First comes love, then comes marriage...

...I'm sure you know the rest. I'm 3 days from my due date with our (first? only? who knows...) child. Today is my first day of mat leave and I'm already wondering what to do with myself. Maybe I'll turn this into a parenting blog! Of course, there is still a ton of stuff to get ready for baby's arrival, but I'm procrastinating. Hopefully she will too. (I could use another week.) For now here's a pic of me at my baby shower with my niece, the very excited (first!) cousin-to-be.

Thank you! (No, we haven't forgotten...)

Hi all, Chuck and I want to say thank you again for coming to the wedding to celebrate with us. Also, we wanted to let you know that we do intend to send out thank you cards...eventually. We are getting photo cards through our photographer, but unfortunately she has had some family and health issues, and it doesn't look like we'll be getting them until sometime in the new year. We do appreciate all the wonderful gifts we received, and look forward to formally thanking you all when we can. For now, all I can do is send this out into the world.

Engagement photos

There's a story behind these, ask me next time I see you in person and I'll explain. http://melissawelshphotography.smugmug.com/Portraits/Hilary-Chuck

Maps

Click here to see a Google map of some of the relevant locations.


View Wedding locations in a larger map
Once you're inside the Castle grounds you will hopefully be able to find your way around, but here's a hastily personalized
map anyways.

Putting the Party in Bridal Party

I'd like to take this post to introduce the members of our awesome wedding party.

On Chuck's side will be his friend Tim, travelling all the way from Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Beth to celebrate with us. Chuck and Tim met in university in Mankato.

Chuck, Hilary, Beth and Tim in London 2012

Up next is Chuck's cousin Paul. I assume they met in Port McNeill when they were little. Paul and his wife Sarah will be coming from Edmonton.

Paul, Chuck and Sarah in Cobble Hill 2010

 

 

Rounding out Chuck's side and starting on mine are Will and Robyn. I went to high school with both of them, but we weren't in the same grade and weren't all that close. We met up again in Vancouver and the rest is history!

Hilary, Robyn and Will at Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver 2013

Last but not least I have my lovely sister Heather. She is a little over 8 months pregnant and has been a trooper through all the wedding planning and festivities. Can't wait to meet the little one (hopefully not *at* the wedding though.) Heather's husband Matt will be corralling their daughters Gwen and Zinnia at the ceremony. Watch for the little yellow blurs. :)

Daniel, Heather and Hilary in Victoria 2012

2 weeks!

Wow, 2 weeks from being married. It really snuck up on me.

I know some people have been looking for more details, and I wish I had them too. Here's a rough idea for now.

Noon - ceremony at Hatley Castle

3 pm - open house at my parents' place (not posting the address here for obvious reasons)

5:30 pm - reception at Swan's. Dinner around 6.

7 pm - dance the night away! I want to dance with everyone at least once.

Sorry that this post lacks pictures and concrete info. More soon, I promise.

Etiquette?

I recently read this story of a couple who was not pleased with the gift they received from a pair of guests at their wedding. I can't believe anyone would be so rude as to complain about a GIFT.

I hope that all of our guests know that we will be happy to have you at the wedding, and that your presence  is gift enough. If you are inclined to want to do more, see this post or this post for info on our registries.

Short post because we just got home from a fishing trip in Wisconsin and I'm still tired. Who would've thought sitting in a boat for hours on end could be so exhausting.