When I woke up on Saturday (August 20, 2011) I never realized that I would be stepping back in time. A time when words like "cell phone, the Internet, and air-conditioning" were unheard of. I think technology is a wonderful source of information but lets not forget some of our elders hold sacred keys to our past and our heritage whether in photographs, heirlooms, or the human voice.
An example of this is when I entered the homestead of the Bouskill Family. A place where Mark's ancestors settled in 1867 and built their home, raised their family, and those family's raised their family's. I remembered at my final meeting with Fawn and how excited she was for me to see this place and how beautiful it was, she was right!
We were taken on a tour down memory lane when we arrived at the new home that sits on the property and told about the Bouskill history, the Dairy Farm, and about the past and present buildings that still stand. For me, it was a photograph's paradise.
I want to say a special thank you to Mark's grandparents for inviting us into their amazing home and sharing such treasured memories with us!
We arrived at the house for 10:30am and were greeted by both Mark and his brother. Soon after we could hear the rumble through the trees of the other groomsmen as they roared down the lane. All of the guys looked great and were excited to have their photograph taken, I was shocked.............until I found out it was because Mark told them that they could get their picture taken with the guns. So we did......one of the guns was even hand-carved with such detail that we couldn't resist photographing it.
It wasn't long before the guys had to get on their way to the church as Fawn would be arriving at the house shortly.
She arrived moments later and to my huge surprise..........driving in herself. I laughed when she stepped out of the car as most brides have someone drive them but not Fawn.......she even made time to stop and pick up the newspaper for Grandpa, Jack. I can see why the Bouskill men adore her.
As Fawn stepped into her dress downstairs her bridesmaids began to arrive upstairs. Everyone looked wonderful in their dresses holding their purple purses and wearing the elegant string of pearls that Fawn gave to them as a gift.
When Fawn returned upstairs, all eyes were on her. She looked so beautiful! Her dress was absolutely stunning on her and it fit perfectly. She was breathtaking! The dress was meant to be worn by her......it was elegant, classy, sophisticated, and the style had a vintage flare-perfect for the theme of the day.
Fawn and Mark chose to get married in another historic site known as the All Saints Victoria Church. This church was erected in 1877 and is nestled in amongst the trees off of Highway #7. The church has very limited seating so only a few members of Fawn and Mark's close friends and family were able to attend.
Fawn and Mark exchanged their vows and rings under the vibrant stained-glass window that stands above the altar. The crowd watched with tears of joy until Fawn said (with the cutest smirk on her face),
"So Mark.......are you gonna Marry me or what?" The crowd burst out in laughter! The perfect punch line was so fitting for the couple. The popular phrase was behind the choice of their wedding song to which they danced too later in the evening. (Are you gonna kiss me on not?)
After the ceremony we headed back to the Bouskill Farm where we had a wonderful time photographing the wedding party with the old farm buildings and the GMC trucks. Thank you to everyone for being so great to work with.
Throughout the day I was often told of how shy Fawn and Mark were..........I never would have known. Both Fawn and Mark were full of ideas for photos whether it was taking their pictures in the Alfalfa fields, in an old building, or with a classy car. Darlene and I could have photographed them forever but we soon realized that the reception was about to begin and they must be starving. If they were, they never complained.
The reception was held at the Balmoral Memorial Centre and was decorated with colours of deep purple, black and white. The exquisite cake was made by Carla Peters and was the perfect accent piece to the room.
All of the family and friends told fantastic jokes and stories during the speeches, my own eyes were tearing with laughter.
At this time, Fawn and Mark snuck out for one more photo session. The sunset! We found the only field that hadn't been cut and Fawn walked through it like a trooper. I loved it!
Thank you to all of Fawn and Mark's family and friends for making this day so wonderful to be a part of and to Mark's grandparents for reminding me of how many beautiful things there are in our "own backyard" whether through stories, old photos, or a cherished homestead.
To Mark and Fawn, both of you are amazing people full of spirit, kindness and beauty. It was an honour to be asked to capture your wedding moments.
Congratulations!
