The flood. Albertans will never forget the summer of 2013 and the images of high waters and ravaged lands will remain with us for years to come. What also remains is the generosity of strangers and the heart, courage and strength and resilience of the people. Helen and Ross’ wedding was to take place on the Sunday after the major flooding in Canmore at Silvertip Resort. Everyone had flown in from Texas and unfortunately half the group was stuck in Canmore, while the other half including Helen and Ross were stranded in Calgary. I had never experienced a disaster to this proportion and was certain the highway would be re-opened. Obviously, we know now that didn’t happen. But what did happen over the course of 24 hours still leaves me without words. The entire wedding industry was pulling together that weekend. The message boards and Facebook forums were lit up with offers of help. In less than 24hours, Helen and Ross’s wedding was rescheduled to Calgary to the Sheraton on 32nd Avenue, every last detail from the flowers and center pieces to the cake was re-routed. We made it all happen. In a beautiful twist, Helen’s parents and guests, previously stranded in Canmore, were able to travel on the highway and make it in time for the wedding. I felt terrible that they were expecting a glorious mountain backdrop, so I gave them the next best thing: a really BIG hill…. Nosehill to be precise. And other than the swarms of mosquitoes, I think it turned out pretty well. Thank you to Lynn Fletcher Weddings and Lauren Laming from Rocky Mountain Weddings for pulling all the details through for this amazing couple.
