The wedding I worked on this thanksgiving weekend was of a new friend, although I've known her brother for years. On Saturday morning I had a long chat with her dad about how excited everyone was and how well the new families got along. I love hearing that. When people are truly supportive of a couple it's like something magical happens and everyone becomes predisposed towards friendliness and kinship.
I know it can be hard to stay focused on what weddings are all about when you plan them for months in advance, but when it comes down to it, it is a giant party for your friends and family to shower you with love. Like your birthday but 10 times better. And all that love bouncing around makes everyone feel like their best selves. So if you're feeling stuck, maybe think about wedding planning as making a thoughtful, beautiful space for your family and friends to come together and be their best selves for you. It's equal parts selfish and self-less, and guided by pride and gratitude, humility and love. It is about giving thanks.
This weekend also reminded me yet again how entwined my work is with what's growing in the garden. Of course, given that it is October in Edmonton, I ordered in sufficient flowers to make everything required if I had to. But in the end, it was the little additions from the garden that made things pop: cornflowers in the boutonnieres, flowering oregano in the hairpieces, beautiful grasses and leaves in the bouquets. And of course, my beloved Koko Loko roses starred in the bouquet above. I've been moving them in and out of the garage to protect them from frost for just this moment. Couldn't be more pleased to use them in a bouquet for my beautiful friend, who patiently tramped down into the river valley and let me take photos of her in the freezing cold, before taking them home for her family's thanksgiving dinner.
All in all a wonderful weekend with friends and family. I am thankful.