Vicki and Kevin's wedding
June 17th, 2006
June 17th, 2006
When I thought I wouldn't be able to fly home for the wedding, I was so sad. I remember phoning Vicki, on the verge of tears, telling her that I might not be able to make it. She and Kevin were both so supportive and understanding, knowing what a long way it was to travel for the wedding. But plans changed, and I was able to sign my response card "Yes!" and included a little note saying that I wouldn't miss it for the world. These two are such a remarkable couple - they mirror each other's personality almost perfectly. They always put each other first, and are two of the most caring, funny, dependable people I have ever known.I met Kevin on the day he and Vicki first began dating. Ever since, he has been a huge part of our group of friends. He always offers a shoulder or a beer - whichever the situation demands - and has even offered on more than a few occasions to talk to (read: beat up) the boys who have broken my heart. I am proud to be able to call him my friend.
Vicki and I have been friends since the tenth grade, though I can't really remember the day or the event that led to our friendship. I remember passing her in the halls in grade 9, and then walking down the hall arm-in-arm with her, giggling like mad the next year. I honestly don't think I could ever say enough good things about her. She is a beautiful person, inside and out, who has been a rock to me in the hardest times. I don't know what I would have done without her there to make me laugh, help me cry, and yes, even drive me to the hospital. I would trust my life with this woman, and I know she would never let me down. Despite all the trials and tribulations she's endured in her life thus far, she's come through them all showing remarkable strength, determination and courage. Nobody deserves happiness more. I'm honored to have her as such a huge part of my life.
Their wedding was beautiful! The weather was fantastic, and besides a near-disaster with the wedding cake, and a fallen hydro line leaving the reception in darkness for half an hour, the day was absolutely perfect. Everyone had a great time.
Jenny, Christine, Becky and I enjoying some punch after the ceremony. It was so great to see all of my girls again after so long. It's strange to think that we all lived together for so long during University, and now we've all gone our separate ways. Thankfully, for some occasions, our paths all lead back to the same place, even if just for a day.
The cake! Ohh the cake! I was decorating the hall when the baker brought it in... Frosting half melted, dented, and with the top two tiers completely lob-sided. There were only supposed to be flowers on top, but I made a lightning-fast trip the the florists and bought more, telling the baker to "Fix it! I don't care what you do, just fix it! And DON'T tell the bride!" This was the result. It looks 100% better than it did when it arrived at the hall, and Vicki later said to me "Have you seen the cake? There weren't supposed to be all those flowers, but it looks so nice!" *whew!* Crisis averted!
The ladies take a break while the boys get their pictures taken. Left to right: Vicki's best friend and Maid of Honor, Erika; her sister and Maid of Honor, Angela; Kevin's sister and bridesmaid, Emily.
The guys all looked so great. I think they clean up pretty damn nicely!Gary (right) is Kevin's brother and was one of his best men. He kept insisting that he wasn't going to cry during the ceremony, but told me later that he had kept his composure right up until I stood up and read "How Do I Love Thee" through tears and a shaky voice. He found me after the ceremony, laughing, and said that he completely blamed me for making him cry in front of all his family and friends.
Kevin looking very handsome in his tux! The only thing he really wanted was to wear tails on his wedding day, in true English tradition. He did, and it looked fabulous! He was thrilled to be finally marrying the woman of his dreams, but the icing on the cake was numerous family members - including his 82 year old grandmother - who flew over from England for the event.
Kevin and his boys. Left to right: His best friend and best man, Rob; his brother and best man, Gary; and his friend and groomsman,Vaughn. (Gotta love how Gary is the only one actually looking at me for this picture! Thanks, Gary! He and I have known each other for years, but as he got progressively more drunk through the night, he'd come up to me periodically, hugging me and saying "Hello Michelle, my name's Gary Baillie: G-a-r-y B-a-i-l-l-i-e. It's SO great to SEE you!" Haha!)
I snuck up behind the photographer, Jordan, while he was taking shots of the girls.
Jay, being his cute, hilarious self, proclaiming that there were to be "drinks for all!" up on the balcony.
Vicki looked up at me from the main floor, and I hung over the second floor railing to take a picture of her. Even though her train isn't completely straight, you can see quite a lot of the detailing on it from this shot. She is so in love with this dress, and it looked amazing on her!
Okay, this isn't a great picture - Vicki and her Mom try not to trample each other on the staircase - but it's another good view of Vicki's train. You can see just how huge it was!
Kevin and Vicki greet their guests after the ceremony. They look so happy!
Maid of Honor, Erika, looking oh-so beautiful in her dress! This is also a great shot of the girls' bouquets - calla lilies, peach roses and purple freesia.
Me and Jay - I had to stand on a chair to get up to his level for this shot! Hehe. That's what happens when I'm 5'3" and he's 6'8"!!
Jenny and I!
It was so great to be able to spend so much time with Shak at the wedding. You never actually realize how much you've missed someone until you're with them again, y'know? Ahh, Shakeel. *sploosh* You're awesome.
Oh yes, there was a chocolate fountain! Screw special events - I'm getting one of these for my living room!! It was a definite hit!
Christine digs in for a little chocolate fountain action, too!
Kevin's mother, Win, and Vicki's mother, May, pose for a quick picture together before going back to the dance floor. They were such proud Mamma's! Both were positively glowing all day long.
Shak, Jenny and I dancing up a storm!
I finally caught up with the bride for a hug!
Rob decided that going back to the bar for one beer at a time was just slowing him down.
Christine, Jenny, Vicki, Me and Becky pose for our "We miss you, Lindsey!" picture. It just wasn't the same without you, Linds!
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Victoria Baillie.Congratulations! :)
