Neither Brett nor I can think of one thing we would have done differently for our wedding. As part of our last few months in Vancouver, we stole all of our closest friends and family away for a weekend of fun. Set in beautiful Strathcona Park Lodge, where the closest town, tv and telephone are at least a forty minute drive away, we made sure we had everyone's undivided attention as we exchanged vows.

We woke up on our wedding day to a gorgeous blue sky and calm waters. The beach was transformed into a outdoor church - chairs instead of pews, a dad-contructed ivy and fir archway for an altar, a picturesque lake and snow-capped mountain backdrop instead of stained-glass windows and a turquoise-clad marriage commissioner in lieu of a priest.

As our wedding guests rented canoes and took in the sights of Strathcona Park, we spent a busy afternoon at bride headquarters. Jacquie made flower arrangements and boutonnieres, Lauren made lunch and Jessica transformed me into a beautiful bride. Family members breezed in and out, borrowing nailpoish, delivering essentails and sneaking peeks. High voices and all forms of emotion were banned as of midnight the night before to prevent red eye. Half an hour late, we made the decision that I was exempt from all make-up except mascara and we hurriedly made our way to our awaiting vessel.

A gorgeous white canoe was our choice of transport to the ceremony. My nerves were calmed as we floated on the lake, eating M&Ms and singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" as everyone at the beach took pictures of us approaching the tiny penninsula. I soaked in everything - the beautiful surroundings, my little nephew dutifully accepting the precious white pillow and my dad giving me his arm to take me to Brett who was waiting for me to marry him. As we walked up the aisle and saw all of my family, friends and Brett smiling at me, all I could think of was how happy I was at that moment.

Except for some minor complications involving a larger than expected knuckle, the ceremony went off without a hitch and I became Sinéad Whitehead! The rain held off until after all the necessary paperwork was signed and everyone sipped champagne by a bonfire on the beach under trees and umbrellas while Brett and I took a little post-ceremony trip in the canoe.

As the rain lashed outside, we all met again at the beautiful reception "barn" which was decked out with greenery, white lights and a stunning view of the lake and mountains shrouded in an ever-changing sky. Peter, our Master of Ceremonies, quizzed the guests on how well they knew us and one by one each table was allowed their dinner.

Brad started out the speeches by welcoming me to the the family and commending Brett and I on our bravery to leave everything and embark on a trip around the world. He told us that despite inevitably coming home poor, our lives would be richer and we would have something that only the two of us share. We heard from Jacquie, who was thrilled at being part of the wedding and even more excited about her bridesmaid dress and Kory, who was touched to be part of our special event. Everyone laughed as Craig chatted about Brett's successes despite travelling through Central America, bumming around as a lifty on a ski hill and now embarking on a trip around the world.

My dad shared his first impressions of Brett - a nice looking fella with a hairy chin - and a few stories of my sometimes troubling independence. Lauren was the unexpected headliner enlightening the crowd with tales of our Playland visits and my late-night call to her mother claiming to be her darling daughter. We also heard from those who couldn't be there ... my brother David related how his girls were too busy being sad that they couldn't be here that they haven't yet realized the missed opportunity of being flower girls. And who could forget Greg's hilarious email that told of various near death experiences we shared and just how similar he and Brett really are ...

As soon as we had the chance, we removed a few tables and never stopped dancing. I will pass along Martha's version of the events of the reception and the hilarity that ensued:

It turns out that the worm is an international form of expressing joy, pleasure and exuberance. There were several wormages performed at the reception including Lauren's - in her fantastic strapless knee-length black maid-of-honour gown (yay Sinéad for eschewing the blue satin horrors of most weddings!). I was taught the rudiments of the worm later after the reception, although in my case it was more like the flop and I was laughing too hard to do it. Lauren says my "lumbar spine is a rigid lever." I think this means I need better flexibility.

The party was not just exciting, but also excited. It was the best wedding I've attended and I've been to about ten. The waitstaff said they never saw so many people having so much fun. Dancing began as soon as there was room for it and when the lights were turned on at 2 am to make us leave - it kept going for at least another half hour. It was amazing.

In addition to the worm, there were winestands, where you stand on your hands to drink while upside down. A system evolved where a girl would hold up your dress, two others hold up your legs and Randy would dart in to apply a gulp or two of wine. The whole process was easier than I thought and applied to anyone in the vicinity, with their agreement or not.

After the lights came on there was a cupcake fight which I saw only the aftermath of - three people liberally coated in white icing. Several people hit the sauna ... I decided against it and made my way to bed about 3 or 4 am. The wine had been drunk, the worm learned and there was little to do but hit my sleeping bag.