James and Chantell's wedding in Victoria, British Columbia

The story of our wedding

Everyone knew. Literally. Everyone..... except me.

We finally had a holiday - two and a half weeks and a *mostly* cross country trip to visit various family and friends. We left home and got to Jasper in time for lunch, then we meandered on over to the gondola for a ride up the mountain for some spectacular views. We hiked and explored and spotted a mountain goat just on the edge of the mountain, off the beaten and well-used path. I managed a few pictures of the goat, turned around and there he was. Kneeling in the rocks and weeds with a box in his hands. He said some nice words and asked me to marry him. I was shocked and a bit nauseous - it's almost 10 years into this relationship - I asked 'Are you F@*!ng with me?'. He said 'Yes... can you answer me so I can get off these rocks?' Oh! Yes! And so began what James called our 'Engagement Tour'. He sure is lucky I said yes.

A year, some stress and a few late wedding guests later and we're standing in the Croquet Garden of Hatley Castle in Victoria BC to say our vows. There were some forgotten lines and laughter and it was beautiful. It was a stunning blue-skied day with no clouds and tons of sun - best possible weather for an October wedding. We ended up with some spectacular photos on the grounds of Hatley Castle and Tower Point - which has a spot I have now dubbed Mermaid Rock.