Irene + Peter :: Field of Dreams (Edmonton, AB) Part I of II

Words by Maureen Young

A love story that opened in the hallways of High School and developed in University avowed itself in the company of close family and friends in an intimate backyard ceremony. Irene + Peter didn’t start dating until University, but both recalled seeing each other in the hallways of High School and Irene’s friends recount gossip of a crush and a chase.

Irene awoke at 4:30am, regardless of how cute a girl naturally is, somewhere between the excitement of marrying the man you see as your one and all the preparation there is time for gorgeous hair and make up. As Amily, her sister, bonds with her upstairs, Irene’s parents are busy downstairs preparing for the arrival of family and friends.

To find good fortune, both bride and groom took part in a Chinese hair-combing ceremony;

The first combing symbolizes: from beginning till the end
The second combing symbolizes: harmony from now till old age
The third combing symbolizes: sons and grandsons all over the place
The fourth combing summaries good wealth and a long-lasting marriage.

Irene’s closest girl friends came along early to see her in her Chinese dress and prepare the door games for Peter and his groom’s man, Darren.  Peter was stopped at the door and while the push ups may not have made him break a sweat, his rendition of Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden, had everyone’s ears breaking it seemed, a cat crying was a close comparison to the ‘music.’  Irene, ever thoughtful, or perhaps just eager to see her groom, called Peter to come pick her up.  Those push ups were just the warm up it seems ;).

The weather even co-operated!  A backyard ceremony in Edmonton may seem a gamble, but on a day where the sun shines and your yard is filled with family and friends, it is a perfect portrait of intimacy, warmth and simple at-home hospitality.

From backyard to barnyard, the bridal couple were troupers who weren’t bothered about the canola fields or baby goats! See all of that in part 2!