This month I had the privilege of going to a wedding in Caronport, Saskatchewan. Now, some of you go to weddings all the time – and I admit I’ve been to quite a few myself. But having no brothers or sisters, and since my wife’s sister got married in Kenya (yeah, I didn’t make it to that one), the family weddings have been few.
So it was a very special occasion when I was able to come and be best man at the wedding of my friends Daryl and Iwona (incidentally, Iwona is pronounced like ee-VAWN-a).
Iwona is a new friend, who we first met in September. But Daryl and I met back in elementary school. Since then we’ve kept in touch – to say the least. After sending rather lengthy letters back and forth (we’re talking paper), we started at some point, many years ago, sending audio letters back and forth – first cassettes, then mp3s. So in spite of the fact that we’ve lived far apart for most of our lives, we probably know each other better than most.
Iwona is from Poland, but has lived for several years in Scotland. She’s now in Caronport. They have some serious winter in Poland, but I’m not sure even Poland can compare to the extremes of the Canadian prairies. 😉
It was great to touch base briefly with othe friends in Caronport, and also see Daryl’s family, most of whom are also friends from way back.
As best man, I tried to help where I could to make sure the groom got to the wedding (not that he needed much encouragement!). I even got to do a toast to the groom during the reception, during which I read these verses – appropriate, I thought, for someone who has no brother but a very good friend.
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24)
The bride and groom did a great job planning a wedding and reception, which was generous to their friends and family and glorifying to God. How refreshing to end the reception – with a time of prayer!
So congratulations again, Iwona and Daryl! Our prayers go with you.
If I get ambitious I may still upload video from the wedding – otherwise, you’ll have to use your imagination. 🙂 Also, I promised the photographer I wouldn’t post my pictures right away (she was kind enough not to throw me out when I snapped a few during the photo sessions), so you’ll have to live with the one above for awhile. 😉 The photographer, Jen Wall, did double duty – as matron of honour as well (and she did a great job doing both)! See three of her wedding day photos here, and visit her website here.