So, Ryan and Cara's approach to their entire wedding has been pretty low-key and laid back. They didn't send out official invitations, they sent emails to their friends, they had a wedding website to keep us up-to-date and they were not into many of the more "formal" traditions. This meant it was going to be a fun day!
When we awoke, we were at first concerned about the cloudy skies and the rain! The ceremony was meant to be outside - but fortunately, before the afternoon, the skies cleared and we ended up with beautiful blue skies and lots of sun! As Ray was the wedding photographer and we were carpooling with the officiant, we arrived to the site, the Burlington Boat House, rather early. Ryan, Cara, their wedding party and parents were already at the bar, waiting to greet us!
Since there hadn't been actual invitations, there also hadn't been actual RSVPs. So, that meant no one was really sure how many people were coming. The idea was, when Ryan got "the feeling" that everyone was there, he would give Doug "the signal" (see below) and everyone would head out to the dock for the ceremony.
While this laissez faire approach had left many of the ladies with a million questions over the week, in practice it really was effortless, and so reflective of the couple!
So after the delivery of "the signal" we all headed outside to the dock. The sun was shining, the lake was gorgeous, and being Burlington it was WINDY, which meant it was COLD! Doug created a beautiful ceremony which reflected both Ryan and Cara, their courtship and the new direction they are facing together moving forward. They exchanged personal vows and sealed the deal with a kiss!
After the congratulations, speeches and a little bit of dinner, Ray snuck them back outside for some sunset shots!
Ray must have a taken a million pictures over the course of the day - hopefully I can get him to upload them to our photo gallery, as there is much more to see!
Here are (most of the ladies) of Clan McWilfrew, as it has become, in honor of Ryan and Cara's Scottish honeymoon (Corinn, Jenn, Colleen and Camille)! Ray also snuck off the other couples for some great shots! First, Camille and Joe...
...then Doug and Jenn . . . and Colleen and Phlip! Somewhat unbelievably there are no photos of Ray at all. I guess when you're the guy behind the camera, not only don't you take a break to eat, drink or dance with your wife, you don't bother to get in any of the shots, either!
To end the evening I will leave with you a favorite shot of Ray's.... Doug, Joe (and a corncob pipe) and Phlip.... there is not explanation, except we all had a great time!
Good thing Phlip and Colleen are getting married next summer - we can't wait another 5 years to do this again!