Published: August 25, 2008 04:50 pm            

Couple weds at historic Wardville Courthouse

The rustic mid-1800s Wardville Courthouse blended the past and the present Saturday morning when it became the setting for a modern wedding.

Ronny McBroom, justice of the peace for Precinct 1, presided over the wedding of Alicia Ridlehuber, 18, and Brandon Bourg, 23, in the small wooden fixture in front of several dozen family and friends.

“This wedding is probably the first time since the mid-1800s that people have been married here,” said David Murdoch, president of the Johnson County Heritage Foundation. “I think the location is fantastic.”

Murdoch said he loves the concept of using the historical building for a wedding.

McBroom echoed Murdoch’s sentiments, saying the wedding’s location was special.

“I’ve done quite a few weddings at ranches and lakes, but this location is unique because it’s so historical,” McBroom said.

The judge met Ridlehuber at Burger Bar, a local restaurant where she works and he frequents, he said, ands he has known her for several years.

Ridlehuber said using the courthouse to hold the ceremony was her idea, and both the judge and Bourg liked the location.

“I just liked the way the courthouse looked,” she said. “I liked it because it was old and traditional.”

The couple decided to wear contemporary wedding clothing instead of trying to match the period atmosphere, Ridlehuber said.

“I thought the location was pretty neat,” said her father, Bill Ridlehuber.

The courthouse is located at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, west of Lake Pat Cleburne.

The couple resides in Rio Vista.

        

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