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The Citizen, 2010-03-04, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010. Continued from Page 14 fun seeking out appropriate items. The baskets included beach mats, insect coils, rain ponchos, marshmallows, Jiffypop, sparklers, nightglow sticks, citronella candles, lighters, playing cards, flotation toys, frisbees, a map of the area and another of the cabins and who was staying in each one. Among those attending were Nicki’s maternal grandparents, who were chauffeured back and forth from the Lodge to the cabin by Gator. “But my aunt and uncle stayed with them. We are very grateful to them for that because it would probably not have been possible for my grandparents to be there otherwise.” With the weather perfect, guests mingled, visited and enjoyed the amenities offered by the Lodge. That evening a buffet supper was served after which there was a campfire by the water. Saturday dawned overcast and dreary but it did little to ruin the enthusiasm. Following breakfast a friend of the bride picked the flowers for the bouquets. “We made the decision to use whatever flowers we could find because the logistics of someone having to drive to Sudbury was about as feasible as expecting the flowers to survive if they were brought from home.” This decision played a factor in the colours for the bridal party as well. “As we didn’t know what flowers might be used, we didn’t know what colour the bouquets would be. So for the dresses we chose a soft green. The thinking was if the flowers didn’t match that, then Mother Nature has made a big mistake.” While the issue of the flowers was being resolved, everyone else had a lovely treat waiting for them. The couple’s idea for pontoon boat tours expanded to a floating dock, large enough to accommodate everyone. It was a perfect solution for the dreary day as guests continued to become acquainted and enjoy the area while ignoring the less than perfect weather conditions. Everyone returned in time to prepare for the ceremony which was held at 4 p.m. before the large picture window overlooking the French River system. Dinner and a reception followed. Just before midnight everyone gathered on the porch to watch a fireworks display, a gift to the newlyweds from an usher, over the water. A tired group wended their way back to the cabins in the wee hours or the morning to grab a bit of sleep before checking out on the sunny Sunday. Words of thanks and praise for the weekend of fun and celebration were extended to the newlyweds as guests, with some reluctance, left the calm and serenity of northern Ontario. “...for the dresses we chose a soft green. The thinking was if the flowers didn’t match that, then Mother Nature has made a big mistake.” WINGHAM LEGION Catering available for weddings and parties. Hall rentals for weddings, buck & does, anniversaries. 519-357-2126 1-800-834-4414 Serving mid-western Ontario since 1997 C & P Portables for people who are “out” and “going” Offering for weddings / special events -- self-contained washroom trailers or the portable white wedding units with flush and handwash features. Prompt delivery of sanitized washrooms, always clean, always fresh Providing portable washrooms for any outdoor activity • workplaces • construction sites • special events • parties and weddings Providing portable washrooms for any outdoor activity • workplaces • construction sites • special events • parties and weddings Working with nature The isolation of the lodge on the French River raised a question mark on what to do about bridal bouquets. With the area’s natural beauty obvious, it was decided to work with what Mother Nature offers. As that then raised another question on what flowers might be blooming in June, the choice for bridesmaid’s dresses was green to match the predominant colour in Mother Nature’s palette. Nicki’s bridal attendants, from left: her sister and maid-of-honour Ashley Gropp, friend Fiona O’Connor and sister-in-law Anne-Marie Risdon-Pasternak were given the option of choosing dresses that suited their personal taste and which they felt were most flattering to them. (Ron Scheffler photo/wwwronscheffler.com) Northern Wedding creates memories for bride, groom and guests