Yes, we have been a tad quiet in recent months -- turns out, planning a wedding (even a relatively simple one) takes more out of you than we'd remembered. Either that, or we're just getting old...
But yes, we are no longer just a musical duo, but a legally-endorsed one as well! And it was a bloody fabulous party, not to mention the entire week! And musical, naturally.
Once I get organized (!), we'll be putting some photos up on the website, so you can see just how bright The Brights' wedding truly was. I, of course, wore red; Don, yellow. Our friends Ali and Lisa put together stunning, colourful bouquets and centrepieces of bright gerbera daisies, roses, lilies, etc., and our wedding party and guests were all in bright colours too.
The ceremony took place on the shores of Lake Couchiching, on the grounds of the Leacock Museum, where there was another stunning array of flowers in the garden. Our friend David Zub was the officiant; my sister Tarah and best friend Ali were my attendants, Don's brother Bruce and friend Paul were his attendants. And we can't forget Lilly, our flower girl (who had been practising her walk since November), or Wyatt, our ring bearer (who wore a fire helmet, with siren, in honour of Uncle Don). Ceremony music was by the other two members of the Amity Trio, Michael Adamson and Sandra Ruttan -- tangos, of course. Readings were by David Francey (I had to keep reminding myself I was a married woman, and Beth is bigger than me, so as not to swoon at his voice mid-ceremony) and cousin Rebecca Ejo Colwell (who had me in big, smiley tears the whole time, because she's just so marvellous!).
We had written our own vows -- in typical form, Don had had his half a year ago, I completed mine two days before. Mine went first, and I was already crying by the first sentence, but made it through. Then Don started his and... out of the corner of my eye, I saw Pat McPhail walking up with his bass, Joe Yanuziello with his guitar, and Roy Hickling and Paul Court getting in formation and handing Don a mandolin. Yessireee, Don's vows were in musical form, and I was serenaded by all five men -- how lucky is that?
We tangoed back down the aisle and met everyone for champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on the lawn. Bliss! And a pleasant introduction to what would be a staple diet for us the rest of the week -- again, how lucky is that?
The entire day passed in a blur -- fortunately, we had a bunch of people taking photos, plus Don had stuffed our video camera into the hands of Ron Belanger, so we'll be able to go back and remember it all later.
Dinner was inside at Swanmore Terrace, and was delicious -- although, for some reason, they didn't start BBQ-ing the chicken and salmon until about 7pm (when dinner was supposed to be 6-6:30-ish). That was really the only annoyance, although people seemed to deal with it just fine. Michael's wife, Ingrid Adamson, had made and decorated our wedding cake, complete with little musicians and hand-made bright-coloured sugar flowers.
My sister, Tarah, was the MC, and she took on her task with gusto! She had both us and the room completely organized. :-) Speeches by mom Nancy, Bruce, Ali, Paul, Don, Me and thank-yous by Us. Then some impromptu speeches / presentations, including a song by David Francey (married woman, Lyss, married woman!).
This then descended into a free-for-all jam / open mic that lasted the rest of the night.
A fabulous, fabulous day, surrounded by dear friends and family -- from as far away as Nova Scotia and Utah, and as close as around the corner. This was a true celebration of love, in all its forms. We hope everyone had as wonderful a time as we had!
Stay tuned for more tales of champagne and strawberries -- we've got a whole week's worth! :-)
Musically and celebratorily and lovingly,
Alyssa
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