Surprise Backyard Wedding || David and Mary

One week before my husband and my 10 year wedding anniversary, I received a very interesting email. David and Mary wanted to get married on August 18, 2016 (the day before my anniversary) and they had just started planning their wedding that week! It's not every day that a couple decides to throw a wedding together in just one week, but David and Mary are far from ordinary. Their reason for expediting their wedding was quite extraordinary: they had a very close friend, Ted Follows, who was present when David proposed to Mary more then a year ago. Due to his failing health, Ted very much wanted to be part of a wedding of two humans he desperately loved before his illness made it impossible for him to partake. 

So, David and Mary, being the amazing humans they are, made this possible. The clincher being no one but David, Mary, Susan (Mary's sister and Ted's wife), Ted, Mary's mother and the officiant and of course me, would be in attendance and the whole affair would be announced at David and Mary's 60th birthday party in November 2016. 

The whole ceremony went off without a hitch! Their backyard wedding was beautifully simple and encompassed David and Mary perfectly. Even the neighbours loaned some beautiful potted flowers for the occasion!  I was welcomed into such a beautiful time and all parties were wholly themselves and lived completely in the moment. This day was filled with so much love and happiness, I still can't believe I was able to witness it. August 18 2016 is not one I will forget anytime soon. 

*Sadly, Ted passed away on October 21, 2016. CTV Kitchener did a lovely video on his life that you can watch here.*