Only a little over 6 months late but…. ENJOY… sometimes reflecting back is a warm fuzzy all its own!

FIRST obligatory adorable kitty pics! 

The 10th of October marked the beginning of what I believe is already an AMAZING marriage. My oldest friend marrying the absolute love of her life! And Ken and I got to be a major part of it!! I was the MAID (see she knows how to make a girl feel young) of honour to stand next to her Man of honour. Ken got to be the driver of the bride and so much more.

Sitting in the fancy ride (the GMC thanks to the loan of the inlaws) having a pre wedding sip.

The wedding was definitely not a classic church wedding and it suited them to a T. Hand fasting, an actual KNOT was tied (I kid you not… cords representing different parts of their marriage knotted in an infinity knot). The location was amazing – a state park between two major rivers, the day PERFECT! After months and months of work, organizing and positive thinking the day just came together marvelously.

I had the added task of welcoming Shandai’s mother (Wilma) into the circle during the ceremony. She passed away nearly 11 years ago from MS. I remember her… it was so amazing to do this task and honestly FEEL her THERE. I know she was smiling and dancing along with us. (of course I cried… actually I cried MULTIPLE times during the day… no one who knows me is surprised I am sure) I don’t think I can explain how… pure and special the entire experience felt.

our gift to them… that is Shandai’s mom (her favourite picture of her), paper made by the kids, my welcome hand written by myself and arranged by Ken.

The crochet’ed top hats I made over the year (like 100) went over marvelously too… they even had a table at the reception to decorate them so people all over the place were WEARING MY HATS!

Sheep tested!

Tiny beings and tiny hats!

But enough about that… let’s see, the pertinent information – THEME! Steampunk with a touch of Firefly… there was people dressed up impeccably as characters from the show. My outift, Shandai’s absolutely PERFECT gown and the Best Woman Dara’s outfits were all made by the most talented seamstress Amy Sue. I do believe I linked her before but repeat is a good thing… HERE.

Dressing at the house

Can you see the Firefly inspiration here???

My hair and make up were all in the capable hands of Kristi… She was AMAZING… the gears were all her… the hair completely her brain. The hair piece (and the ring bearer the gorgeous and pregnant Raina’s) were all Ken! My artistic man.

The day was perfect… sunshine and wee bit of breeze. No overheating but not shivering in the cold either. I swear it was a day made for this wedding.

The wedding was outside and the day was PERFECT! Lots of great pictures from the ceremony and the location.

Andy (Man of Honour) placing a Serenity charm on Shandai’s shoe

With Raina (pregnant with TWIN BOYS!) the bearer of the rings

Chatting, I love how our faces look like it is something completely different

Bride, Groom, Brother of the Groom (Bill… he had the best long tails EVER) and the seamstress… the AMAZING Amy Sue

Let’s see… I met a variety of new people… had an amazing experience… tasted some absolutely amazing mead. There was Irish dancing at the reception as well. With a large percentage of the guests being dancers or Renaissance Festival employees and enthusiasts it was quite the party.

One of Amy’s fun selfies (on left) with Trish

Thanks Amy, we look cute in this one!

We stopped at a pub they dance at before we got to the reception. Pictures were taken of course.

With bridal attendant Trish

There was a photo booth area manned by the photographer’s niece and nephew… and I must say, the photographer was AMAZING… so energized and he was awesome at brainstorming and then getting fun and unique ideas across. His site is HERE. I am planning on framing these three images below (edited by the gorgeous bride herself) for display on our wall. A nice series of images from a day to remember.

Now to blow you over with amazing images… and one more time !!! CONGRATS YOU TWO!

Just the girls in the wedding party… Emily (bridesmaid), Trish (bridal attendant), Raina (bearer of rings), Shandai (bride), Dara (best woman), Me (maid of honour… yup MAID hehe)

Bridal Party

The guests at the wedding itself

Dress repair! Amy Sue you rock!

And… we jump forward a month! But I figured I really needed to first of all congratulate our friends Cory and Karen on their BEAUTIFUL wedding on June 14th. I have a few pictures to share.

My hair was done at the Regency school for hair etc… I LOVE IT!

The back with the addition of my own black rose hairclip.

Ken was a groomsman so… TUX!

I hope I held up my end of the stylish bargain. Gotta look good with my man in a tux and NO KIDS

Two groomsmen (Chris and Ken) and an Usher (Matt)… and PAD??

Gorgeous Maid (Matron?) of Honour… Renee!

Still waiting around

One of 2 ring bearers… Evan! ADORABLE

Resting before the ceremony (you can just see the groom at the end) with Usher Anthony (standing)

I have a few from the ceremony but the camera did not like the ambiance and I really had a bad angle. Everyone looked amazing! (I will of course share any official photos I get my hands on eventually!)

Sitting during the ceremony… gorgeous bride !!!

I only knew the bride and the MOA so I really did lean towards pictures of my boys!

Saying their vows

We lucked out and though it was a rainy dad we had the sun peek through during pictures at the farm! And a special thank you to Darcy and Andy for watching our 5 kids to simplify our time out at this special event!!!

Moving the trailer (for pictures) all dressed to the 9’s awsome

Anthony on the tractor

It was a little chilly when the sun came and went BUT the menfolk were sure it was too warm!

Anthony, Ken and Matt resting at the bride’s folks’ house between pictures

Gorgeous

Total gentleman shared his coat between pictures

There were lots of creative shots but I was too busy giggling at the menfolk and their jokes or helping where I could to take pictures

Ken took this one for me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress.. the era… it was so fun!

The reception was a blast. I ended up with the adorable ring bearers (Evan and Nathan) and their baby brother (Jeffrey) and their grandparents with Ken at the head table. There was gaming buddies to finally meet with wives, fiances and children. So much fun! Also a photo booth (Ken and I took some pictures together which I have but yet to scan and Renee and I had a go too). I have to admit to cutting loose and drinking for the first  time in a decade or more! So not too many pictures, just lots of memories. 

Thanks Renee for this picture!

Though Father’s Day was a rather sedate one (as Ken requested) I want to thank all the special men in our lives here who have willingly taken on the responsibility of  being a part of our children’s (and our) lives. There is no way we could have as rich and amazing a life without all of you there to share it! So a special thank you to Baba, Grandpa Reinsch, Grandpa Mike… and our God Daddies – Andy, Cory, Alan, Nathan and Scott. Thank you so much!!!

And for the 16th of June – a date special specifically to Ken and myself – we happily celebrated 13 amazing years of marriage. It may not have all been roses and sunshine but with a man like Ken to love and hold onto it has been a ride to remember. I cannot wait to experience all the many decades we have to look forward to. I love you dear!!!! A special  thank you to Cousin Robbie and the lovely Alicia who watched the fab 5 so we could get out without minions in tow!

Indian food on recommendation of Shandai… AMAZING

Of course these are just the photos off our camera (and a couple thanks to Renee)… I have one or two on the camera… but I will share those later. Sorry about the massive amount but I had to share!

And of course, it would not be an event if Ken did not take ONE of these!