A number of Snow Lakers were in Winnipeg during the weekend of May 4-6 to attend the wedding of two longstanding citizens, pilots Brad Gogal and Jackie Schollie.
Jackie and Brad’s wedding took place at 4:30 on the afternoon of May 5at the Glendale Golf and Country Club, and was unique day for all in attendance. For the bride and groom, this of course meant exchanging their vows in front of family and friends. However, for attendees the distinctiveness of the day’s affair was first revealed upon walking into the venue. There, on a stand in the vestibule outside the clubroom, was a massive wooden airplane propeller! Not intended for display, but in addition to signing the guestbook, attendees were asked to scribe a message to the couple on the surface of the propeller and it would later be presented to them as a memento of the day.
Once through the clubhouse and out onto the grounds, guests mingled prior to the start of the ceremony. With everyone seated, a soft hum could be heard in the distance. As it grew more pronounced, many recognized it as the beat of rotors. Attention was called to the west and just above the trees, you could make out an approaching chopper. The Gogal Air AStar Eurocopter maneuvered above the Assiniboine River, coming in on an angle towards the ceremony … then landed on the tennis court adjacent to the seating area. Piloted by the groom, who let the rotors come to a standstill before best man Shaun Jackson and groomsmen Dionne Bartlett, Mike Schollie, and Chris Olson departed the aircraft. Finished his post-flight duties, the groom joined them and they preceded single-file to the front right of the ceremonial venue. Without delay, maid of honour, Kristin Schollie, and bridesmaids Jessica Jackson, Shannon Bartlett and Laura Bilkowski walked the centre aisle and stood front left. Then, with determination poise and purpose, wee Madison Schollie (flower girl) deposited her flowers along the aisle as she and ring bearers Connor and Blair Schollie paced to the altar.
Seconds later, the radiant bride, accompanied by her proud papa Jim Schollie, strode through the adoring mass to her waiting husband-to-be. Stepping up to the microphone was the bride’s 92-year-old grandfather George Schollie … he performed the nuptials. With the wit he is noted for, Grandpa George performed his duties admirably and inside of 20 minutes the couple had said their vows, placed their rings, and sealed the union with a kiss that was celebrated by the gathering. After signing the licence, the couple made their way to the back of the venue; however, rather than through a shower of rice or bubbles, paper airplanes rained down on them. They returned to the altar and snapped a group photo with everyone attending the wedding, before accepting congratulations, and heading for parts unknown for more photos.
Guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails and finger food for an hour or so before making their way to the clubroom for the reception and dance. Once seated, friend of the bride and emcee Danielle Seed introduced the head table and an exceptional meal was served, followed by speeches, thank yous and loads of laughs from the couple, their attendants, and their parents.
Once dessert was served and dishes were cleared away, one of the finest bands in Winnipeg took to the stage. The Big City Allstar Band tuned up and played the perfunctory first dances; then the floor opened up to those eager to kick up their heels. This band has a repertoire of popular songs relying heavily on vocals with range … they mastered them all!
As the evening continued, a beautiful cake was cut and cupcakes were dispensed … the couple also invited guests to partake in the open bar, as well as a candy “bar;” the two rivalled each other for the crowd’s attention throughout the evening.
Things wound down in the wee hours and a bus was provided to get many in attendance back to the hotel, which was block-booked for the event.
Asked if a honeymoon was in the plans, bride Jackie stated, “We are going somewhere hot when it is minus 40˚Celsius here!”
