He was born to Linda and Donald and grew up in Rossland.
She was born to Pam and Charles and grew up in Dublin.
He moved to Ireland. A fish out of water, he was sent off to boarding school in the middle of nowhere.
She went to Ireland’s oldest secondary school where she wore a gown, Harry-Potter style. Seriously. She couldn't find a photo of it.
He went to art college to study graphic design.
She went to a different art college to study textile design.
Last minute he decided to go to a festival with his groomsman Simon. He asked a pretty girl in the neighbouring camp if she could paint his face as an ice breaker.
She was mad everyone had been asking to use her expensive Snazaroo™ facepaint. She brushed him off and ran off with her friends.
A week later, like all great romantics, he asked her out to a movie on facebook.
She said a movie was a bad idea but suggested dinner and a comedy club instead.
She arrived at the restaurant on her bike, wearing an orange helmet. She told him she’d already eaten but had a margharita.
He was wondering who eats dinner right before going on a dinner date? He ordered tacos.
She walked him across the street to the comedy night at The International and bought him a pint.
He was sitting right next to the stage and unwittingly became part of one comedian’s act.
After the date, she told him she had a great time, kissed him on the street corner and cycled home.
After only a few months together he moved to Paris for school and an internship with his sister.
She sent him postcards, drawings and glitterbombed his post box. She flew to Paris for Valentines day.
He sent her Sea of Love by Cat Power. She loved it. This’ll be the song they first dance to at the wedding.
She moved to London with her friends for the summer to intern with an artist and a designer.
He graduated from college, did an internship and started making websites (like this one) freelance.
She finished school and went to Iceland for a month as part of a textile residency. She brought him along.
He got really sick and after lots of poking and prodding was diagnosed with a chronic illness. She was there when he woke up in the hospital.
She got a job in Penney’s working on textile testing. She hated it.
Keen for a change, she got a visa, packed her bags and moved to Vancouver. She liked it.
Once his lease with groomsman Andrew was up he joined her in Vancouver. He found some good doctors.
She got a job at Arc’teryx and met her bridesmaid Taryn there.
He found a friendly, scroungy cat at the local SPCA. She whole-heartedly approved.
She planned lots of hiking, skiing and camping adventures for them.
On one of those adventures he proposed in a quiet cove, 3 days away from civilization. She said yes.
Sheil & McDonald
11 June 2022