom with best wishes. Vows were exchanged as the flower girl holding the brides bouquet gazed upon the bride in awe. As the couple were pronounced man and wife the flutist played classical selections as they walked down the aisle. Family members congratulated the newly weds outside the church amongst the yellow wildflowers and snowcap mountains.
Following the ceremony everyone re-boarded the train for the return trip back to Durango. As the couple stood on the back platform of “The General Palmer” with a just married sign, the groom tipped his cowboy hat, the bride blew a kiss and they waved good bye to the town of Silverton. The journey back to Durango was enough time to celebrate and host a reception. Chicken croissant sandwiches, pasta, and assorted fruits were served onboard the train in the parlor cars of “The Nomad”, as the bride and groom prepared for the cake cutting in the sitting area of “The General Palmer”. Old fashioned wood toys were placed on the tables for guests to take as a memento of the old fashion western wedding. It was a picture perfect moment with the ambiance of the historic Train cars, the amazing views of rivers, mountains and wildlife, the sounds of the chugging of the train, and friends and family all gathered to share this special day for Sarah Beth and Ron.
By 7pm the Train pulled into the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Station. The wedding guests and newlyweds departed from the train with high western spirits. Durango's Main Street was occupied with wedding guests as they strolled to the Diamond Belle Saloon at the historic Strater Hotel. With costumed dance hall girls and bartenders catering to the guests, the evening was spent feasting, drinking and listening to the old ragtime music of the piano bar. As the night came to an end, the good old western frontier days would never be forgotten for Sarah Beth and Ron. It was the wedding of the western turn of the century for Durango, Colorado.
Great photos!
Posted by: Billy | November 06, 2008 at 04:54 PM