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!

June 23-24

For the first time in over a  decade I got to spend a portion of my birthday celebrations with my best friend from high school, the lovely Shandai… with her friends Sam and Ryan. We were supposed to go sailing but the wind was against us (literally and figuratively) so instead we went out for amazing Mexican food, a wade in a nearby lake…

Shandai and Sam

With Ryan

and a trip to an amazing pet store with one of the largest selections of fish in the country. Including multiple sting ray (1499.00 no warranty!). All kid free time! Lots of fun.

Then it was back home to play with the bubbles with the kids…

And get a start on the playset.

Monday (which is far from my favourite day) was my BIRTHDAY! 34 yrs old I am! Which meant first and foremost that we had a half day of school to accomplish… of course!

Ken was up first and had the kids all draw me a special picture! Note the slurpees and smarties!

My birthday cake!

Karyn had sent a package that just managed to get through customs and get to me ON my birthday! What timing! She really DOES know me well… and included items for Canada Day as well.

Shirts for the girls, Canadian bits… note the yarn used as filler in the box!

In the evening we lucked out with Sean to babysit so Ken and I could go out to Khan’s Mongoli Grill and have all you can eat buffet there. OMG amazing! Like the Mongoli Grill we used to go to in Canada but cheaper and did I mention ALL YOU COULD EAT? Small bowls more often… less sauce choices but… yum!

I had Japanese tea.. soooo good

Practice chopsticks the waitress suggested I take home for Emanuel to practice with.

Then off to the Source to walk around and pick up a manga… I got some lovely facial moisturizer with some money on the back from Ken’s folks. Sensitive skin and everything and enough money for a manga and then… I am hoping to get to a yarn shop and spend the rest on soft, snuggly yarn!

Did I mention I got all dressed up, fascinator, gel eyeliner and all??? Cuz I did!!

Here is a good view of the eyeliner after all is said and done

Totally dressed up