Storm Mountain Wedding - Julie & Gavin

Sat May 5, 2007

In early February we heard that Julie and Gavin were planning on tying the knot. They had booked the location for the wedding and it was Storm Mountain Lodge. This lodge is a beautiful lodge located overlooking Storm Mountain. Thanks to Sheila Copps who protected it from being torn down in the late 1990s we still have these historic little cabins and main lodge. The food was exquisite and all the cabins have been upgraded and insulated and are very comfortable. The lodge is located in Banff National Park on the way to Radium hotsprings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue, Peter and baby Jacqueline and I drove up with Jackie and Reinhard on Friday and go there at about 4:00 pm. It was a lot colder at the lodge which was already at a few thousand feet above sea level. Jackie, Reinhard and I set off on a snowshoe down a trail near the lodge but it was very difficult as we kept sinking into the snow.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was very relaxed and informal with around 30-40 people and we all fit very comfortably in the main lodge. We met all of Gavin's family members who were very diverse and interesting people. There were a few speeches. Gavin's brother Darren welcomed Julie into their family and Tara and Corin welcomed Gavin into our family. After the speeches we were treated to some wonderful Buffalo sandwiches and everyone mingled. Even though I'm Julie's brother I have to say that she looked very stunning in the red and white dress with a black lacey shawl which Susan had worn for her wedding. The whole ceremony was so relaxed and fun. The wedding felt much like it does when one visits Julie at her house where you feel instantly relaxed and at home. Also nice to have Jacqueline and Ian at the ceremony. Jacqueline was in a smock dress that was made by our Aunt mary and had been worn by Alison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside Shots

Gourgeous Couple!!!

 

 

 

Boom Lake Hike

The morning of the wedding Corin and I went on a hike up to Boom Lake which was 1 km from the lodge.

 

We thankfully brought along the snowshoes and I had most of the clothing that I had brought along on my body in order to make sure I didn't freeze to death. We walked for quite a while as I underestimated the distance.

 

It was 5 km in and 5km out. When we got to the lake it was frozen over but a beautiful lake nonetheless. The lake was in a bowl surrounded on all sides by mountains and a glacier at the far end. It was absolutely beautiful and I'm sure would be more stunning once the ice melts in the summer. Makes me yearn to go back during the summer months.

 

 

Sunrise in the Mountains

 

 

Lake Louise

After the wedding we were restless and wanting to work off the Buffalo sandwiches. Gavin's family was having a get together for everyone at Lake Louise lodge
in the town of Lake Louise so we decided to tack on a hike to this beautiful area before heading to the gathering.

 

 

 

Johnson Canyon

We had a wonderful get together at Gavin's brother's hotel room and then headed back later in the evening to the cottages at storm mountain. The younger family members (I still consider myself young) played scategories and Tara had us all hooting with her New Type of Triscuit invention called "Roasted Red Pooper". The next day we arose to a wonderful Storm Mountain breakfast and then managed to coordinate the troops for a spectacular hike up to Johnson's Canyon. The last shot below is of a lookout just off Highway 1a which is a highway full of wonderful views a must drive the next time we're in that area.

We arrived back in Calgary and went for a run. Brad managed to beat me up the last hill but did himself an injury. That'll teach him!

Julie and Gavin, what a wonderful wedding and fantastic weekend.