Words by Maureen Young
Dance with me
Don’t say a word just dance with me
Let the world outside dissapear
Baby, what we got here is all we need
Dance with me
~ Dance with me, Johnny Reid
The zoo provided ample backdrops to catch Caroline + Chris being at times a picture of love and at others goofy and fun-loving. The butterfly pavilion in particular was the an ideal setting for Caroline + Chris, as they too go together and never drift apart. Self-described Bridezilla Caroline had her cousin Matthew tagging along acting as her keeper (the only Bridezilla thing about her!). Matthew was a huge help when it came to helping us with our equipment – thanks dude!
As the newlyweds walked around the zoo other visitors offered their congratulations and the little girls screamed about how pretty Caroline’s dress was.  A peacock strutting his stuff tried to steal the show but even he couldn’t flaunt his feathers to outshine the bride. Realising defeat, he walked off.
The reception took place beside the butterfly pavilion, orchids decorated the tables where their petals looked like the soaring wings of a butterfly. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception prior to dinner, where having a foodie couple meant the food was particularly delicious.
Caroline’s brother did a speech, offering advice to Chris on living with Caroline. A bond already established, he told Chris he could always talk to him when Caroline was having a hissy fit. Melissa, Caroline’s best friend from elementary, gave a heartfelt speech about her best friend and their friendship, bringing tears to Caroline’s eyes.
Caroline’s mom asked her nephews to narrate the story behind the Chinese wedding tradition so Chris’ family could better understand it. Alvin narrated while Alfred and Alex helped the newlyweds with costumes and through the motions. Chris was wrapped in a red bow, topped off with a Chinese style hat, while Caroline had a red silk cloth put over her head. Chris’ parents sat on chairs, red pockets of money in hand, as Caroline + Chris bowed 3 times.
The 3 bows were to:
1) Heaven & Mother Earth to show respect for nature
2) New Parents – Caroline is being wed into the Watson’s family
3) Groom Facing Bride – to show respect for each other
In Chinese weddings the colour red is used to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. As in other wedding ceremonies, guests preside as witnesses to affirm the couple’s commitment to one another.
The dance floor opened with the newlyweds holding each other tightly and swaying to ‘Dance with me’ by Johnny Reid. Guests were all smiles in the background as they watched the couple savour their first dance. Caroline then took to the dance floor with her dad and Chris with his mom before all the guests joined in.  Caroline’s side of the family showed us Chinese style dancing.
Caroline +Chris, thank you for the great hospitality in Calgary. We loved having the chance to meet both sides of your family and making new quirky and fun friends from overseas. Hope you have a great honeymoon in Hawaii and we can’t wait to compare island stories when you’re back! How amazing is Hawaiian food!
Love
Anthony and Rina