So..we got kicked out of a wedding reception...I think?!

My guess is whatever conservative religion it is doesn't want his not as conservative and secular family and friends around.

JamieLynn- I'm in Iowa City! If you were in the Amanas, there is an even chance that are that they were Mennonite. There are probably even numbers of Mennonite and Amish there, though there are several other smaller religious groups in the area as well. You handled that situation beautifully, well done. I'm sorry that things worked out the way that they did. Next time...WW meet up and drinks! I'm 10 minutes away! lol

Also, I'm glad you found the outlet mall. I'm going there next week...just because. I love that place!

I don't even know what to say, what a crazy story

What a shit show, you're a great friend for going out to buy a new outfit.

LoL I was so curious I did some googling. I think Jess is right.

I think it sounds like we've almost got enough Iowa girls here for a WW meetup I think there are 5 of us by my count...

YES!! WW Girls of Iowa! AK, Jess, Athena, & Trisha - am I missing anyone? We should for sure have our own little WW Social! I'm in!

What the heck!!! I would've left after they asked me to change. The groom should have backed you up. Edit: spelling

Me too!

I was the lone Iowa girl here for a looooong time, LOL.

Ok i did some googling again not that anyone but me probably cares but they could be Inspirationists, they dress like the amish but are a different religion and make wine.

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amana/origins.htm

Or I would've been like "yes let me change into my Amish attire"

The whole time I read this, this is the only thing i could think about...

I just read this whole post, and I am crazy curious for more details!! You are going to have to message him and ask and then share with all of us!

Also, I agree that you are a saint, I would not have gone back, and I probably would have said something not so nice to the lady who asked me to cover up.

Wow! Every time I am in the Amanas I feel like everyone is really welcoming/accepting since it's obvious I am "English". I feel like most of them don't have a problem with how the English act/dress as long as it is not over the top but it sounds like this was a very different group than I have encountered before. You are a trooper for running to buy new clothes. I love Tanger Outlet so honestly even with the best of intentions I may have just stayed there and shopped instead of going back to endure more stares and unwelcoming attitudes.

ETA: spelling

I think you should get a hold of some of his family members to see what's up.

Holy moly. This is so strange. Did I miss it...do you plan to ask him? Or leave it be.

Kat88- Another Iowa girl? Okay, yep, we need a meet up! And it seems like we all get pretty excited about the Tanger outlet, might as well get together there!

Tanger meetup!!!

Agree with Tara. She would have been shunned for marrying an outsider, so obviously, the groom has converted and is Amish as well. The fact that the groom's family and friends weren't there--should have been a clue that they did NOT approve of the marriage.

Another tip-off should have been the dress of the Amish bride--which is typically blue, rarely, if ever, white.

I believe I would have respectfully told the "Amish police woman" that I was an invited guest of the groom--and was there to celebrate a 15-year-long friendship outside of the Amish religion. I would not have left and gone shopping.

Your friend put you in a very, very awkward position in the first place by not informing you that it was an Amish reception. But I suspect after his conversion, that will be the last you hear from him anyway.

YES YES YES! When and where? I'm in!