Minister Matt: Dearly beloved friends of Wedding Oak and Tourist, we are gathered here to…read morecelebrate their union in plant and human 'matt tree money' (looks up and holds hand out).
Let me tell you about this historic old oak.
Even the Best Man cannot find it without directions. From San Saba's main street, turn north on 9th street at San Saba High School, and go about pig's run (i.e. 1/4 mile). Turn left onto China Creek Road, proceed about a mile and you'll see a large tree next to the road on the right (east side) of the street.
From a distance, it doesn't look that big. But when you are under it, you see many huge thick branches.
The tree is over 400 yrs old. Most marriages don't last that long.
Near the small historical marker under the tree, I saw a yellow ribbon on the fence, where someone Tied the Knot.
Historical Marker says the legend is that prior to European settlers arriving, Native Americans (Indians) were wed under the tree (this was probably especially true in hot summer; or, if there was a Shower.) After observing the Indians, the settlers adopted the wedding tradition. Soon, for the Indians, the Honeymoon was over.
(singing) "Here comes the ride! Here comes the ride!"
The vehicle traffic that passes under the long drooping branches results in a Grooming of the tree that looks like a tunnel, with a Veil of leaves hanging to the other side of the road.
Minister: Repeat after me. Do you, Tourist, take this tree, Wedding Oak, to be a favorite oak; promise to be a loving and loyal observer, to cherish and honor it in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other oaks, to be faithful only to it as long as y'all shall visit?
Tourist: I, tourist, take you, Wedding Tree, to be my favorite tree, to have and to hug from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer soil, for pouring rain, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until pruning do us part. With these tree rings, I pledge my faithful love.
Minister: I now pronounce you tourist and tree.
Tosses the bouquet: ....... ( ( @@@
If you are Engaged in wine tasting, I urge you to go to the namesake Wedding Oak Winery in San Saba. Walk down the aisle a bit, and you will see a good painting of this tree's oak bark.
The Reception? Some cell phones' reception is poor in these here parts.
Well, that takes the cake. I hope this review lives Happily ever after.