Another week, another engagement party! This time, we are celebrating the engagement of Michelle and Ricardo. Michelle is the older sister of my friend Stephanie, and since Stephanie and I were inseparable for the entirety of our high school years, I got to see quite a lot of Michelle as well. She was the one begrudgingly giving us rides, or providing her sage advice on our ongoing teenage dramas and conflicts. She was a whole two years older, and thus had an infinite amount of wisdom and life experience that she could bestow upon us.
I remember how during grade 12, Steph, myself, and another friend visited her at UBC. She toured us around campus, and took us to her favourite sushi restaurant, and introduced me to Cob’s sourdough, still my #1 bread. She was living in the Gage tower, where I myself lived a few years later, and so when it came time to sleep, the four of us crammed in her tiny bedroom. I specifically remember using a neoprene laptop case stuffed with some clothes as a pillow. The whole experience left me in total awe, and I couldn’t wait to get to university and have this independent life for myself.
Michelle was in a long-term relationship with a Swiss guy that she met one weekend in Victoria, and instantly fell in love with. For several years they did long distance, with him in Switzerland and her getting her Masters degree in Vancouver. Finally, a couple of years ago she moved over there, and now they are united.
We were so excited to find out they got engaged, and even more excited when we learned that they would be coming to visit, and we could celebrate with them. Stephanie set out to plan the perfect engagement party, and it paid off, with good times being had by all. I wanted to contribute in the best way I knew how, and thus, I became the party photographer.
It was so good to see Stephanie’s parents, because they definitely adopted me into their family during my teenage years. I spent more time at Steph’s house than my own, and went on camping trips with them every summer. With the wedding being planned in Switzerland I won’t be able to attend, but I know Michelle will make a beautiful bride.
