"Goin' to the Cottage and They're Gonna Get Married"

Weddings are part of the reason for this journey and with one marriage achieved on Maui it was off to another island paradise for nuptials number two! This time the wedding was to take place at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Got onto the road after our pleasant breakfast/ brunch and we were surprised at the short distance the Educator had to drive. Only 45 minutes including 10 minutes of getting lost time but Mrs G got us there in the end. It was great to return to Shawnigan

Preparations were in full swing on our arrival and we both enjoyed feeling very much a part of the wedding. Cathy & Ken are two of the nicest, most welcoming people we know and it was so good to see them and be able to assist in the preparation for their big day. Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent in preparation for the wedding and we were even included as the crowd at the wedding rehearsal.

Although people are travelling from many places I think we took the prize for the greatest distance although there was one other Aussie (a former Exchange Teacher from Brisbane). But the other long distance travellers were Ken’s cousin John & his wife Gretoona from Norway.

Hunger brought a close to proceedings and we feasted on a variety of salads and a BBQ. You don’t need too much intelligence to figure out who we were meeting when we were introduced to Ken’s brother John who is just as interesting and entertaining as his brother.

Following the departure of the blushing bride for the evening we were further entertained when Ken produced his guitar and a singalong took place. We slept on the same veranda we’d enjoyed seven years ago overlooking the water through the pine trees. What a great night!

Woke early but refreshed after a very sound sleep and enjoyed a simple but tasty breakfast. All of the girls (except The Educator) left for a bridal breakfast and when Ken went to get fresh ice for the drinks we were left holding the fort. I should say we were the lucky ones enjoying a few hours to fully appreciate just how fortunate we are to have friends like Cathy & Ken! Shawnigan Lake is a special place!

Following the return of the “workforce” all hands were on deck, tables were straightened, chairs positioned, lights hung, decorations placed and the whole area generally preened! All was in readiness for the ceremony and celebrations to follow!

3pm saw the Educator leave to have a drink with the blushing bride and her retinue. The group (minus the bride) returned in an hour, in time to help with the passing out of appetisers to the early guests as they arrived and prepared for the nuptials.

Cathy arrived on a yacht in time for the lovely 5pm ceremony. A potluck dinner, music and fun followed and a great time was had by all! 

It was interesting to note that among the last to retire for the evening were those guests who had travelled the furthest. Obviously Norwegians and Australians like to party!!! Gretoona and John are fun people!

Breakfast of omelette, hashbrowns and sausages washed down by coffee greeted those lucky enough to stay the night. Some of the guests were a little worse for wear but all agreed it had been a great night. Following breakfast the cleanup started which we took part in until we headed off in time for the 1pm BC Ferry back to Tsawwassen!

Like any time we’re with Ken & Cathy we had lots of fun!