Oh what a day it was!
Sundae Social
4:00pm
July 31, 2016
Stanley Park Pavilion
(The Tea Room)
Post-Pride cool down
Outdoor Ceremony
5:30pm
July 31, 2016
Stanley Park Pavilion
(The Garden)
Garden Party / Tie Optional
Poutine Mixer
6:00pm
July 31, 2016
Stanley Park Pavilion
(The Tea Room)
Full hosted bar for this made-up Canadian tradition
Long Table Dinner
7:15pm
July 31, 2016
Stanley Park Pavilion
(The Ballroom)
Vegetarian with vegan options and wine served at the table
Welcome to Vancouver for the long weekend, this is how we roll
Meeting
Kathleen and Brian met at the University of Alberta in 2004, this much they know for sure. Kathleen credits Brian’s Celtic jersey for her striking up a conversation about soccer in a lecture, their later playing rec league together, and now being Whitecaps-obsessed. Brian knows it was actually earlier in an engineering math lab because they’re both huge nerds. Neither will admit that they may have actually met months earlier at the Science Olympics.
Dating
They had their first date in 2007, at the Creperie followed by an Emily Haines concert. Or was it in 2006 at Muddy Waters for coffee-type drinks, when Brian’s slick moves included leaning over, gazing into her eyes, and declaring them to be “like a root beer float.” He still thinks this is a good thing. Or maybe it was in 2005 when Brian “randomly” bumped into Kathleen and they went for a walk on Whyte Avenue.
Moving
What they do know for sure is that they spent 34 months in a long distance relationship. Or was it 40? But clearly it was three different cities – unless you count Toronto separately and throw in Montreal. As they welcomed each other home ten (12?) times, their love strengthened and evolved from great friends to partners sharing their greatest challenges and feats. But can you fault Brian for not liking moving?
Making
In 2015, Kathleen began to make a ring for Brian. With a chasing hammer and mandrel, she made a ring. And then another ring. And then one more ring – below deck on the ferry from Ucluelet hoping no one could hear – thinking this could be the one! But she was too embarrassed to use it.
Walking
One morning, Kathleen asked Brian if he would fancy a walk around their favourite square. It was busier than usual, and Kathleen started to walk around and around in hopes the families and their children (and dogs) would go away. Brian and Kathleen walked around the square. They walked around the gazebo. Brian didn’t understand why he was supposed to sit down.
Proposing
Soon they were on the move again. They walked around the play area. They circled back at the square. It was a suspiciously long walk. Once more past the fountain, Kathleen gathered the courage to kneel down. She realized this wasn’t exactly possible, given the dress, but nevertheless she looked at Brian and asked, “Will you be my eagle?” and holding up an argillite carved eagle head with a ring in its beak. Brian said yes and was confused. And they kissed.
Reception and ceremony photos by EA Photography
Thank you Sophia Sengsuriya and Allan Gould for the lovely engagement photos