A Wedding Chez Delauriers
Years ago, I was living in Ottawa, as was my cousin Eleanor. She often frequented a dog park near my apartment. One day she mentioned meeting a cute guy there...
Fast forward to May 19, 2018. The scene now is Chez Delauriers, a community-owned gathering space on Pomquet Harbour, Nova Scotia. The previous day had been dark and cold. The following day would be rainy. On this Spring Saturday, however, the sun was shining and a mild breeze off the water danced across brilliant green, grassy meadows.
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Originally, Chez Deslauriers was a family farm like many others in the Acadian community of Pomquet. Located on a tip of land reaching into the Ocean, its stunning views lead the farm to its rejuvination as a destination. Throughout the Summer the spot features luncheons each Friday, prepared by volunteers. It also boasts walking trails and hosts special events - like weddings.
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Chez Delauriers beat out many other locations in the province in the competition to host Eleanor and Travis' wedding. The search somewhat parallels how my family came to settle in this area. Originally my parents wanted to retire in Truro or New Glasgow. Instead, they fell in love with Antigonish County. Then, when my Uncle Bruce and Aunt Debbie retired, they were all set to live in Cape Breton. They decided on the same area where my parents are. Likewise, Eleanor and Travis were looking at the orchards and vinyards of the Annapolis Valley before taking a trip out to Pomquet. I must say, I am quite pleased with all the choices which lead to Chez Deslauriers' selection! On the right, Uncle Bruce guides Eleanor up the route to the platform where Travis waits.
While I do like to crow about how "I knew them way back when", I cannot lay claim to introducing Eleanor to Travis (The aforementioned cute guy, and leading fella in the wedding). That honour belongs to Pecha the Golden Retriever.
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The view above looks between the shoulders of Debbie and Bruce to where Travis and Eleanor stand before their officiants: my cousins Bradley and David. It was a wonderful surprise to the parents (and the rest of us!) when Eleanor's brothers took charge of the ceremony.
On the right, Eleanor literally leaps into her new relationship. The ceremony was short, but filled with personal touches.
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While Eleanor and Travis met in Ottawa, they did not stay long. After a year of travel in the South Pacific they came to Halifax for several years. They currently live on the West Coast, and may yet return East again someday.
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During their year in New Zealand, Eleanor and Travis met the couple on the right. They travelled across the Atlantic from Scotland to attend the wedding. Also in attendance were friends from British Columbia as well as my sister and her husband from Saskatchewan.
On the left is Bradley, giving an announcement. He is standing in front of a board with a quote on it, one of many. Bradley prepared the boards, and Eleanor added the wording. Back in Ottawa her designs regularly adorned a chalkboard advertising events and specials at the pub where she worked.
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I have been to over a dozen family weddings. That may sound like a lot, but with over fifty first cousins I have also missed nearly half a dozen! Each one is different, with unique facets that make it memorable. This wedding was the first one I've attended where folks played lawn games in suits.
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Each guest at the wedding received an object with his or her name on it. Rather than shooting them directly, I decided to get their reflections.
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To the right are Debbie and Bruce, proud parents of the bride. Since they've moved to the area, I have had a chance to spend more time with them than any other members of my extended family. It has been great getting to know them as an adult, building on time spent together when I was a kid.
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On the left are my sister and brother-in-law. Eleanor was lucky to have many relations from our side able to attend.
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Above, Eleanor dusts off her highland dancing skills as Uncle Bruce lets loose with his pipes.
Aunt Debbie is quite the quilter. The piece in the centre of the picture on the right is one of her creations. Eleanor and her bridesmaids wore shawls whenever they felt like it. The mixture of formal wear and rustic warmth gave the afternoon a sense of a grand period drama.
Below, my cousin Krista-Lee gets in some playtime with my niece.
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Aunt Debbie baked the cakes. There was lemon, vanilla, carrot, and chocolate. I had a piece of the lemon cake, and I assure you it was delicious!
The food was a series of delights. That came as little surprise given the combination of my Aunt and Uncle's culinary careers and the forces of Pomquet.
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As the Sun set the wind began to pick up. It was well-timed, though, since that was when we moved into the tent for some dancing. Eleanor made sure to keep the audience engaged while introducing the schedule of dances.
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Guests were provided with lavender to gently sprinkle on the couple as they undertook their first dance. Of course, with such a lighthearted family, "gentle" was never really in the books!
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What parents wouldn't be a little wet-eyed on seeing a daughter marrying the man of her dreams? It was a glorious day, sprouting with fun moments that were rooted in a deep love.
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It is perhaps untraditional to not end with a photo of the bride and groom... Still, I thought I would finish off with a peek upon my parents and Eleanor's, celebrating the happy day.
