Nathan and Tyne Peto

From Thursday to Sunday last week I was in the small Manitoba city of Brandon.  Nathan Peto and I were roommates for a week of our two-week battlefield study tour through France in 2006.  Since then we've kept in touch, more so since Facebook linked us up again a few years ago.  There are certain people in this world that you just immediately get along with - That was Nathan.  In August, Nathan asked if I could come and photograph his October wedding.  I didn't hesitate.

Nathan is a member of the Brandon Barbarians Rugby Club

When I arrived in Brandon, it was like 4 years had wilted away and the ease of conversation was apparent immediately.  Nathan, his year and half old son, and I went for a walk.  As we passed the community rinks, I couldn't help but think of the years my family spent in Kenora and the cold rinks where I first started playing hockey.

I arrived a few days early to spend a bit of time with Nathan and Tyne and was injected into the wild days leading up to a wedding.  Though I would normally stay in a hotel, in stereotypical small town fashion Tyne's parents wanted to make sure that everything was taken care and instead I stayed at the family's house.  The unforeseen benefit of staying with the Carmichael's and spending time with the guys of the wedding was that by the time the wedding rolled around they were so used to me that the ease and comfort that normally takes a little while was instantaneous.  The licence plates in the prairie province read "Friendly Manitoba."  Nathan and Tyne, your families and friends certainly proved the province's motto. A special thanks to Doug and Shelly for being such wonderful hosts.

The wedding was beautiful.  The bridal party and the groomsmen were all smiles and laughs which made for such authentic smiles.  The families were both so proud. Even with over 250 guests, it had a genuine small wedding feel.  I'm thrilled you asked me to capture your special day.

click on the video for a larger version

Nathan and Tyne are off to the Bahamas now on their Honeymoon and I sure hope it isn't another 4 years before I get to see them and Noah again.