Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Something few people know, is that our story actually began in 2013, when we met at a Catholic Family camp in Combermere.Eleven-year-old Gregory introduced himself to me, and I, overcome with shyness, ignored him and refused to shake his hand. Turns out I would live to regret it, because I spent the rest of the camp hanging out with my brothers and Greg was almost always there. However, after that initial introduction, Greg didn't speak to me once! And who can blame him? When I began working for his brother Peter, he didn't remember me. For my part, even eight years couldn't make me forget him...or the incident that still made me blush with embarrassment all these years later. I was glad to get a chance to actually be friends with him this time. The rest is history :)

First Meeting

"This time, I think he's really going to propose" I moaned in fake agony. My head in my hands and my elbows on my sewing machine, I approached the situation with my usual calm. Marie-Esther observed me somewhat disapprovingly, her lips pursed as she put on her no-nonsense persona, which always seems to take over when my dramatic nature makes an appearance. "Yeah, it's like the 100th time you say that." she comments dryly. Her reference to my previously crushed hopes set me moaning again as I once again questioned my deductions.Greg had asked me if I wanted to go on a hike with him to watch the sunrise on a Saturday morning. Desperately torn between stifled excitement, nervousness, and the fear of impending disappointment, I tried to surrender to Divine Will and not worry too much as I anticipated the great day. Or rather, the day which had significant potential for greatness. My excitement at our Saturday plans were somewhat adrift in the ocean of stress caused by a ten-day Guide camp, which I was organizing mostly by myself for fourteen people and which was due to start two days after our suspicious hike. On that happy morning, I awoke to my alarm ringing at approximately 3:15, which was 1 hr before our set departure time. I dressed in the dark, deciding on a dress that would not look too obnoxious and still look nice enough in the case that Greg did decide to propose. I prefer to be ready for all plausible eventualities.I spent quite a bit of time sitting in the dark kitchen, sipping tea and thoroughly reflecting on my situation before Greg finally made an appearance and we snuck out of the house. The night was still pitch black, and even without a potential engagement, it would have been an exciting adventure. How often does a girl get to go on a hike in a somber forest with her best friend? Indeed. Hence, the suspicion. By the time we reached the summit of the mountain, it had become very clear that we would not likely be graced with a sunrise. The sky was completely overcast, and great clouds of mist were rising off of the surrounding mountains. Greg, who had been praying for a sunrise, luckily decided to resign himself to circumstances and proposed anyways. I could not have wished for a better proposal. We got great photos with the dim lighting and the event itself was all the sunrise we needed that morning. Marie-Esther, despite her professed disbelief in my extraordinary powers of deduction, upon hearing the news, claimed that she was "Not surprised." Little sisters are great.And I really mean that!

Engagement

The Catholic betrothal ceremony, known as the&nbsp;Rite of Betrothal,&nbsp;originates from&nbsp;the early Church&nbsp;and was a significant social and religious practice tied to marriage.&nbsp;It served as a public declaration and legal commitment between families, marking the beginning of an engagement period that was considered binding under both religious and civil law, similar to a modern marriage. On a beautiful and rather hot Sunday afternoon in late July, we made a formal promise before God and the Church to one day marry each other. It was a beautiful ceremony, filled with grace and meaning. We were both blessed to be surrounded by our amazing parents and some of our siblings.

Betrothal

Our Story

Photos

My beloved little sister, twin and adopted daughter all in one! I have never been prouder of anyone else in my life. Mattie, there is no one else in the world quite like you (even if I come pretty close!)

Marie-Esther

Anna

Paisley

My accomplice, oldest and best friend, counselor, and role model. Sophie, thanks for always being there for me, and never leaving me alone. You always knew what was best for me even if I didn't. Love you!

Sophie

Christa, you are truly like a sister to me. No one really knows me until they've seen the two of us together. You bring out all my enthusiasm, joy for life, creativity, and, yes, recklessness. I really can't imagine my life without the laughter you always seem to bring wherever you go. 

Is breá liom tú, my irish cousin!

Marie-Claire & Gregory

Marie-Claire & Gregory

M&G

Wedding Day