My parents 50th Wedding Anniversary was on August 17, 2013. My sisters and I planned an elaborate, yet intimate, dinner and celebration at a historical hotel, The Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna, BC. All of my mom’s 5 siblings came from across Canada (and her dear brother in-law, nephew and niece) as well as my dad’s dearest friends and his sister in-law (despite the fact that she runs a huge ranch in Alberta and it is haying season).
The evening included a humorous “roast’ of my parents and appetizers with cocktails, followed by dinner in the dining room and finally French pastries and a slide show after the meal.
My parents are kind, passionate and sometimes eccentric people and their long marriage has reflected the ups and downs of their passion for life. My eldest sister, Theresa, gave a humorous speech about their life in numbers: number of different cities lived in while married: 14.
I hope you enjoy the photos of their big day.
My Aunt arrives–a wonderful surprise for my parents!Appetizers catered by Hart Hall–Theresa (my sister) is the chef.One of the many cool, hipster types of guests at the party…My parents in their element, chatting with friends and family.guestsguestsMy sister and I.My sister (mistress of ceremonies) and her son getting ready for their musical number.
The party moved up to the hotel roof-top deck. The view of Lake Okanagan was fabulous.
That’s me in front–the wind was feisty but warm–my mom, sister and brother in-law in the background.Me again!My dad, his grandson (and my nephew) and my dad’s best buddy since childhood.My sister (blonde hair blowing), niece (her boyfriend) and my brother in-law.My mom and 2 of her siblings.My daughter and niece.My niece and my daughter.My beautiful niece in the white dress.My mom taking a photo of her sister and my sister (curly blonde hair).Nephew (hipster), family friend (serving drinks), Aunt and my hubby.Friend, nephew, Aunt and Uncle.My dad in background with my daughters and niece on basket chair.The wind and I and my darling daughter.
Time for the fabulous dinner…the windows overlook Lake Okanagan–all 30 guests seated at one long table.
Dinner MenuMy dad and his best friend since childhood.
After the dinner we congregated for more entertainment and a slide presentation
My daughter and I provided the French Pastries:
Salted Caramel MacaronsRaspberry MacaronsAfter dinner it was stories and a slide show along with French cream puffs and macarons made by my daughter and I.My niece and nephew present my parents with congratulations from various Canadian political figures.My niece and daughter sing a duet.Granddad with a few of his grandkids.
The whole evening was fabulous! You four girls and your families really know how to plan an event in detail. We enjoyed it all immensely. Thanks for inviting us. Congrats to Sandra and John.
Thank-you Penny! We were so happy you that and Sefton could attend–so great to see you both. Thank-you for the roast stories 🙂 It was a bonus to visit with Chris and Brenda again too. A great time was had by us all. xo
I almost recognized some of those ladies and gentlemen with white hair. They sorta looked like my mom and her siblings, just older than I remember them being.
Sandra Hart
Wonderful pictures of a wonderful evening!
mixhartMix Hart
Thanks Mom, so happy you and dad had such a great evening! XOXO
Penny Wallace
The whole evening was fabulous! You four girls and your families really know how to plan an event in detail. We enjoyed it all immensely. Thanks for inviting us. Congrats to Sandra and John.
Mix Hart
Thank-you Penny! We were so happy you that and Sefton could attend–so great to see you both. Thank-you for the roast stories 🙂 It was a bonus to visit with Chris and Brenda again too. A great time was had by us all. xo
Greg Passey
I almost recognized some of those ladies and gentlemen with white hair. They sorta looked like my mom and her siblings, just older than I remember them being.
Mix Hart
It was wonderful that they could all make it out to BC for the festivities. It was great to see everyone again, like old times in HR!