Alphecca

Forget the Limo...

From my "cool stuff" files, a wedding in style. From the Edmondton Sun:

Cpl. Richard McLaughlin stood sweating in the heat of a quaint military chapel at Edmonton Garrison yesterday, waiting to tell his fiancee, Tannas Eriksen, "I do."

Lord Strathcona's Horse officials granted McLaughlin's request to use military vehicles at his wedding, in honour of his 18 years in uniform and tours of duty in Cyprus and Bosnia.

It was the first time such a request has been granted at the base in recent memory.

The wedding party arrived at the chapel like a troop of eager grunts - squinting as they piled out into the sunlight from the back of an armoured personnel carrier.

The Leopards - still in active use - greeted them at the chapel, their treads tearing up the asphalt as they swivelled into the tiny parking lot.

"I wouldn't want to ride too far in that thing," father-of-the-bride Larry Eriksen said of the personnel carrier.

"Dressed for a wedding, it gets hot and uncomfortable pretty quick."

Tannas Eriksen - a trained massage therapist from Villeneuve - admitted few brides would choose to hear the chatter of tank treads over the peals of a chapel bell.

"But I loved it. It was a great idea," the beaming bride said.

"Our first date was in a tank simulator. This was very fitting."

McLaughlin said he figures his love of military life has rubbed off on his bride over the four years they've already shared together.

"I have a deep pride for the service, and I'm so glad it's become part of my new life with Tannas," he said, adding the couple hope to start a family soon.