A wonderful life – My Brothers wedding (Part 1)

Just over 2 weeks ago, my younger brother and my now sister in law got hitched. Redneck slang enough for you? A massive congrats to Ben and Christina, may the years to come be filled with love and happiness.

Weddings are a pretty big deal. Interestingly enough, the notion of committing to a partner is universal no matter the culture or region we come from. I am also getting to that age (guess if you don’t already know) where friends and family are pairing down to tie the knot. 5 weddings this year, and unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to most of them. Ben and Christina was the reason I came back from Asia a little shy of fulfilling full-length contracts. 

1 week before the wedding things were starting to look bleak. I had just arrived from Singapore via those crazy connections, and the heavens decided to team with the mountains of Alberta and produce the worst flooding since this city has come to exist (not to mention High River ironically, or Canmore which were both devastated). Lucky for the bride and groom for their day and their locations on June 29, 2013, weather cooperated. 

Being the first of their group of friends the couple had a lot of learning to do as they prepared for the wedding. I helped when I could (being on the other side of the world does present challenges), but they did well getting things organized. Despite a slip here and there, most the ducks were in a row. 

As the big day arrived, Ben stayed with the parents so he wouldn’t see the bride (as per tradition) and the girls stayed at the couple’s house to prepare for their early start. A long morning of hair and makeup put the already busy day behind schedule for the girls. To lend a hand for the girls, Adam and I did what we could. Subway waiting for them, dresses all lined up with shoes and jewelry splayed in an organized fashion.

A number of times I will mention how helpful Adam Kuzik (and Amie Le Blac) @Studio 35 Photography ( Studio 35 Facebook)for their help, going beyond just snapping pictures. Adam did wonders for helping the girls get prepared, as well as keeping the bride to be calm and happy. A relaxed bride is a happy bride, this can sometimes be hard to find on these particular days.

Lending my hands to help with the girls, I arrived back at the boys meeting place to “suit up”. Within 12 minutes the 4 of us, Groom, the 2 groomsmen and myself (bestman) were ready. With Amie the boys and I took some Groomsmen pics, then rolled out shortly after that. VIP Style of course.  The first picture is essentially what we look liked upon arrival at the church. 

Twenty minutes later the women arrived. Escorted in their own VIP ride, the beauty herself remained hidden from everyone but the select few (as per tradition). Ten minutes later the ceremony started.

Everyone followed his or her directions to a T for the ceremony. Jaws dropped and minds blown, but not a smile compared to Ben’s (with teeth which can be rare for him) shined as bright, during that exact moment when he first laid eyes on his bride. Seeing my younger smile that way with joy, touched a soft part somewhere in my chest. Not sure what it was, maybe heartburn or something (bad timing I guess).  

Overall the ceremony went off without a hitch. There was slight confusion as to which finger the wedding band may go on, but if anything that just provided a sense of realism to a picture perfect day.

I will continue with another post later regarding the reception. 

Don't forget to read about my wedding last year in may. Phuket Wedding

The as per tradition is a reference to the southpark episode called "The Royal Pudding".