Today we happily celebrated the wedding of our long-time friend Jo and her partner Bradley.
After breakfast in the hotel, we ventured out more into Hamilton. Hamilton is a very industrial (and at times rough) area, and not as we expected. To quote Jo, “Oh, you’re staying in the getto” We did find another shopping complex, and after a very expensive trip to Starbucks ($15 NZD for a Flat White and a Chai!) we found a clothing store to pick up a couple of shirts and a sports jacket for Chris.
Then back to the hotel to get ready and a quick uber to the wedding venue.
We arrived around a hour before starting, and so we went for a walk along the boardwalk. It was a balmy 11 degrees with a strong wind, so it was freezing! We managed to find a sheltered area in full sun and out of the wind which was nice, until the wasps turned up.
Then…the wedding. It was held in a lovely two story building called the Lake House, which overlooks the western part of Lake Ontario. The ceremony was beautiful (and quick) and both the bride and groom (and their 1 year old daughter) looked beautiful.
We felt so privileged to be able to have traveled to be here to witness their special day. Like many things covid had delayed today by about 2 years.
After the ceremony we mingled downstairs where guests could greet the bride and groom. Here we also re-met a lot of Jo’s family (whom Chris knew back in the early 2000’s) so it was a whole lot of trying to figure out who we were talking to for a while. But they all recognised us, and we had a lovely time chatting, and of course drinking!
Back upstairs and the reception continued with a three course dinner with speeches in between some of the courses, the usual cutting of the cake, and even a Haka. Remember, at least 1/3rd of the guests were from NZ, or were NZ decent. We were sitting with some long-time friends of the groom, Canadians, and were giggling at their faces as they watched the Haka, and then subsequent hongi going on between the two families. Also a new tradition with the cutting of the cake. Not necessary shoving it all over eachothers faces, but instead into their mouths. And they didn’t stop there, as family members (and others) from both sides got a bite of the first slice of cake. We kept out heads down and eyes adverted until it was over…
As a nod to both countries, there were lolly boxes on the tables, two for each guest. One box contained Canadian sweets (Tootsie rolls, hard candy and maple candy) and the other NZ candy (Fruit bursts, Minties and Milkshakes),
The evening ended with DJ music and dancing, with a mix of old and new songs, and even some NZ songs (Six60) thrown in there.
It was a lovely evening, and we are very lucky to have been able to travel to attend. Jo and Brad, we wish you and your family all the best for the future.
Off to Vancouver tomorrow night, as a start to our long journey home.
Until then,
Chris & Danielle