Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to join my old university roommates to celebrate the first wedding in our group. I have been friends with these girls for almost nine years and I can’t imagine not having them in my life. Even if there is months between visits and phone calls, it always picks up right where we left off.
Garrett took this great picture of all of us doing what we do best – laughing together. The beautiful bride, Colleen, looked absolutely stunning and I have to admit that I teared up when I saw her enter the chapel.
Colleen and her fiance husband, Kevin, are both avid cyclists, so the theme of the wedding was a tandem bicycle. When you entered the building there was this adorable bike planter out front with a little bride and groom.
I have to admit that these build-a-bears are pretty adorable. There was also a talented young bagpiper leading us to the chapel with his music.
The chapel itself was goregous. Lots of warm wood tones, gathered fabric and sparkling chandeliers.
First up were the bride’s lovely niece and nephew. The little girl was in love with her mayflower-like bouquet to carry down the aisle, but the little fella wasn’t so convinced with his kilt and pillow. He had a little meltdown mid-way down the aisle, but thankfully he dad swooped in to safe the day and distract him with the violinist behind us. (Maybe he has a future in string instruments?)
The bride’s beautiful sisters and best friend were the bridesmaids. Her mother (who is very talented) made ALL the dresses, including her own AND the bride’s. That takes some serious seamstress skills. Didn’t they turn out lovely?
And here is where I lost my cool and couldn’t take very good photos as I started to tear up. When you see one of your favourite people in the world celebrating their big day and all the adventures that lie ahead for them, it’s not easy to keep your composure. She looked perfect. The epitome of grace and poise, with her mega watt smile the whole time.
I wish I’d taken a better picture of the dress to show you all the intricate lace and beadwork, but you can see it a bit here.
I wasn’t the only one tearing up. I caught a few friends with sniffles and even the groom had to try and hold it together.
Walking back down the aisle as Man and Wife. Or should I say Man and Doctor! Yes, the bride also just graduated from med school and is now a doctor. Oh and she does Ironman Competitions. Wonder Woman, I tell you.
While they headed out to take some photos, we made our way to the patio for refreshments with some of my university friends.
We were joined by our gracious hosts, Dave and Alison, who let us crash in their guest room that night.
Jess (her man was on away on training) and Mel came too. I love both their dresses. Perfect for a warm spring night.
Doesn’t this dress have a Kate Middleton quality to it? Especially the royal blue colour.
…but Garrett was quicker than us and caught this one where I was making fun of her wiping her face before the photo. At least he didn’t catch us blinking, right?
My date, of course, was my handsome boyfriend, who was such a good sport to put up with hours of all of us girls reminiscing.
Last minute (as in less than 24 hours before the wedding), I found this black lace dress after there was a bit of an accident with the original dress I was going to wear. In the end it worked out perfectly with this sweet black sequin handbag that I wanted to take. Garrett’s mom gave it to me for Christmas and I had been waiting for the perfect occasion to use it. It is the perfect size to hold all the essentials!
After drinks, we headed back inside for the reception. How awesome is this hall? I love the exposed beams and the high ceilings.
The entire room was decorated very tastefully, with lots of fresh flowers.
There were full of hydrangeas, roses and trailing flowers. Gorgeous.
Back outside with our guys for a break from all the dancing. Very dashing…and so tolerant of all our giggles and inside jokes.
At the end of the night, Jess took home the centrepiece. Look at how big it was! I wasn’t kidding when I said they were massive.
The “Dude Ranch” was a nickname for our house. As well as “The Blondes”. I still get asked “how are the other Blondes doing?” when I bump into old friends.
Our over-danced bride jumping in to be the damsel in distress. Don’t worry, a pirate, Minnie Mouse, devil and phantom will save you. Great times with some funny ladies 🙂
Congratulations to Colleen and Kevin! And thanks for including all of us in celebrating your special day.
And for all you fellow Queen’s University alumni out there, we had over 20 Queen’s grads there spanned over 3 generations….and we all gathered on the dance floor to do the Oil Thigh together. For those of you that don’t know, this is our university’s 117 year old cheer that is sung at almost every major event, and especially after a touchdown in a football game. Most of it is in Gaelic (our university has Scottish origins), but somehow we still managed to remember it all. At great way to send off the happy couple 🙂
