Alex and Mauricio's wedding ceremony was on the ranch, in the middle of the open prairie. The exact spot for the ceremony itself was picked by Ladd, who knows every inch (centimeter!) of the ranch—and it turned out to be the most perfect location. But the idea for the cross came from Alex and Mauricio, who from the beginning of the wedding planning process envisioned it being in the backdrop of wherever their ceremony turned out to be.
In all honesty, I wasn't sure about the cross. I grew up Episcopalian and tend to be more understated (quiet) in matters of faith, so while I understood the heart behind what they were wanting, I was a little worried that a big cross on the ranch would seem...I don't know, a little much.
As usual, I was wrong. Dang, I hate it when that happens!
George Catechis, from The Fleuriste, had a wooden cross constructed just for Alex and Mauricio, and when we showed up for the rehearsal on Friday evening, it had just gone up. I immediately loved it, as it looked like it belonged in this exact spot.
While I'd been a little concerned when George told me how large it was the day before, I thought the scale and proportions were just right for the Oklahoma countryside.
I missed the memo that the cross would be decorated in flowers before the ceremony, and I thought it was just gorgeous as it was.
But then we arrived at the ceremony and this was waiting for us.
It took my breath away, and I immediately vowed to myself to pipe down when it came to any future conversations regarding crosses being erected in any of our pastures. Ha!
Most importantly, the cross was so fitting for Alex and Mauricio, who share a common faith.
(And for Alex, who shares her weird mother's love for flowers.)
On a side note: We've gotten a lot of comments that we should leave the cross where it is and keep it there forever. I love the idea, but since this is a working ranch and the cattle were put back in this pasture two days after the wedding, the cross likely would only serve to become a scratching post for the cows' backs and wouldn't remain upright for very long.
At least the memories will always be there!
Ree Drummond is the founder of The Pioneer Woman and a lover of butter, basset hounds and life on the ranch! Ree started her blog in 2006, and now millions visit ThePioneerWoman.com every month for her trusted recipes and fun family stories. Here’s what she has been up to since it all began:
New York Times Bestselling Author
Ree has written two memoirs (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, and Frontier Follies) plus nine bestselling cookbooks:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (2009)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier (2012)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays (2013)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime (2015)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! (2017)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier (2019)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Super Easy (2021)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready! (2023)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes (2025)
Food Network Host
Since 2011, Ree has been sharing simple, family-friendly recipes—and the occasional kitchen prank!—on her award-winning show The Pioneer Woman, filmed right on Drummond Ranch. Ree is also a regular judge on Food Network competitions, including Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Founder, The Pioneer Woman Collection
Ree has been creating and selling kitchen and home products at Walmart since 2015 and she’s involved in designing every piece and pattern. The line now includes best-selling appliances (you have to see the floral blender!), plus hundreds of pieces of cookware, tableware, and more. Ree doesn’t like to play favorites but the Agatha print has a special place in her heart.
Restaurant and Hotel Owner
Together with her husband Ladd, Ree has opened several bustling businesses in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile—a bakery, restaurant, and general store that draws visitors from across the country (many come for the biscuits alone!), P-Town Pizza, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, and The Boarding House, a charming hotel with eight different rooms decorated by Ree and Ladd.
Media Personality
Ree appears regularly on national TV shows like Today, Good Morning America and more—all while managing to keep flour off her shirt.
Wife, Mom and…Grandma!
Ree’s kids (daughters Alex and Paige and sons Bryce and Todd) are all grown up, and as of December 2024, Ree is the proud grandma of the cutest baby ever, Sofia Scott, born to Alex and her husband Mauricio. Ree still cooks for Ladd (and the kids when they’re home), and she also looks after a few mischievous ranch dogs.
