Hillary and Kevin are Getting Married

Welcome! We're glad you're here!

Welcome to our "Wedsite!" We're so excited to share our story and our day with you and to have you join us as we celebrate our wedding! Take a look around, and feel free to contact us with any questions using the Message Board.

Info At-A-Glance

Ceremony: 11:30 am at Spanish Banks West (see map)

Reception: 6:00 pm (arrive between 5:00 and 5:30) on Celebration on Water (see map)

RSVP: Please RSVP by May 31 online by clicking here.

Details, maps and directions, guest information, and more can be found by clicking the links to the left. Looking forward to seeing you in July!

The Latest News

June 1 - There are changes to the hotel that offers preferred rates for Celebration on Water. Is is no longer the Comfort Inn Capilano, but the North Vancouver Hotel right next door. They have better rates than Comfort Inn AND a pool! Check Guest Information for more details.

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Ceremony ~ Spanish Banks West

Read on for details for directions, parking info, and all you need to know about our ceremony.

Ceremony Details

Time: Your invitation says the ceremony starts at 11:30am. Please leave yourself 10-15 minutes or so to park and be shuttled (see below under 'parking information') or walk to the ceremony site. (Longer if you want to use the washrooms at the West Concession first - a good idea, as washrooms are 1 km from the ceremony site.)

Seating: The Parks Board wedding permit only allows for 20 chairs at the ceremony site. This means that those who need one will have a seat, but the rest will be standing (there are some logs that border the site, too). The site is hard packed gravel, and we are aiming for a 25-30 minute ceremony. Plan your shoes accordingly!

Weather: Rain or Shine, Spanish Banks is the plan! It's the end of July, so should be good weather, but bring an umbrella (and maybe one to share) and a rain coat if it looks like rain. Pray for good weather, but we'll have a great time either way!

After the Ceremony

We'd like all guests to stick around for a group photo, and after that, we'll do groups of friends and family photos before the Bride and Groom and the wedding party leave for more photos.

There will be a few hours between the ceremony and reception. Check out In Between for some ideas of what to do or where to go between the vows and the party.

Directions
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GPS Coordinates: N 49 16.751 W 123 14.204 (Google Map it!)

Download a Word Document with maps and directions for both the
ceremony and reception by clicking here: Maps and Directions
(You don't have to sign up, just click the x on the sign in window to see the
document and you can download and print it from there)
_____________________________________________________

From North Vancouver:

Cross the Lions Gate Bridge (Hwy 99 South)
After the bridge, continue straight and the road becomes Georgia St
At the Vancouver Art Gallery (Classical Roman-ish looking building), turn right/south onto Howe St
Howe St will merge to Granville St southbound and carry on to the Granville St Bridge.
Keep right at the fork off the bridge towards 4th Ave/Fir St
Keep right at the next fork for 4th Ave West
Follow 4th Ave for about 5.5 km. When you see Jericho Park on the right and the Jericho Garrison on the left, look for the sign for Spanish Bank/Locarno Beach
Take the right onto NW Marine Dr and follow it as it winds towards Trimble St
Turn right/north on Trimble St
The road then bends left/west and becomes NW Marine Dr again
From this bend, it is 2km to the parking lot nearest the ceremony. The ceremony site is about 400m west of the nearest parking lot (there is a drop off point that is closer for those who have mobility issues).
See "Parking" below for more information about how and where to park, and look for the signs directing you to the ceremony site.

From elsewhere in Greater Vancouver:

Find W 4th Ave and Granville St in Vancouver (Near False Creek and Granville Island)
Follow 4th Ave west (away from Granville St) for about 5.5 km. When you see Jericho Park on the right and the Jericho Garrison on the left, look for the sign for Spanish Bank/Locarno Beach
Take the right onto NW Marine Dr and follow it as it winds towards Trimble St
Turn right/north on Trimble St
The road then bends left/west and becomes NW Marine Dr again
From this bend, it is 2km to the parking lot nearest the ceremony. The ceremony site is about 400m west of the nearest parking lot (there is a drop off point that is closer for those who have mobility issues).
See "Parking" below for more information about how and where to park, and look for the signs directing you to the ceremony site.

Parking Information

Parking at Spanish Banks is free, but limited near the ceremony site. We will have a 'Wedding Wagon' to shuttle people parked in any lot west of the Spanish Banks East Concession and transit loop. The Wedding Wagon will drop guests at the nearest lot to the ceremony (350m away). For those with mobility issues, there is a parks access gate still west of the nearest parking lot where people can be dropped off that is 60m from the site. Watch for the signs directing you to the site.

Click the image to view it in greater detail

Have a question that wasn't answered here?

Leave a comment on the Message Board and we'll answer it. Be sure to include your email address if you want a reply. (Emails won't be made public, only Hillary and Kevin will be able to see it.)

In Between

There will be a few hours between the ceremony and the reception for you to relax, mingle, rest, explore... or geocache! There will be more added here in the coming days (and maaaaybe there are plans for an optional potluck picnic lunch brewing - keep your eyes peeled!), but for now, check out this map of things to see and do along the route between the ceremony and the reception. Click on the map to interact. Labels and notes are included for each point.

Need some more ideas?

Free Things To Do In Vancouver

Reception - Celebration on Water

Our reception will be held at Celebration on Water in North Vancouver. It's a refurbished, anchored ferry with an indoor dining room, and outdoor deck for the dance, and spectacular 360° views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore mountains, and the setting sun. Transport to and from the ferry is via pontoon boat. We are really excited about it - it's a beautiful and unique Vancouver venue that we really think everyone will enjoy - and the food is amazing, too!

(Click the photo to see more photos of the venue!)

Time

Guests arrive between 5:00 and 5:30 pm
Bride and Groom arrive at 5:45
Program begins at 6:00.

Directions
__________________________________________
GPS Coordinates: N 49°18.803 W 123°05.213
(Google map it!)

Download a Word Document with maps and directions
for both the ceremony and reception by clicking here:
Maps and Directions
(You don't have to sign up, just click the x on the sign in window
to see the document and you can download and print it from there)
__________________________________________

From the Ceremony Site

This is assuming you are driving straight there, but of course you might want to explore between the ceremony and reception! See "In Between" for idea of things to see and do between the ceremony and the reception. (And this is just one route of many, so go the way you're most comfortable. If you're a Vancouverite and know the way, directions to the reception start from "Cross the Lions Gate Bridge")

Follow NW Marine Drive east back towards the city
The road will curve right and become Trimble St for a block and half then forks again
Turn/bend left at the fork to return back to NW Marine Drive
At the lights, turn left onto W 4th Ave
Follow 4th Ave for just under 2.5 km until you reach McDonald St
Turn left onto McDonald and follow it as it bends right and becomes Point Grey Rd
Follow Point Grey Rd and it will bend right again and become Cornwall Ave (just follow the main road)
Turn left onto Burrard St at the Molson Brewery and cross the Burrard Street Bridge
Take the first exit turning right at the end of the bridge. This will put you onto Pacific Ave
Take your second right (it comes quite quickly) onto Howe St and then your first right again onto Beach Ave. You are basically taking three rights where you can't turn left, and will end up passing under the Burrard St Bridge
Follow Beach Ave along the water. The street will curve to the right up a short hill and there will be a traffic light. Turn left to remain on Beach Ave.
When you start seeing palm trees on the beach, be sure you are in the right lane. There will be lane signs directing you as well.
At the Boathouse, turn right onto Denman St.
Follow Denman until you see Georgia St.
Turn left onto Georgia St and follow it as it enters Stanley Park
Watch the signs to stay in the correct lane for the bridge, not the park
Cross the Lions Gate Bridge
Take the turn off for Marine Drive (East)
Follow Marine Drive for about 3km and you will come to a fork
Turn slight right at the fork onto 3rd St
When you see a Husky gas station, turn right onto Forbes Ave
Forbes will become Esplanade, but before it becomes Esplanade - where Forbes and Esplanade meet - you will see a white building in front of you on the right and a small road that continues down to the water that only goes right. Turn right here. (see photo below)

You will see a large war canoe and a big sign that says Mosquito Creek Marina
Turn right into the large gravel West Park parking lot. Pay at the machines according to the instructions.

Parking

The WestPark lot is pay parking. The rates are $3/hr until 6pm then $3 for the evening. Follow the instructions on the machines to pay.

The annual Caribbean Days Festival is happening the same day, so the lot may be busy. Carpool if you can, but there are also several other parkades nearby, as well as street parking, just obey the signs!

Once you are parked, walk past the security gate to "A Dock" (the first dock) and down the ramp. Pontoon boats will be waiting for you to take you to the ferry.

Have a question that wasn't answered here?

Leave a comment on the Message Board and we'll answer it. Be sure to include your email address if you want a reply. (Emails won't be made public, only Hillary and Kevin will be able to see it.)

Guest Information

*** June 1 - THERE ARE CHANGES TO THE PREFERRED RATE HOTEL INFO ***

Some people have been asking about the Comfort Inn because it seems they didn't know about the preferred rate plan. They are under new management and no longer offer preferred rates for Celebration on Water. Now the venue is working with the North Vancouver Hotel, which is right next door. The North Vancouver Hotel has better rates, offers preferred rates for Celebration on Water guests (just ask for Stephen and mention the venue) AND they have a pool! If you'd like to cancel your Comfort Inn reservation and switch over, you might get a better rate!
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Wherever you stay, our suggestion is to book early, as our wedding is in peak summer season.

Hotels

Guests attending events with our reception venue get preferred rates when they mention they are with the Duncan/Uren wedding at Celebration on Water (if you have trouble, ask for Stephen Chen) at the following hotel:

North Vancouver Hotel
Website: http://www.northvancouverhotel.ca
Phone: 604-987-4461

Other hotels/hostels/RV Parks nearby:

Best Western Capilano Inn and Suites
Website: http://www.bestwesterncapilano.com
Phone: 1-800-644-4227

Comfort Inn and Suites on Capilano Road in North Vancouver
Website: http://www.vancouvercomfort.com
Phone: 1-888-988-3181

Grouse Inn
Website: http://www.grouseinn.com/
Phone: 604-988-7101

Holiday Inn and Suites
Website: http://www.hinorthvancouver.com
Phone: 1-877-985-3111

Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
Website: http://pinnaclepierhotel.com
Phone: 1-877-986-7437

Travelodge Vancouver Lions Gate
Website: http://www.travelodge.com...
Phone: 604-985-5311

Vancouver Hosteling International Hostels
Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver Central (also downtown)
Vancouver Jericho Beach

Capilano RV Park
Website: http://www.capilanoriverrvpark.com
Phone: 604-987-4722

Have a question that wasn't answered here?

Leave a comment on the Message Board and we'll answer it. Be sure to include your email address if you want a reply. (Emails won't be made public, only Hillary and Kevin will be able to see it.)

Registries

We are registered at Bed Bath and Beyond (most of our stuff), the Bay (just a few things), and have an Amazon Wish List for things we have found at different stores, all compiled in one list (NOT items from Amazon, Amazon just hosts the list).

If you're traveling from Alberta, feel free to hold any gifts till we are back, or have them shipped to Kevin's house: 712 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2W5

Click an image to be taken directly to the registry.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Can't find an item in the store? Ask a clerk and they'll find it for you, or just show them the item on the list. If you order online from IN THE STORE, you don't have to pay shipping!

The Bay

Amazon Wish List

* Please read directions below for how this list works. Also, you can view items by priority by choosing the 'Sort By' drop down menu.

This is a collection of items from different stores, not items from Amazon itself. Amazon just hosts the list for items found in many different places. Some are unique to the listed store but most items can be found in several places. This allows us to be flexible and you to shop around! Use the 'Print This List' if you'd like a hard copy.

If you want to shop online or want more information about the product, click the "Shop This Website" button.

If you want to shop in person, make note of the item (and the store, if you choose), and then please come back to the list online to mark it as bought. Here's how: Below the 'Shop this website' button is a link that says 'Buying this gift elsewhere?' Click that, and you will be prompted to enter your email address. You will receive a confirmation email, and just follow the instructions to mark the item and the quantity as purchased. It will be updated on our list.

We have the list set to 'secret' so we won't know what is bought or who bought it unless we try to purchase the item ourselves, so don't worry, there won't be any ruined surprises!

RSVP by May 31 for...

Wedding Party

Standing for the Bride

Rachelle, Matron of Honour - Olds, Iowa

Hillary and Rachelle met at youth group in North Vancouver in 1993, when they were both in grade 9. They've had many adventures together over the years - including many "driving adventures." Getting a little lost along the way seems to be a staple when they get together! Hillary is pretty sure Rachelle is super-human - the hats this woman wears would make your head spin! In all that, she still has time to be the kind of friend anyone would be blessed to have. Her listening ear, her advice, her silliness, and her prayers have meant so much to me! Racheche, I'm so happy to have you as a member of my wedding party!

Kelly- Tofino, BC

Hillary's earliest memory of Kelly was singing Jesus Loves Me to her at the hospital when she was born! Kelly is an adventurer - she has worked in Hawaii, lived in Bali, sailed the South Pacific, and trekked Annapurna, to name just a few! She currently lives on the West Coast and gets to kayak with porpoises as part of her job - lucky girl! Kelly is the most positive person I've ever met, and I admire her ability to create the life she dreams of and to infect others with joy wherever she goes. Thanks for standing with me on my wedding day, sister!

Trudy - Vancouver, BC

Hillary met Trudy in a small group in 2005, and quickly became good friends. From road trips to hikes, kayaks to tents, they've had a lot of outdoor adventures together over the years, and enjoyed a LOT of silliness! Just ask her about her 'bear eating berries' impression! :) But I am also so thankful for her straight shooting and wise counsel. She has taught me and encouraged me and kicked me in the pants - it's really hard to express how much my life has been shaped by this lady! Strudella, thank you for your friendship and for being part of our day!

Rebecca - Toronto, ON

Hillary and Becca met at church camp in 2005, and I think our mutual zaniness was what got our friendship going! I love how full of life and exuberant Becca is, and how she is constantly looking to love people who might typically be overlooked. She has been a laugh-inducing, adventure-creating, heart-sharing, impression-making friend to me, and for that I am so very grateful. She, too, has been one of those friends who is a life-shaper. Thank you for always being there for me, Rebeccarino, especially on the day I marry my great love!

Standing for the Groom

Victoria (Tori) - Calgary, AB

In her own words, "Tori is Kevin's oldest daughter and is just about the most wonderful, craziest person he's ever known (except for maybe Hillary...) She has a knack for big theatrics, so of course she defies the norm on a regular basis!"

Sydney - Calgary, AB

What can I say about my baby girl? She too is growing up to be a fine young woman. I am so pleased that she is finding her place in the world. Her love for art is growing and I am finding out she is becoming quite the writer too. In addition to these talents, her comedic timing has me laughing a lot.

Jason, Best Man - Calgary, AB

Jason has been Kevin's younger brother his whole life. Growing up, we would play super heroes on the swing set, fight over who got to drive the loader and shoot gophers mercilessly. While still a teenager, Jason started to follow Jesus and Kevin would come around in his late thirties. Since that time, our relationship has grown dramatically and Jason has the freedom to speak into my life and call me on anything. Jason, thanks for being my brother and for continuing to be an influence in my life.

James - Calgary, AB

James and Kevin met at a men's bible study in 2007. Since that time he has become my "brother from another mother" and he too has permission to speak into my life and not let me try to fool myself or anyone else. Besides Jason, James know more about me than any other guy. James has been a single dad for years as well. He loves his three boys and I don't know any parent who is more dedicated to his kids than James. In the time we have spent together, he has also picked up geocaching as a hobby and that's something we like to do together whenever possible.

JD - Calgary, AB

JD & Kevin met at our church's singles group around the beginning of 2012. We have shared many good thought provoking conversations and some pretty fine scotch. I don't think JD lets it show often enough, but his heart to serve God has been an inspiration to me. I am so pleased he is willing to stand with me and be a person of influence in my life.

Our Story

He Found Her Twice...

I went to church on May 29, 2011 - a Sunday morning, which at the time was not a common occurrence. Usually, I would go Saturday evening instead. For whatever reason, I was there and happened to see a friend from our singles group who also didn't usually attend Sunday mornings. I went over to say hi and she had a couple of girlfriends with her. We only talked for a couple of minutes and I found out one of them was only in town for the week and was heading back to Vancouver that day. Too bad I thought, she was kind of cute...

I was in Calgary for a week to take my first course of my masters at Ambrose. The class was over and I was spending time with my friend Laurie for the weekend. We went to the early service at church that day so that we had time to head to the Lilac festival - a springtime street festival in Calgary - that afternoon before my flight home. She introduced me to one of her friends from her singles group who had come over to say hello. I said hello, we chatted for a bit, and that was that.

Or so we thought!

Fast forward to December 2012. I had joined an online dating site and saw this one profile. There was something about her that just caught my eye. Reading through her profile, I saw that she had been to Kenya and had a real heart for the people there. She also liked hiking, snowshoeing and camping. Cool! I decided to send her a message and 'introduce' myself.

In September of 2012, I had moved to Calgary for full time school. I was home in Vancouver for Christmas, and had received an email about some free days on a long-neglected dating site I used to use. I was curious to see if I had any messages, so I gave in and opened up my profile. There was one message from someone who lived in Calgary. And it was a real message, too, not just a wink or a "hey." He had obviously put a lot of effort into reading my profile and sending a personalized message, and had even suggested that maybe he could take me snowshoeing sometime - bold move, internet man! Bold move! :) I clicked through to his profile and took a look. His picture seemed somewhat familiar, but I knew it wasn't from seeing him from the site. Looking further, I saw that he went to an Alliance church and was involved in singles ministries, and I had an "I-don't-know-where-that-came-from" light bulb moment. Was this the guy I met when I was at church in Calgary with my friend Laurie? At first, he didn't seem like the type of guy I'd be interested in, but I was curious as to whether or not I was right, so I decided to write him back.

There were actually a couple of things that caught my eye. One of them was that I thought she seemed really familiar, but I didn't know where I would have met her. It took her about a week to get back to me and in that time I like to think I played it cool, saying to myself, it's Christmas time, she's probably busy with family. I was able to see that she hadn't read the message yet so I knew that I hadn't been rejected yet... There was still hope!! :) Finally, I heard back from her and thought it was so cool that she thought I looked familiar too. But, the initial email address she gave me bounced back. Then when I got the correct one, the first message she got from my account was spam! Kind of a rough start for us. :)

Since I now had her name, I decided to creep a little on facebook... Don't judge me! ;) In her email, she had said we may have met that day but I didn't remember for sure, so I was hoping to find who our mutual friend may have been. I discovered it was Laurie, which was confirmed when she wrote me back.

A few emails in, he invited me to go snowshoeing with him and a friend on New Years Day. Alas, I was still in Vancouver! We emailed back and forth almost every day while I was home. I was impressed with the good conversation and Kevin's humour, and found myself looking forward to his emails each day. (I MAY have even accidentally drained the battery in a friend's car one night at 2 am because of my eagerness to hear back from him! That story is here.)

Kevin asked me on a date for after I got back to Calgary. I was headed to Kenya for two years at least, so I wasn't really looking for a relationship (who would want to date a girl who was moving to Africa?!), but I figured, hey, it's just a date, it'll be fun, so I agreed, and we made arrangements for a Friday night. Almost a week before our first date, I started getting nervous! It was Wednesday, however, sitting around the table at school with about a dozen friends and a few of my profs, when, entering my school schedule into my calendar, I realized I had double booked myself! I had a class that Friday night!!! I let out a huge, involuntary gasp and an "OH NO!" that I'm sure made the people around me think I had discovered that some tragic calamity had befallen me. Of course, they all asked what was up, and I had to admit that I had double booked myself for a first date. The highly respected, wise, and distinguished prof sitting beside me remarked, in all sincerity, "Huh... that's unfortunate!" I was so embarrassed! I quickly emailed Kevin, horrified, to admit my mistake and see if he was free to reschedule.

I was looking forward to our date as well and I thought our emails were a good indication of how we would get along. In my mind, it was not just a date but I did think it would be fun. Even before we had our first date, I was sure there would be more... We had arranged to go skating at Carburn Park, the first year they had an outdoor rink there. It was a good thing actually, that we didn't go Friday. After work, I stopped by to check it out and the City crew was flooding the rink. We wouldn't have been able to skate anyway. Our first date ended up being Saturday, January 12, 2013.

While arranging our "meet'n deets," I wanted to be a gentleman and pick her up but I also wanted to respect her privacy (which meant me not knowing her exact latitude/longitude). She figured I wasn't an axe murderer and agreed to let me pick her up at her building. I waited in the lobby and walked her to my vehicle, and we were off to dinner before skating.

The day of our date I was so nervous I couldn't even eat (not because I thought he was an axe murderer!). And, I had a dilemma. What to wear, what to wear? We were heading out for dinner first, so I wanted to be cute. But then we were going skating outside. In Calgary. In the winter. I also wanted to be warm! I think I pulled off an ok outfit for both. hehehe! Kevin picked me up and was a total gentleman. He even worked in a line from my first email to him, written on a cue card. It was a sweet gesture, the first of many that evening.

We talked so long over dinner that we realized we were in danger of running short of skating time, so - presto-change-o, I changed from cute to warm and we headed to the rink. As we turned the corner to the park, the view took my breath away - a large cluster of trees beside the rink were all strung up with lights, brightening the dark night and creating a beautiful scene for our skate.

She managed to pull off not only warm, but cute and warm simultaneously. :) The conversation came easy and for most of the evening, we had the whole rink to ourselves. We skated for quite a while and finally stopped to enjoy some hot chocolate I had brought along (to try to impress her, shh!). After warming our fingers and toes (not in the hot chocolate, that would be sticky and gross), we skated a while longer until the wind picked up and the snow started to fall.

It was a perfect end to the evening. We had been out so long, in fact, that my roommate was starting to worry about me. She called me as Kevin was driving home and I had to convince him that - really! - I didn't ask her to check up on me! :) We had the awkward first date goodbye, and I went inside. On one hand, I was wondering what would come of all of this, while on the other, I was happy to just have had a lovely evening with such a sweet, open, and fun guy.

I had a wonderful evening too. In fact, I couldn't wait to call her again... which I did the very next day. Score! Date number 2 :)

He called the very next day?! Wow - SO nice to not have games to play. I think this guy is into me... "I'd love to see you again, too!"

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We had been dating for about six weeks, and I was developing a fun hobby - teasing Kevin about having met him a year and a half previous. "Aurgh! I don't remember!" he'd say. One particular evening, we were out for dessert and I was practicing my new hobby once again. Poor guy, it was a two minute meeting after the Sunday morning service, if that. Of course he wouldn't remember...

"Wait, after the morning service? I was thinking we had met Sunday evening at the singles group." All of a sudden, the context changed and pieces started to fall into place for me. A light bulb came on - "I remember!"

And remember he did! He told me not only that there was a third person with us (my friend Marivic) and exactly where we were in the lobby. He was flabbergasted: "I met you!"

We both believe that that "chance" two minute encounter was no coincidence. It was a pivotal point to the beginning of our relationship, and another example of God's perfect timing. And boy, did He get things right!

The Proposal

Part One... The Proposal

On January 12, 2014, Kevin and I had been dating for one year. To celebrate, Kevin was taking me on a surprise date. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if this might be a good chance to propose, but there were several things Kevin had said over the previous few days that made me think that it wouldn't be happening quite yet. I had honestly put it out of my mind completely and was looking forward to celebrating one year with my man.

Kevin hadn't told me where we were going, and as I still don't know downtown very well at all, I was oblivious as to where we were going until we got into the lobby of the Calgary tower. There was a steak house there - was that it? But nope, we kept walking, all the way to the elevator that takes visitors to the top. I didn't even know there WAS a restaurant up there! Kevin was taking me to the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower! Faaaancy!

We made our way up and were seated at the window. It was a clear night, and as the restaurant rotated, we had a spectacular view. Our meals were delicious - he had the elk, I had the bison (a good Alberta dinner, we joked!). As we ate, we reminisced about the past year, and talked about things that we loved and admired about one another.

Dinner was over, and we decided on a dessert to share. It came, but we were too engrossed in our conversation to start eating it right away. The waitress, I figured, was worried we didn't like it, and kept wandering over to just check in - not saying anything, but I was sure she was wondering why we weren't eating the decadence we had just ordered.

Kevin and I had been talking marriage for quite some time, and we had always joked that it was just kind of assumed. "Oh, there will be an official ask!" he had always told me. Well, the official ask came that night, and it was perfect. As much as I knew it was coming, still he took me by surprise. I said yes - of course - and totally cried! I was elated, overwhelmed, and so, so excited to be this man's future bride!

And so... the ring! Over Christmas, we had gone to see a family friend who is a jeweler to start the process of designing my ring (yes, Kevin got me a custom designed ring!!!), but it wasn't ready, so he had picked up an alternative that afternoon at the mall - a gloriously gigantic purple plastic ring from Ardenes! It was awesome! How could I not say yes??? tee hee! Just another reason to love my man - he's hilarious!

Well, it turns out the waitress wasn't just wondering about whether or not we liked our desert. In the online reservation Kevin made, he had written that he would be proposing that night, so the waitress had been hovering wondering if it had happened yet, and what the outcome was! Once we told her we just got engaged, she spilled the beans that that's what she had been doing. Kudos to her for keeping mum the whole evening!

So of course, we also wanted to call my parents right away. Well, as it turned out, I had left my phone at home that night (I never do that!) to upload a video to youtube, so I didn't have it with me. No problem, I thought. I can just use Kevin's phone! Well, with my parents having moved, I only know their phone number by what it spells, and Kevin's blackberry doesn't have the usual letters on the number keys that would allow me to dial correctly. We ended up having to ask our waitress to go look at the house phone and draw us a diagram of what numbers had what letters so we could actually call my parents and tell them we had just gotten engaged! hehehe.... oops!

We made our phone call, and apologized to the couple behind us for being on the phone. They hadn't even noticed, and then once they learned the reason why, they were SO excited for us - we chatted a little and they even gave us congratulatory hugs - our first as an engaged couple. Thank you, lovely strangers! :)

We finished our desert, and I may have cried a few more times - happy tears, for soon I get to marry my love!

Part Two... The Ring

How I got my ring - coming soon! :)

Message Board and Song Requests

Photo Album

Scroll down to see the photos, or click the first photo to start a slideshow.

In August 2011, Hillary came across this sign near the dam outside Revelstoke. She had no idea what it meant, so clearly it was asking her a question. She checked for a man, but nope - no dice...

... two years later, Hillary was back in the area of this mysterious sign. She checked again, and lo and behold, look what she found! Carry on to enjoy some more photos of our adventures...

Kevin surprised Hillary with a helicopter ride over Kananaskis about a month into dating! February 2013

At Cameron Falls near Yellowknife, NWT. August 2013

Silliness at Lake Louise. March 2013

Out for lunch while visiting Hillary's parents in Qualicum Beach, BC. July 2013

The night we got engaged! Calgary Tower, Jan 12, 2014

Snowshoeing at Lake Louise. March 2013

Kevin's first visit to Vancouver with Hillary - at Stanley Park. May 2013

On a hike to the Cold War bunker near Heart Creek. November 2013

At Giant Springs Park in Great Falls, Montana. August 2013

With Tori and Sydney at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. June 2014

If you'd like to see more photos, check out our photo-a-day project - what Hillary sees in Kenya and what Kevin sees in Calgary. It begins three weeks from Hillary's departure and ends shortly after she comes home. Click here to be taken to the site.