Reception on the Runway

Introducing Rock & Riyo (aka runway bride)

On Saturday I attended the most original and fun wedding reception with a twist, along with my sister Lisa and good friend Margeaux.  It took place in Clearwater B.C. which by the way lives up to its name.  Too bad the sky wasn’t clear but it certainly didn’t place a damper on the evening which took place on a private airstrip where our friends made their arrival….by plane of course.  The flight was pretty much on time too.  Out they came  dressed as captain and first officer…and we would expect nothing less from these two exceptional adventure seekers.

Top L: Riyo (first officer), Rock (captain) + me (flight attendant wannabe). Top R: Lisa, Margeaux, Riyo, me. Bottom L: Lisa, Margeaux, me. Bottom R: Rock, Riyo + Spruce Goose Chardonnay.

The reception took place on the airstrip with big white tent set up just outside Rock’s airplane hangar.  The hangar itself was turned into a fully stocked open bar, and it was catered with delicious food, dessert and even a hot dog cart for those who wanted a late night extra snack.  Naturally there was music too.  Everyone got place settings with their names written on a little paper suitcase which when opened had a number (for door prize) and a cute luggage tag with a plane on the inside.  It was an evening that was very plane but never boring.

Infact the actual exchange of vows took place on the infamous Spruce Goose which used to be owned by Howard Hughes, in the town of McMinnville, Oregon at the Evergreen Aviation Museum.  The reception was hosted by the bride and groom who sat at a head table by themselves and played trivia games where prizes were given out for either having the right answer or the craziest answer.  We were asked to please not bring gifts, but guests were given gifts.  A reverse order. There was also an inflight movie at dusk about the Spruce Goose and for those not able to attend, their wedding ceremony.

Oh; and the food…catered by Gateway Grill in Clearwater which provided a beautifully plated delicious dinner which when served was still surprisingly warm (remember we were on an airfield) and later, the tastiest dessert served in a signature mason jar.

Gateway Grill – Dinner: stuffed chicken with mango, veggies, wild rice.  Dinner and Salad complete with edible flowers.  Dessert: fresh fruit trifle.

Suntory sake shooters were passed around  later in the evening.  The whole thing was relaxed, impressive and unique.  I don’t think I’ve had more fun attending a wedding reception before (sorry to the ones I’ve previously attended).

Top L: individual place setting Top R: R+R host the evening. Bottom L: Jack, Riyo & Lauren (her gorgeous daughter). Bottom R: plane decor at top of tent.

The entire day was full and eventful starting with an amazing white water rafting adventure (photos to come) and then this celebration of a new beginning (instead of an ending; for a welcome change).  No one really knew what to expect.  Although Riyo really knows how to make an entrance and Rock is the perfect partner…or accomplice.  Congratulations to both!

 Cool Heights.  Amazing Sights.

Rock operates Wells Gray Air (a seasonal business when they’re not travelling elsewhere) and takes people on awesome 44 minute sightseeing tours over world famous Wells Gray Provincial Park (nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in beautiful Clearwater, British Columbia (when it’s clear of course).  What you see: majestic waterfalls (39 in total), snow capped mountains, ancient volcanoes, crystal clear whitewater rivers, hidden lakes, mountain pastures and much more.  Click the link below and check out the “Wings and Waterfalls” 1 minute, 37 second, absolutely breathtaking video.  

Wellsgrayair.com

 

 

 

Advertisement

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s