The beginning

July 1, 1978.

The sun is setting over a peaceful lake, casting shadows of pink and purple over everything. With a crackling fire in the background, a holiday party is just getting started.

Brenda is visiting her girlfriends in Northern Ontario. As an unfamiliar face in town, she’s being eyed up by the local boys as she sips on a beer and chats with her friends.

Suddenly, a burst of happy shouting, as someone new joins the party.

“Billy’s here! Hey Billy, how ya doin’?”

A crowd forms around the newcomer, people shake his hand, slap him on the back, give him hugs.

She is impressed, intrigued. He is a shorter man, wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and cowboy boots. As he walks around the party talking to everyone, he oozes charisma.

Later, there is a beer drinking contest. She is standing directly behind him as he gulps. He notices he is losing, and tosses the rest of his drink over his shoulder, narrowly missing Brenda’s head. 

He holds up his empty glass. “Done!” Everyone cheers. 

He turns to look at Brenda, a mischievous look in his eye, puts his index finger to his lips.  

She smiles, giggles, raises her glass to him.

That’s when he knew she was the one.

         

Over 30 years later, cleaning out the spare room at her dad’s new house, Kate will knock over a pile of books. Her mom’s handwriting will startle her, staring out from a small, white book. It is decorated with bells and flowers and “Our Wedding Memories” on the cover. She opens it and begins to read. 

         

Bill and I became officially engaged on November 16, 1979. It came as quite a shock when we went to Timmins to pick out a ring and I ended up wearing it home.

         

He had wanted to pick one out, get rid of me for a minute, pay for it and hide it in one of my ski boots for Christmas. He couldn’t get rid of me though, so he told me if that was the ring I wanted he’d buy it for me right then and there. 

         

And it is so beautiful. One big diamond in the middle with two smaller ones on either side of it.

         

Up until now, this is the happiest day of my life.

They are married on a beautiful day in August, 1980.

Brenda’s bridesmaids wear dresses of soft lavender. Always a classic beauty, she carries a few simple, white Calais lilies.

         

Before going into the church, his brother says something to him, which later turns into a family joke. 

         

“Are you sure? It’s not too late to back out…”

         

Bill just looks at his brother and laughs, as the reverend’s eyes widen. 

         

As Brenda walks down the aisle, he can’t keep his eyes off of her. Can’t believe she’s his.

         

He’s never been more sure of anything.