I will say it was unexpected, but I was thrilled when I received my invitation to the Sendall/Trevis wedding. The wedding was to take place in Victoria, and more than that, it was to take place at a castle. I had no idea that we had any castles in Victoria, but I am glad that I have been informed now.
When the weekend came Chloe and I hopped in the Yaris and headed west. Flights were expensive and it is just such a beautiful drive. We started at Bella Vista and then headed through the mountains. It definitely took all day, but the scenery was exquisite.
Ferry
On the Ferry
Seaplane
Mom and Dad had already driven out, and after we managed to cross the ferry to the island we met up with them at the hotel. We all headed out for a nice meal and then got some rest for the big day.
Victoria
The Port at Night
Victoria at Night
The wedding was in the afternoon so we were able to explore Victoria in the morning. The four of us met again for breakfast and then headed around the harbour. We saw the floating houses, then after we took a sea taxi we saw downtown Victoria including the Empress Hotel and the Parliament. Our little jaunt took quite a while and by the time we made it back to the hotel it was time for lunch. We headed back to the floating houses and enjoyed seafood chowder (well I did at least) while the tourists gawked and fed the seals (we gawked this time but didn't feed).
Floating Houses
The Ocean
Free Willy
Parliament
Feeding Time
Back to the hotel, into the suit, and downstairs waiting for the bus. Christine was off doing weddingy things, but we met up with Ryan and Declan as the bus took us to Royal Roads University. We were dropped off at a lower parking lot near the water, and we walked up the hill towards the castle.
Yep, it was a castle all right.
The Wedding
Hatley Castle
Geese
Geese in the Pond
Castle
Declan!!!
It was not long before the ceremony, and as we were ushered into our seats you could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun was shining, the castle was looking on, and the radiant bride was walked down the aisle by her loving father. As Jason and Courtney proclaimed their vows there was even a butterfly to float past. After vows, a dip and kiss, the newlyweds headed back through the aisle as their guests blew a bazillion bubbles in the clear air.
The Aisle
Under the Vines
What a start.
It was a while before the banquet so we explored the grounds. The gardens are quite impressive, and we spent a significant amount of time marveling at the fact that just about everything grows in Victoria. We lost Mom and Dad for a bit, but found them as we headed to the castle and then inside. The entire interior of the castle appeared to be finely carved wood, and also finely carved was the bar, where most people were congregating. We found Mom and Dad, and Ryan, and we headed outside the front door to check things out. Evidently the castle was just impressive on one side as the other.
Mom and Dad
Chloe
Lantern
Hidden Crane
Reflection
Bridge
Hatley Castle
It was time for the meal, and we were entertained by the forced PDAs (public displays of affection) of the bride and groom as well as live music. We were served excellent food, and the evening went off without a hitch (include Christine's speech).
The Table
Going Outside
The Pour
The Wedding Party
Hatley Castle Night and the Feast
After supper I snuck out for some photos of the grounds, and then came back in for the dancing. No, I did not dance, but I watched and much fun was had...
Dancing
Outside
Stars in the Pond
Hatley Castle
Candle
I do not know how long the dancing went on, but we hopped in a limo with Mom and Dad and headed back to the hotel.
The next day we met up for breakfast once more and then we hopped in the car. We were going to head home, but there was another wedding party at lunch. The bus took most of the guests, and we somehow managed to find our way. The party was a hoedown, and it was held a the Sendall's house in Maple Bay. We had just arrived (as well as the bus) when we were ushered out to the shore. Coming over the water was a small helicopter, and it just kept coming closer. There is a small dock in the water in front of the house and the helicopter pilot set down there. Courtney and Jason Trevis had arrived.
The Bay
Coming in for a Landing
How to Arrive to a Party
Arrival
Arrival
Takeoff
The hoedown was western themed, and we enjoyed an amazing beef on a bun with cornbread and beans and live country music! Ye haw! An ice cream truck arrived for dessert and we headed up to get some. It was an incredible party, and it was an incredible place to have it.
The House
The Hoedown
Dessert
The Way Home
We needed to get going so we bade farewell and gave our congratulations to the bride and groom. We were on our way and soon we were in line for the ferry. We unfortunately did not have a reservation so we had to wait a little longer than we wanted, but it was not too long before we were crossing back to Vancouver.
On the mainland we drove to Whiterock where we took Granddad our for supper. We did not have much time, but it was great to see him, and I always enjoy a good meal on the shore.
In an effort to escape the Vancouver area prior to the Monday morning rush hour we left Whiterock and went camping in Chilliwack.
Up the next day, and back through the mountains.
We were in Calgary soon enough and the weekend was over... the weekend was over, but the memories will certainly last forever...
Congratulations Jason and Courtney!
