Way back when, in the early 80s or perhaps even the late 70s my youngest brother was working in Nelson BC where he met and fell in love with his now wife. Well the rest of the family all fell in love with her as well. They made a great couple, sharing their love of travel and their very individual senses of humour. They married in 1985, got a dog and eventually gave birth to a daughter.
As Carli was growing up she delighted us with her self confidence and her intelligence. She seemed to always know her path. From an early age she decided that she wanted to be a teacher and soon after that, to be a wife and a mother. Check, Check.
Once she and friend Chris started dating it was obvious to those around her that Chris was a special guy. He was also studying to be a teacher and he came from a family of teachers. He is also kind, ambitious and a gentle soul that people gravitate to.
Last night Carli and Chris got married. It was a wonderful, fun event with the bride and groom's own stamp on the affair. What a treat to meet Chris' family and his circle of boisterous friends that call their steady friend Chris, "Dad".
We were encouraged not to take photos during the ceremony so my photos begin shortly after the Bride and Groom walked down the aisle as Man and Wife.
The ceremony was short but full of both seriousness and humour, the funniest bit was Chris saying that he promised to watch the rest of Gilmore Girls with Carli and that he expected their future children would need to do the same.
I would love to share some photos from the perfect venue Bird's Eye Cove situated near Cowichan Bay.
My Mom aka Grandma to Carli with DH Keith
Great nieces ~ I will not name folks to protect their privacy.
Niece #1 holding her sibling Nephew #1, with her amazed husband looking on.
Who knew she was this strong!
Niece and Nephew #1s with their beautiful families.
Can you see Bumpa's reflection in the window?
Sorry, I love them so much I had to post multiple pics. I just could not bring myself to delete any.
Just 1 more
The equally loved other side of the family.
Great (or is it grand?) nieces.
great nieces and great nephews
Sistas!
Awwww Grandma with Granddaughter #1
and again
My 3 brothers. One is honourary, can you tell which one?
Brother 1 with his beautiful Partner.
The BEST
Parents of the Bride!
Grandma with members of Chris' family in the background.
Hey, there is me and my DH.
I was sitting adjacent to where the photographer was setting up group shots.
I hope it was Okay that I took shots of my own?
Setting up the Bridesmaids and friends of the BRIDE.
Parents and Groom looking on.
Aww yes, this is nice.
Now ladies, look at Carli.
Groomsmen and friends of the Groom next.
With the Groom's family.
Everyone looks so happy.
This was a very happy wedding!
Grandpa G and Grandma M ~ grandparents of the Groom
with Grandma S ~ grandmother of the Bride
Aww Carli and Grandma.
And check out how Beautiful Carli is in her wedding dress ...
even more beautiful than usual!
Chris and Carli with her Parents and Grandmother.
Proud and Happy Momma.
Niece In Law #1
Carli with her best friend and honourary Sister and Maid of Honour.
Dresses Flowing in the Breeze.
Honourary Brother's son with Niece # 3
We decided that HBS is a stronger man after having been used as a doll by nieces 2,3 and 4.
They used to dress him in dresses and apply makeup.
Luckily rather than seeming scarred this young man has turned out just fine thank you very much!
Nephew 1 with sister aka Niece # 3
Brother # 1 with his daughter Niece # 3.
Handsome great nephew # 2.
Aww finally, this is Niece # 2 with her love.
DH took this perfect photo!
DH took these very long distance photos. They are a bit blurry but I like how they show the spirit of the subjects.
We were fortunate to be seated with Nieces 2 & 3 at dinner...
which was delicious by the way.
Excellent venue and talented caterers!
Many folks gave speeches, this is Parents of the Bride.
I love how all the speeches were so different.
A high point was the Bridesmaids singing a song that they had written to the tune of "Oh What a Night". The groomsmen, not to be outdone did an energetic dance routine.
Nephew in Law #1 was the DJ, he kept the dance floor full and happy.
Wasn't That a Party?!!
Oh and I might as well post this too.
Breakfast, the morning after.
