The Reception: Bryan, Ohio

 Greetings:

It is now public besides being official. Rittichier friends and family gathered in Bryan, Ohio to celebrate the happy couple. The theme here was simplicity and the rural nature of Bryan. When you have a couple of artists creating this signature it fittingly complemented the home residence of Alexa’s family.

Not quite “amber waves of grain” but pretty darn close. It was originally a strawberry farm that had its moment but was partially parceled and sold to provide college educations for the young women. Guests could be seen approaching for miles as the Midwestern grid allowed for uninterrupted views of the horizon. Ron had dutifully zipped and zapped on his Gravely mower/tractor to set the tone for the yard as back drop and gaming field. Behind the house was the big, beautiful barn that would be the headquarters of the party:

Guests would be directed to an open parking area and then guided to the enchanted entrance for the reception:

Chip and Derek had industriously and cleverly produced this beckoning archway. The bricks weren’t yellow but one followed a similar configuration to the porch to be met and greeted by the sets of parents of the bride and groom and to sign in (see guest book above). Should you wonder what to do next those busy little elves had conjured a directional composite:

 

Though it was tempting to head right for dinner and dancing there were some games that would be available for festive ambiance.

Not to be out-done by the elves, Chris had collated the official croquet layout from his iPhone and directed the field configuration:

Should one be ‘roqueted’ there was an even chance one could wind up in Indiana given the expanse of the terrain.

Then there was the ‘B’ section where one could take on teams in Bags and Bocci replete with stands for ardent fans:

 

And of course you remember Have Jenga, Will Travel:

Alexa certainly knew what she wanted with her table motif and had her crack staff (Carma and her sisters) busily configuring the party tables.

Amazing what can be done with a barn, no?

The food was excellent with a favorite of risotto stuffed portabello mushrooms.

One of the Kentucky touches was in the beverage category. There is an original ginger ale that had caught Chip’s fancy, Ale8 1 (A late one). One can do the proper research and understand why there was a large tub of it for the taking.

The sisters of course were still having a blast with their reunion:

Chip and Alexa insisted on a break from conventional wedding folderol and ignored any clinking and classic decorum.

A significant section of the barn had been set aside for dancing and pretty soon after dinner the sounds of “Footloose” were amping up that Ohio milieu.

And remember those red shoes? They were flyin’ in all directions:

Eventually everyone was outside and were afforded a special treat of spectacular fireworks that would rival any town’s July 4 celebration. So as not to allow hunger or energy to be a concern during these festivities, an outdoor stand was set up with long metal stickers, hot dogs and smores components arrayed on a graduated pedestal. The next hour or two was a community of satisfied diners, dancers and devotees basking in the glow of the fire exchanging anecdotes centered around the happy couple.

Just as a final note let it be said that as wonderful as this party was, it was rivaled by the bonding with the Rittichier family during the week. Chip is lucky and grateful to have Alexa in his life. The family is a lottery bonus. Peace.