It was a whirlwind. A wonderful whirlwind of family and friends. Camping. Swimming. BBQing. Cooking. Decorating. Preparing for the big day of festivities. What we couldn't have prepared for however, was the storm the night before. Dubbed 'Hurricane Katrina II', the storm knocked down trees and power lines, temporarily closing down the road to the ranch, as well as leaving us with no power or water. Luckily we had the resources (ie. an incredible handyman) and man power to host a wedding of 160 people without a hitch. What a beautiful thing to see so many people come together.
It was an incredible day of festivities. A barn ceremony with hay bale benches, followed with potato sac races and face painting, a dunk tank and pie eating contest, an incredible feast, finished off with a barn dance and a night of square dancing. By far the most unique and fun-filled wedding I've ever been to.
This wedding was also unique in that it was my younger brother getting married. I wasn't sure how it would all go down. By that, I mean I wasn't sure if I could actually pull off photographing the ceremony or if I would end up a weeping mess in the corner. In the end, I think it was a combination of both. I can't say that my tear-filled eyes were the best judge of composition or that I got all the shots (thank god my whole family is camera crazy and most likely had my back), but I think it all turned out okay.
Jesse and Marissa - your relaxed and fun loving nature was evident in all aspects of this incredible event, creating beautiful memories that will never be forgotten by anyone. Jesse, watching you on this day really made me see the handsome and loving man, husband and father you have become. I am so proud... and so thrilled you found Marissa! The love you share is so special and so very rare. I love you both so much! Now that his wedding is over with, we can focus on the September arrival of my niece! Woohoo! xoxo
Venue: Granby River Homestead, Grand Forks, BC
*Note the 600 feet of bunting Marissa's mother, Joannna, made! Incredible! And such a nice touch...
Marissa wanted the wedding to be low impact on the environment with little waste, so she (and my mom) collected vintage plates, utensils and glasses for the dinner, along with tablecloths and mason jars (all can be used again). All the bouquets were made from grasses and flowers grown around the ranch. 
Joanna also made Marissa's wedding dress, which was being altered literally until the last minute due to her ever growing belly!
For the ceremony barn, I found some old window frames that I hung with some lavender and a beautiful door frame that I used for a photo collage.
The potato sack races were a hit! Why do the adults always end up taking over the children's games??
Jesse and Marissa wanted to have a pie eating contest to determine the table order for dinner. That was definitely a first for any wedding I've been to!
Who would have thought square-dancing could be so fun?!!
Marissa, being an incredible dancer, planned a choreographed number with some of her friends. This woman can move, even with a growing belly! She never ceases to amazine me :)
