Two Sore Backs

March 28th

The day starts with the news that Chris (who is battling a throat infection) can’t talk and is feeling at his worst. (Chris hasn’t been feeling well for a few days and has tried not to use his voice much. Let’s face it, that is hard when you are getting married and have invited friends and family to Koh Chang for the wedding.)

The wedding is at 3pm. At breakfast we volunteer our services. I am thinking we could take Atlas to the beach or….. Everyone else has a role. Matt is the officiant, Morgan is MC at the reception; both are working on their scripts. Tricia and Anne (Chris’s mom) are getting hair and makeup done.

Turns out Carlee’s veil and wedding dresses require steaming. This is not an area of expertise but YouTube to the rescue. Pat is the man with the wand. I am the assistant. Tricia jumps in to help steaming the dress so I can take a few photos. We are tucked away in a separate suite across the hall from our room.

Veil and dress complete, the after party dress gets a touch up.

About 2:30 the guests start gathering in a nearby hotel lounge. Everyone is encouraged to stay out of the sun until just before the ceremony.

Don’t the groomsmen look sharp? That’s Ryan, Craig, best man Jack and Ian. Their pal Colin is enjoying a beer.

Who’s this precious and handsome ring bearer? Atlas has a part in the ceremony. He doesn’t look nervous.

The wedding venue is on the beach. Everything is stunning! We are encouraged not to take photos so we apologize that our visuals and are incomplete.

Atlas hands the rings to best man Jack and then does a bee line to Morgan.

Meanwhile Matt is front and center with Carlee and Chris. Matt has prepared a wonderful homily. Matt weaves Chris and Carlee’s backstory together seamlessly with many references to skiing (runs, turns …. I can’t remember them all now but it is very clever).

After all, Chris came to Canada (Revelstoke) to work and ski. He met Carlee on Bumble. Then Covid blew up everyone’s world. It nearly ended their relationship. Chris made a decision to stay in Revy rather than head back to Australia for the lock down. Covid also gave Chris and Carlee the opportunity to be together during Covid. Both worked remotely and went back and forth between their Revy and Vancouver bases.

So we are gathered here …..

The ceremony is perfect. Carlee and Chris have written their own vows. You wouldn’t know that Chris is unwell and has trouble speaking.

Afterwards there are photos. L->R: Tricia, Lionel, Kail, Nathan, Chris, Carlee, Val, Pat, Matt, Atlas, Morgan

We haven’t seen the official photos yet and there will be many. Three photographers are snapping pics.

While the photographers are busy, guests are treated to appetizers and drinks. My wine glass is refilled often.

On to dinner as the sun is setting. How romantic!

Dinner is yummy!

Morgan is the terrific master of ceremonies. A few speeches by friends and family. Then on to a fun wedding game. Nathan joins Morgan for the part game / part roast. Tricia looks on.

Looking on are best man Jack, best woman Andrea and Taryn. Rebecca and Taryn are Carlee’s bridesmaids. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo with Rebecca 😦

The game is ‘who is more likely to …..’

One for Chris

A tie!

We are treated to a Thai Fire Show.

And then the party gets started!

Lots of dancing and an after party!

Memories will last a lifetime. Such a beautiful couple.