Wedding Party
Renee and Peter
Bride and Groom
There would be no Pete and Renee without our sisters, Sia and Kathleen, and their early-morning catch-ups before school (and we mean so early that even the sun hits snooze). One day, Kathleen—ever the protective sister—asked Sia if Roy had any nice, single friends she could introduce Renee to. Sia drew a blank… until one morning she had an aha moment and said, “Well… my brother is single.” And just like that, fate (and a healthy dose of sisterly scheming) kicked into gear. Numbers were exchanged, a first date at Lucky Taco was arranged, and one date led to another. Before we knew it, we realized we had an insane amount in common — we drove the same cars, we love to travel, our love of family, we enjoy game nights (one of us may be more competitive than the other) and date nights which are sacred – whether it’s skeeball, catching a movie or trying a new restaurant (one of us may be more adventurous than the other). Before we knew it, we were living under the same roof, one of us was doing all the cooking and the other one was...taking care of the cat. And then we added a puppy to the mix and now that's our little family. Moral of the story: great love sometimes begins with two sisters, a little matchmaking, and a love of margaritas.
Kathleen Baker
Maid of Honor
Kathleen is not only my sister, but also my best friend, and I couldn't imagine anyone else standing beside me as my Maid of Honour. She's been my constant throughout it all - my sounding board, my biggest supporter, the one I can always count on and the person who has been by my side through some of the most amazing moments of my life and when I say amazing moments, I mean AMAZING moments. She's also been by my side through the toughest times. The times I wouldn't have known how to get through without her. We've shared so much together and I am so grateful for every second. I look up to her every day (and not just because she's taller than me). She is our mom personified and I'm so grateful for the human she is... as my sister and best friend. Having her stand beside me on this day means more to me than I could ever put into words.
James McInnes
Best Man
I am honoured to call my best friend James, my best man for our big day. The first time I met James, he was invited through our mutual friend Eric to join us for a few drinks before hitting the town. As the youngest guy to join our group at the time, that night he walked into the lions den and brought a big bottle of Crown Royal to kick off the night. "This kid is all right, I thought", before snatching the bottle from him and kicking him out of Eric's place. It's been many years since then and James has been a constant in my life through the great and not-so-great times. I couldn't ask for a better best man.
In Memoriam - Gail
Mother of the Bride
I've been so unbelievably blessed in my life. My mom was my world... so much so that I didn't move out from home until I was 27! Being a flight attendant at the time, I was lucky that I got to go home and hang out with my mom after coming home from flights. Some days I would be coming home at 7:30am and while I was getting ready for bed, she was getting ready for work and we would talk endlessly about what we had been up to while we were apart. She always had time for me and loved hearing all about my latest trip and where it took me. I had the privilege during those years to take her on many trips, including Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Australia. After that career ended, and I was out living on my own, I visited with her almost daily. It was always the highlight of my day. She was the person who made me my happiest version of myself... well, until now :) When mom was diagnosed with dementia, wanting to keep her at home as long as possible, I moved in for a year to look after her. It was the BEST year of my life... well, until now :) Although my heart is broken that my mom didn't get the opportunity to meet Pete, I know she would have absolutely LOVED him! He is everything my mom would have dreamed of in my lifelong partner. On our wedding day, I know she will be with us from above (with a glass of red wine in her hand) celebrating the beginning of our forever.
In Memoriam - George
Father of the Groom
George had the chance to meet Renee, and we were lucky to share many family dinners together before he passed. He was a man of few words, but through his quiet smiles, his expressions, and the conversations we shared in private, I could tell how happy he was that I had found my person — and that my person was Renee. Though he won't be with us on our special day, his love and memory will always be with me.