Part 2
The third day not much happened, although we met more people. The previous night I met Cole and his girlfriend Emily. Cole’s mother Carol, Diane and my Mom were childhood friends with an everlasting friendship that holds steadfast to this day even though they are spread out through the world. The third night I also met Carol’s other son, Lee and his girlfriend Meghan. I made friends with both couples as I talked about what it was like to live in Canada in such a small town. It was said that they thought we had the perfect life in the country. Both couples live in fairly big cities.
Before we knew it, Sunday came. It was the wedding day, and I was invited to take some detailed shots as the girls got ready, this was amazing. I got some photos of the bride as she got glammed up by her sister, Katie.
A common theme in the wedding was butterflies, they represented her grandma, who passed before the wedding. Marge, who was Makenna’s grandmother, was a grand lady whom I never got to meet, but my Mom shared a very special memory with me. When Mom was getting married my grandmother had passed away, her bridal party was in different states and so unlike the “Say Yes to the Dress” episodes, Mom was totally alone when she tried on her wedding dress. Tears were beginning to form and stream down her face because at that moment she longed for her mother. It was a rainy day as she stood there looking at her image in her wedding gown when the store door opened and Marge appeared. This wonderful woman knew how much my Mom needed her and there she was. Mom loved Marge and will always be grateful to her.
It wasn’t hard to see how much she meant to all of the family, her husband confided that they had been married for 67 years when she passed. As Makenna and I talked in the courtyard the morning of the wedding a butterfly passed and paused in front of her face. If you believe in signs, well they don’t get much clearer than that. Eagerly she told her mom, and they tried to keep their makeup intact, (thank goodness for waterproof mascara) as they knew her grandma was there with her.
I attempted to get dressed even though Deveena was clinging to me still, but we all got ready and left for the venue.
The bride hadn’t shown anyone the dress except for her mom and her sister. So not only did she do first looks with her dad, but also with her bridesmaids and of course, the groom. The ceremony took place outside under the pecan trees with the sun starting to set. Deveena and Adeline were the flower girls, and they did an amazing job.
The bride walked down the aisle with her parents, and the song Can’t Help Falling In Love was playing. A sultry female voice with an acoustic guitar did a phenomenal performance. Many people didn’t realize that the bride sang and recorded the song for that moment with her Dad on guitar. I don’t know about anyone else, but I certainly was sweating from my eyes.
Makenna’s dad officiated the wedding, and made it even more special. It was clear that their love for each other not only ran long but deep. Makenna hasn’t had the easiest life with her health. When she was in her early teens she had contracted Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever that went undiagnosed for many years.
Both of these diseases cause a lot of pain as well as migraines. There were times that nothing helped, her mom and dad were distraught as there was literally nothing they could do. In those times, all she wanted was her boyfriend, Cole. He would come over for hours at a time, and place her head on his lap, so he could gently caress her head. They would sit there for hours like that, not saying a word. Cole at the time was only sixteen and completely present in the moment making her feel better. That’s when her father knew they were perfect for each other.
A lot of excitement the moment they said “I do” and so began the dancing, at least once the photos were done. They had their first dance, as well as dancing with their parents. It was such a sweet moment.
Dinner was next and the chicken with mashed potatoes was scrumptious. They had placed bells on the tables that said ring for the newlyweds to kiss. I swear the newlyweds barely got a bite in as everyone was ringing the bell.
This couple should win an award for the best wedding favors ever. Guests may have been wondering what small bucket with their photo on it, as well as a tiny bottle of windex meant. No Jordan almonds for this couple.
After dinner, Makenna explained the significance of the favors. The groom had given her a promise ring two years before and the only way it would come off is by using windex. Makenna had told him that when the time came for the proposal, he needed to have a bottle of windex prepared. Fast forward two years, they were walking in the park and she shouted excitedly, “Babe, look! Someone’s getting proposed to!” There had been a heart, made out of candles. They snuck over to investigate, since Makenna had determined no one was around, as she got closer she happened to see the bucket with a bottle of windex in it. That was when the realization hit, she was the one who was getting proposed to. This couple certainly knows the meaning of true romance.
As the night went on, I was about 3 tequila sunrise drinks deep, we danced and partied, but I’m happy to report that tequila doesn’t make everyone’s clothes fall off.
When it came time for the toasts, her eldest brother sang a song. Mind you, this is a very musical family. Patrick remastered the song Welcome To The Family. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. The bride told her brother he had exceeded all of her expectations. Empty chairs were abundant because we danced all night, and around 10:30 it was time to start cleaning up. I was invited to go out with everyone to the karaoke bar as it was another family tradition.
With everyone still in their wedding attire including the bride, we all drove for 30 minutes into Phoenix, we had designated drivers set up so that everyone was safe. Exhausted, many of us took a nap on the ride to the Karaoke bar.
The bride and groom were definitely the hit of the bar as many people bought them drinks. It was definitely entertaining as I sat and videoed everyone singing their hearts out.
As everyone headed back to where they were staying I shared with everyone what it was like in Canada and why they should visit. I may have said that if you stick a straw in a maple tree, and suck on it you will get maple syrup. So, if you happen to see someone using a straw this coming season, you’ll know where it came from.
All in all it was an amazing time. The next day, we prepared for one last brunch. It was a taco bar, with all the fixings and such good stuff. Unfortunately, our plane was scheduled to leave at 5 that night. Time was way too short, and we made our way through the family saying goodbye and hugging each of them.
When it was time to say goodbye to my Godmother, my stupid eyes started sweating again. But we promised everyone that we would be back next year, and it wouldn’t be another 18 years before we saw each other. I made a lot of new friends, and reconnected with family.
After our goodbyes, it was time to take the long plane rides home. We left Monday at 6:00 PM Arizona time and arrived back in Ottawa on Tuesday at 9:00 am. It was a very tiring trip, we were up 26 hours straight, but well worth it.
Truly, love was in the air, water and sky and I wish the young couple years and years of happiness.
Side note:
Normally, I don't post the full testimonials that I receive, just due to the length, and limits of characters on my website. But this one is something special, this is a testimonial from my first wedding, and one that I will hold dear to my heart.
"I had the pleasure of working with Lily Bedore and her photography business, Nature's Magic Photography, for my wedding, and I cannot express enough how thrilled I am with the results. Lily truly has an exceptional talent for capturing those special moments that often go unnoticed.
During the rehearsal dinner, Lily effortlessly blended into the crowd, making everyone feel at ease. Her ability to capture candid shots of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and the pure joy on our faces was truly remarkable. Each photo felt like a window into the emotions of that evening, and I am forever grateful to Lily for freezing those memories in time.
On the wedding day, Lily's presence during the getting ready process was nothing short of magical. She had an incredible eye for details and took the time to capture each element, from the something borrowed to the something blue. The getting ready photos turned out to be some of my absolute favorites, as they beautifully portrayed the anticipation and excitement that filled the room.
Lily's ability to find unique and special shots is truly unparalleled. She has a natural talent for composing each frame, making even the simplest moments come alive. Whether it was a stolen glance between loved ones, a whimsical interaction with nature, or a breathtaking sunset backdrop, Lily managed to capture it all with an artistic touch that left us in awe.
Not only is Lily an incredibly talented photographer, but she is also an absolute joy to work with. Her warm personality and genuine passion for her craft made the entire experience feel effortless and enjoyable. She listened attentively to our vision and went above and beyond to exceed our expectations.
When it came to capturing the essence of fun at our wedding reception, Lily Bedore proved once again why she is a true artist behind the lens. She genuinely captured the laughter, the dancing, and the heartfelt moments shared among friends and loved ones. Each photo from the reception radiates with joy, as if you can feel the happiness and celebration coming to life through the images. Lily's ability to perfectly freeze those genuine moments of laughter and camaraderie is a testament to her skill and passion for her craft. Looking through the photos, we are reminded of the incredible support and love that surrounded us on our special day, and we couldn't be more grateful for Lily's talent in immortalizing those memories in such a beautiful way.
I cannot recommend Lily Bedore and Nature's Magic Photography enough. If you're looking for someone who can truly capture the essence and magic of your special moments, look no further. Lily's extraordinary talent and genuine passion for photography will leave you with breathtaking images that you will cherish for a lifetime.
-Makenna and Cole Whitener”

Makenna & Cole Whitener