A wedding 'marathon' of sorts...

I've been dying to get to this post but unfortunately, time hasn't exactly been on my side lately. (Life has been unbelievably busy and both Jon and I have come down with the awful head cold that seems to be making its rounds). So although its later than I would have liked, here is the official "Viv & Rich Wedding" post! The wedding was last Saturday, April 26. Now I must warn you... this is for my wonderful big sister and it comes complete with a LOT of pictures, so be prepared to scroll on and on. The title of the post says it all :)

The happy couple at Friday night's rehearsal

The morning of the wedding.
Viv asked me to do her hair & make-up for the 'big day' and I have to say, as flattered as I was, I was also incredibly intimidated. I am by no means, a hairdresser and the fact that I have naturally curly hair is excuse enough that I really had to practice using a curling iron. It certainly didn't come naturally to me, but after a few trial runs leading up to the wedding day, I think it turned out just fine in the end.

Time to get dressed. Here's Jen helping Dad finish off his 'spiffy' look :) Looking good , Father of the Bride!

On goes the dress...

Just a few finishing touches...

Viv & Pops...

Goofing around as we leave for the church...

Hiding out in the back room, waiting anxiously for the ceremony to start.
Such a beautiful bride!

The ceremony...

Our big brother Craig, performed the ceremony. He did such an amazing job. And he's just so darn handsome too :)

Rich, watching his beautiful bride walk down the aisle...

The kiss...

Mr. & Mrs. Clark!

Getting ready for family pictures.
Viv & Jen...

Jen & Craig

Jon & I

Mom & Dad with Viv

Entertaining ourselves as we wait for our turn with the camera...

More formals at Corbould Park...

The Best Man, Dustin, and I... taking a few pictures of our own...

Sisters...

My bouquet...

Now I have to say, this was one of the best parts of the wedding...
the reception.
Not only because I was absolutely STARVING by the time we finished pictures, but also because of how relaxed and fun it was. Viv & Rich really wanted a low-key reception in the park, so everyone got changed (except for me because I wanted to make the most of my time in my bright pink dress!), and met at Gwynne Vaughan Park on Fairfield Island, for a BBQ. The food was delicious and the relaxed atmosphere on such a gorgeous day, was just perfect.

More goofing around...

Don't worry... we did indeed stage this. For the record, I would let Jen hold my bouquet...
just as long as she said please first ;)

Viv and her friends Judith & Laurie...

Just me and Jon-boy...

The back of Viv's dress was SO gorgeous... just had to throw this one in here...

The centerpieces...

The BBQ boys...

It was such a great day and I'm so thankful that the Lord gave us such an incredibly warm, sunny day. Everything went so smoothly and both Jon & I felt so blessed to be able to share in their special day.

Viv & Rich...
you guys mean the world to us and we're so excited for you to start this journey of marriage! We're praying for you and hope that you have so many years of happiness together. Thanks for letting us join in on the wedding fun! You both looked AMAZING and your big day is one we'll remember forever. We love you!

something every woman should do now & then...

I just got back from a weekend in Vancouver with some of my closest girlfriends, and I've come to realize that no matter how old you are, you'll always need some good quality time with "the girls." Not that I don't love spending time with my hubby, but as a woman, I need a little girl-time from time to time and this weekend has reaffirmed just how wonderful that time can be. Laurie took on the "event planner" role for the weekend and organized everything for us... from the hotel rooms, to where to eat dinner, to little goody-bags for each of us. It was all just completely wonderful. Thanks again Laur for all of your hard work... it was SO appreciated and the weekend was tons of fun!!

Jen flew in from Edmonton on Saturday morning so Vicky, Laurie and I met her at the airport and then made our way to downtown Vancouver to drop our stuff off at the hotel. We stopped in at one of the many Starbucks on Robson, and then got right down to some serious shopping.

Starbucks was giving out complimentary Caramel Macchiato frappachinos... definitely couldn't pass up an offer like that!

We stayed at the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa (the same place Jon and I stayed for our anniversary last year... in fact, we even stayed in the exact same suite!) and Laurie got herself locked in the master bedroom. It was pretty hilarious... and yes, we did eventually get her out.
After a long day of walking & shopping, we made our way to Moxie's for a nice dinner. I had the most delectable Coconut Curry Chicken dish and a Mango Cremesicle martini.... yummmm!

Former 'roomies'... Jen & I

All the girls...
Lauren, Jamie, Laurie, Jen, Hailey, Me, & Vicky

Dinner at Moxies...

Before heading home today, we stopped at English Bay to see the ocean and get a few pictures. Though it was a very chilly weekend, we were blessed with sunny skies. If it weren't for the wind, it would've been perfect weather.

(As you can see, my hair is not curly in these pictures. Jamie & Hailey really wanted to straighten my hair after dinner last night, and seeing as I never have the patience to do it myself, I jumped at the chance for a temporary change. :) Its crazy how much length it adds when the curl is gone... almost 3 inches!)

And now I think I'm going to 'hit the sack.' I'm completely exhausted from a weekend of early mornings, late nights and lots of walking :) Gotta get some rest... we have an extremely busy week ahead of us. Jen is here visiting for the week, Aaron & Carly are coming for a visit, Craig & Jen arrive on Thursday, Viv & Rich's rehearsal is on Friday and their wedding is on Saturday. Plus I have to work 8:00-4:30 every day this week so it won't leave a lot of 'free' time or beauty sleep. Until next time... :)