Do you have a wedding album to share? Romantic minds want to know.
We had a lot of fun delving into Western weddings in our May/June issue and we’re not done yet.
When newlywed Kristy Lee Cook sent photos of her recent Western wedding, we wanted to know the whole story.
Cook is the host of the Sportsman Channel’s The Most Wanted List and was among the Top 7 on Season 7 of American Idol. Originally from Selma, Oregon, she’s a barrel racer who loves horses, singing, hunting, fishing, softball, swimming, and being with her new husband, Lee Orr.
How They Met
We actually met online on Instagram of all places [Laughs].
Their First Date
He drove all the way up to Utah, where I was staying at the time, and came to meet me for a blind date for the first time on the 4th of July. We went swimming, to a rodeo, dinner, and a movie.
How and When She Knew He Was the One
We started talking about wedding rings within a few weeks, He told his friend he was going to marry me before we even met!
What the Courtship Was Like
After he drove 12 hours to meet me, he went home on Sunday, and then he flew back two days later. He went to my barrel races and took me to eat. We spent so much time together. He really knew the way to my heart, which was through my horses. Finding a man to support you in your passion for horses is not easy [because] they take on a responsibility for them as well. Not many want to do that. He is such a trooper.
How He Proposed
We went on a weekend getaway to Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, where we watched horse races — one of my favorite things to do. He told me he wasn’t feeling well, which I didn’t think anything about past, Are you OK? Not but a few minutes later popped up on the screen a note that read “Kristy, will you marry me?” As the announcer read it, I looked over at Lee and he was down on one knee. Explains why he was sick to his stomach. He said he had a really nice speech he was going to say, but in the moment he forgot everything and was so nervous. Of course I said yes, and everyone there was so excited for us and so complimentary and happy.
Said Yes to This Dress
My wedding dress was like a fairy-tale dress, like the Cinderella dress that was transformed into the perfect gown. It was from Tina Valerdi, who is based out of Spain. I sent them my measurements and got my dress shipped in, which is scary to do, because you never know what the quality is like or going to be. Let me just say, they exceeded my expectations: The quality, communication, style of the dress, and everything was perfect. I loved every bit of the dress and it was a huge hit at the wedding. I had numerous girls wanting to wear it at their wedding. It was absolutely stunning. If you want your dream dress, check them out! The hardest part is picking one dress out of their selection.
Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue
Honestly, I feel terrible saying this, but I didn’t have anything. I totally forgot about that part of it. I had to plan my wedding in two months by myself, so I was not thinking about that. Although, I still wouldn’t have changed anything about my wedding. It was amazing.
The Bouquet
My bouquet was done by Willow Design, Brittney Strathmann. She is absolutely amazing and does cascading bouquets. Mine was full of white lilies and roses, with greenery hanging down. It was so perfect and pretty. I wish I could have kept it forever!
The Cake
My cake was custom made by Sweet Stuff Cake in Medford, Oregon. The company sent me samples to try and I was able to pick it all and try it all 2,000 miles away! The cake was amazing and so tasty. It was an aspen-tree-themed, three-tier cake, with two chairs on top, and a little campsite setting with rifles, that said, “The hunt is over!”
What the Bridesmaids Wore
The bridesmaids wore Mac Duggal dresses — a light pink off-the-shoulder dress, which was gorgeous on them. What’s funny is I hate the color pink and ended up having pink in the wedding.
Where They Got Hitched
We got married at the Running Y Ranch Resort in Klamath Falls, Oregon. It’s the perfect spot, and a beautiful place, with tons to do for everyone — so many options of scenery and activities. Plus there is lodging, food, a spa, ice skating rink. It’s great for either a summer or winter wedding. The price is very affordable, and the communication is fabulous. You can't go wrong there.
Special Ceremony
We didn't really do any traditions; we kind of did our own thing. However, I did sing a song to him called “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain.
Special Songs
We had our song, Elvis’ “Falling in Love With You” and one of my bridesmaids, Lindsey Cardinale, who was on American Idol, sang our wedding song, “A Thousand Years.” She sang so perfect and it was so beautiful I wish she could have done the whole thing.
Memorable Moments
The best memory from my wedding day was having my whole family together, which doesn’t happen often — getting to see everyone I love in one spot. All my best friends made it there to support me and even rekindled an old friendship. The best memory was marrying my best friend and finally getting my fairy tale.
The Honeymoon
We are actually headed on a honeymoon in July to Cabo to my friend’s resort mansion. We’re going to go fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and have a private chef. It’s going to be so much fun. We also decided each year we are going to take a vacation trip. Next year is the back half to our honeymoon, and it looks like we are headed to Fiji!
Settling Down
We currently live in Amarillo, Texas, where Lee was born and raised. I am from Oregon and want to eventually wind up in Idaho. Our lifestyle is very busy. We hunt and fish, and I train and race barrel horses. We both are hosts on a TV show called The Most Wanted List. I'm also a mother to our 1-year-old son, Tillman, so I am always very busy, but we have a lot of fun!
Advice for Newlyweds
Make God the center of your relationship, and if you do, your relationship will thrive and will last forever! Take up the interest of your other half, because a huge part of making a happy relationship is doing things you both love together. Stay interested in their activities. Whether you want to be or not, you are a team now. I’ve found that the relationships that haven’t lasted are the ones where people stop caring about the other’s loves and passions in life, and that hurts your relationship in the long run.
Find out more about Kristy Lee Cook on her official website.
Photography: Mario Vaden (vadenphotography.com)/Courtesy Kristy Lee Cook
