Sherry and Dan's Wedding Weekend

What a great weekend and wedding this was. Maybe just because it was Sherry that was getting married but all the stars were aligned for an unforgettable weekend. Sylvie, Max and Shaun all had a great time. There was virtually no fighting and we just seemed to have a lot of fun.

Derrick and I had taken the red-eye back from a business trip in Las Vegas and we arrived on Friday morning. I had a quick meeting with my team at work, did a few things in the office and then headed home. First order of the day was picking up Dad and Kim at the hotel. Then we took them downtown to Burlington Bay Market for a little lunch. Back home for a quick nap and then we prepared for the wedding rehearsal at the church (on Church street). Shaun was pretty excited because Sherry and Dan had asked (hired) Shaun to film their wedding and he already got a head start at the bachelorette party.

We met Mom, Sherry and her "girls" at the church as well as Dan, his brothers Rick and Andrew and Dan's grandmother and grandfather. Shaun was running around checking on camera angles and taking his job quite seriously. It looks like everything was going to be fine so we headed off to the restaurant "Taste" on the waterfront for the rehearsal dinner. What a great evening. We sat with Shaun and Max and Derrick and Deidre (along with Ryan and Natalie.)

After dinner, Shaun and I went to Dan's friends house (Rick) for a little Texas holdem. Shaun did better than me. On one memorable hand, Shaun lost with a full house (3 kings and Jacks!) as Dan's friend Chris beat him with 4 kings! (can you imagine there were 3 kings on the flop!) Shaun made the final table but then lost and we went home. I was so proud of Shaun and how well he played. He never flinched and knew all the rules. He was just like one of the guys (without the beer). I am so proud of him that it hurts.

Saturday we met at Derrick and Deidre's house so that the girls could get ready. We picked Sylvie and Max up at Oasis Day Spa where they had their hair done. They both looked absolutely great! As expected there was a flurry of activity at Derrick's as Janet and Heather were helping Sherry to get ready. Derrick set up a mini studio and took a bunch of pictures. There was also a photographer who kept everyone outside in the cold but clear day for a whole bunch of pictures.

Derrick and I were supposed to be ushers but we left for the church at the same time as Sherry so by the time we arrived everyone was seated. It was a little overcast and windy but otherwise not too cold for a November day and spirits were high. It was amazing to see Sherry who was probably the calmest person in the wedding party.

Dad and Mom walked Sherry down the aisle. Simply amazing. I could not be more proud of Sherry. She has always been very special to me. One of the most caring, honest and truly beautiful people I know. To see her walking down the aisle, the sun breaking out was just icing on a marvelous cake.

The service was simple but so elegant and filled with love. Janet's brother and sister sang, bringing tears to many. I rubbed mom's shoulder as she sat in front of me and dabbed her eyes. The sun broke out as Dan and Sherry exchanged vows. It was just great. A guitarist was playing in the background just as the service was finishing. Everyone stood as Rich (Dan's father) brought out Dylan at the front of the church. Perfect, incredible. I lost it and had to scramble for a Kleenex.

There was brief reception in the ante room as Sherry, Dan and the wedding party welcomed and thanked all the invited guests. It was a good opportunity to say a quick hi to friends and family that I have not seen in a while.

Then it was off to the the real reception at the Burlington Country Club but not before I gave Allen Pierce the wrong directions to get there. I sent them on a wild goose chase that took them down route 7 and onto the waterfront. What was I thinking? The Burlington Country Club was the perfect venue. Just the right size and we had the place to ourselves. A few drinks and a chance to mingle and catch up with many friends and family that I have not seen in quite some time. It was great to see Daniel and Madeline whom we have not seen in many years. They are two great looking "kids" who struck me as being quite bright.

So Sherry asked me to "MC" the first part of the reception. First Rich gave a really nice toast and mentioned everything that Dan and Sherry had been through in the last year. Wow, I never really put it all together but they sure had a busy few months. Rich was spot on and raised his glass to Sherry and Dan. Next was the piece de resistance!. Dad also had a "few words" to say. It was Dad in all his glory. Sharp as a tack, witty as ever and as gracious as a person could be. This was Dad at his very best. I am so glad that I did not attempt any comedic material because Dad had the whole place in absolute stitches while saying the very kindest things about Sherry and Dan. Derrick and I looked at each other with both disbelief and a wink as our Dad delivered probably his wittiest and most memorable speech ever.

A great meal was had as everyone flittered to one table then to another. It just seemed like everything was perfect. The music was great and just about everyone danced. Dan and Sherry thanked everyone for coming and being part of their special day. I thanked Dan and Sherry for putting on such a great reception and I 'welcomed" Dan's family into ours. It certainly was a long day and everyone started to pack it in around 9:30.

We showed up again at Derrick and Deidre's for mom's brunch on Sunday. Everyone recapped the wedding and we had a chance to talk to the Nobles, Noce and Ingrid, Heather's parents, the Henshaws and a few others. More pictures by the lake and a great wrap up to one of the best weekends in a long time. Thanks Sherry and Dan we love you!!!

- Pogo