The Actual Wedding and Reception

It would be unfair to not tell you some of what we experienced at the wedding. I was the first one to get my hair done at 8 am. I incorporated some bling which is actually a clip to put on a collar of a garment, but showed like a charm. After running up and down the stairs, putting my make up on my bed, with a large mirror, then finally putting on the dress for the day, answering door bells, getting instructions from the flower arranger, making sure we all have tissues, cameras breath mints, Ron and I left earlier with our corsages, and bridal flowers. The limousine arrived at the house around 20 minutes later, picking up the five bridesmaids and of course the bride.
The weather was hot and sunny, as we pulled up to the church we could see that the doors to the church have not been opened. There was a line up outside, as the groomsmen have not yet arrived. The senior gentleman who oversaw the church that day kept the doors shut, until the groom and groomsmen arrived. I was running around in the back putting the bouquets on a cart, still kept in water till the last moment. My rose kept falling in various directions on my dress, but remembered that it was ok to have it poised downward as well. The single pin just did not want to hold it up. Finally, the men arrived and the doors were opened. I had a few words with the pianist, who seemed to know where he was to go. As for myself it was a blur even which direction the church doors were, from the back entrance. Near the entrance doors,  there was a frame of several photos, of those who have gone before us, fairly recently; grandparents of the bride and groom, and Deborah of course. This implied that they were present in spirit, and of course we know that to be true.
The bridal party appeared to be afraid or delayed in coming out into the hallway from where the procession was to take place. I thought it was so the groom does not get a glance at the bride early. In any case, the mother of the groom was not there, and the doors were closed, so the groom could not start walking us down, until someone pointed out to him that the door has to be opened, and that we were ready. This seemed like an eternity, but it probably was just five minutes or so.  Once I was seated, the bridal party came down as couples.One bridesmaid had two groomsmen in acknowledgment of the additional bridesmaid we would have had, had Deborah been alive; thus the additional groomsman. At the reception head table, later, we found an additional space for Deborah with her photo, and candles.
The flower girls were adorable, the music subtle, and beautiful, the vows, tremendous and true. Big cheers and clapping, the registrar has been signed, and the rings exchanged. Teary eyes, and big smiles were the norm of that day.

A Photo Booth-- The Groom's hockey coach from Toronto standing next to the groom.

 I don't know who took the flower arbor down, or got my white table cloths that reach the floor, (so thankful I got them back) or any of the pom poms that adorned the pews, I simply focused on getting to Stewarts farms for more photos. The dedication of the three photographers was admirable beyond words. Sean Witzke is the man in charge of the photographs, a true artist, you will soon find out. He did the audio recording of Deborah's funeral as well, and we were so blessed to have him take on this big role of photography and sound. After the photo's in the barn and the dock, I and my husband rushed home to get some comfy shoes for one of our girls, some Advil, and something the bride forgot. We also let the dog out.  Then we were off to the reception where guests were already piling in. I had three or four things to do. Pay the macaroon baker, fill the vases with water for the bridal bouquets, and get additional candle holders in place. All this was followed by many visitations, getting a few words in with our table guests and welcoming more as they came in the hallway. The photo booth took up a large space at the entrance of the hall, with big curtains that were not appealing, but it was the only spot apparently with enough electric plugs. The ambiance inside the hall was spectacular, with candles and tea lights, and draperies. Table numbers, menus even for those on a vegetarian or gluten free diet were options for the 4 or 5 course meal. Prayers began the night followed by; Oh yes! Appetizers , prawns, New York Steak, potatoes, red peppers, asparagus all adorned our plates. Then fruit plates to follow with dessert, and cake.Cake and dessert table, macaroon towers filled one space, and a candy table another space.  The speeches followed, superbly delivered by the best man, and brother of the groom . Sister Sarah and Mother (me) of the bride also delivered some hilarious, and some serious reflections to the new couple. Speeches ended with the bride and groom thanking everyone for their presence, with special acknowledgements to their head table and parents. I am sort of rushing writing this so I can savor the memories, as it just got better after all of this. The party began.