Wedding day was wonderful! We awoke early on Saturday. We overstuffed our compact car with baby goodies and wedding gifts for our nomadic journey to the Islands. After three or four cups of coffee and a light breakfast, we hit the road.
Our aim was to catch an early ferry out of Tsawwassen, but wouldn't you know it, those ferries were overbooked. Instead we took the scenic drive through Burnaby and along the #1 to Horseshoe Bay.
Little Man hates the lineups but loves the ferries. He gleefully staggers around on the outside deck chasing his shadow until his hair looks like Kramer's and his mother looks like a see hag from the high winds.
On Saturday, however, our chase-fest was cut short since I had a speech to finish (okay, START) for the wedding that afternoon. Instead Little Man walked around inside with his Daddy saying "hi, lady" or "hi kids" to everyone on the boat. His friendliness attracted everyone's attention... which was a good thing otherwise we might not have bumped into my brother!
We had a great visit with "Uncle Steve" and got to see pictures of his new baby daughter (who at the time was STILL nameless). Little Man suggested "Ta-da!" but Steve just shook his head and smiled.
The real fun began, of course, when we got to the wedding.
First a disclaimer:
Please note that no wedding is easy to organize. However, organizing *anything* in our family is like herding cats. Only these cats are high on catnip and have eight legs a piece and they're hearing the can opener at the neighbours at the same time as a three day old case of tuna falls off a truck at the end of the block.
Case in point:
*Two members were abandoned at a ferry terminal in their track pants after gardening all morning. (Don't worry, it was the right ferry terminal, and they had a change of clothes under their gardening gloves in their backpacks!)
*One teenager arrived in a flowing white dress only to be gently reminded that usually just the bride wears white.
*One bridesmaid didn't know she was a bridesmaid, as she had been asked while under the influence of painkillers following dental surgery. (She just happened to have a brand new dress in the appropriate colour hanging in her closet!)
*One bridesmaid nearly forgot her dress at the ferry terminal, and had to rely on a ten year old to remind her to go back and get it. (OKAY FINE!!! It was me!)
*The same bridesmaid was abandoned after the ceremony (along with her husband and young son) when her ride forgot to return to the ceremony site and pick the young family up. She missed an hour of the reception but arrived just in time for introductions, a few photos, and of course, dinner!
But we all got there. And a wonderful time was had by all.
The outdoor ceremony was a hoot. I mean that joyfully, without a hint of malice. It really was FUN! The flower girl had just finished an acting class, and thought it fit to add some melodrama and ballet moves to her procession up the aisle.
Guests came as they were -- it was Gabriola, after all, and it was delightful to see the contrast of people standing in the crowds. From a few gentlemen in suits to a human tie-dye exhibit (hot pink hair included) or my personal favourite; a thirty something guest whose face was painted up like a butterfly!!
The bride and groom were ridiculously in love. Made me a little nostalgic for my own wedding, and a little jealous that we hadn't opted for an outdoor ceremony!
And the reception was great... we had more than three baked potatoes, but I was right about the pasta salad!!! I stopped counting at four salads, and heard there were several more in the fridge. The chocolates didn't melt, and there was a smorgasbord of choices for dinner. There was enough cake to go around, and happy smiles from all throughout the reception.
I gave my little speech, and heard a delightful dedication from the groom's sisters to their big brother. The clouds opened up just after the bride and groom made their speech together, revealing a gorgeous rainbow through the window behind the head table.
When we headed for an early ferry back to the big island, we were entertained with the most beautiful thunder and lightning storm I'd ever seen! I was worried the couple would think it was a bad omen... but they thought it was beautiful; a natural fireworks show to top off a perfect evening.
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