2020 started pretty normal.
Laura was busy working with the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and rehearsing/performing "Boy From Oz" in her spare time. (It turns out that with a wig and a moustache she looks a lot like her Dad, Ted, did when he was finishing university.)
Frances was busy stage managing. She finished her contract with StoryBook Theatre in early January, then worked with Making Treaty 7 and Lunchbox Theatre on a show called Snowblind.
In February, Laura and Frances found the time for a weekend in Lake Louise. Their schedules had been opposing for several months and they were grateful to spend some time together before Frances left town for more stage managing.
In March, Frances and her sister, Chelsea, drove to Vancouver Island to visit their Grandma and Uncle Anthony - they timed the trip very well.
On the drive home, Frances found out that her next gig (in Rosebud) was cancelled due to Covid-19. The day before, Laura had been told that she would be working from home indefinitely.
They ate a cake a week for a month. And then they worked out everyday for a month. They have yet to find a sustainable medium.
Uncle Brian & Ted/Dad 1979 - Laura in "Boy from OZ"
Laura and Puppies
In April, it became apparent their wedding plans had to change. Which was lame, but also okay, because planning a second wedding gave them something to do.
After Laura was laid-off in May, they decided to try visiting family while maintaining social distancing. Sound unnecessarily complicated? Yes, well. There were 12 puppies to visit.
Thru the spring and summer, Laura and Frances tried several new hobbies. They each knit a scarf (neither has attempted a second project). They discovered a love of yoga (which they haven't done since the free trial ran out - even though they're paying for it now?).
They played so much Pandemic, Frances may never play it again (it is their only board game).
In July, Frances got a part-time job with Springboard Performance. The organization has managed to produce a mixture of outdoor and online events this year and Frances' responsibilities seem to change weekly.
At the end of summer, Frances and Laura got married. It was a beautiful day with friends and family and although they missed everyone who couldn't be there, they're so grateful they had a chance to celebrate.
Wedding Day | Lauren Hamm Photography
Park Ridge Trail
For their honeymoon, Laura and Frances were lucky enough to spend a few days in Jasper. They're looking forward to making it to Portugal one day (their original honeymoon plan), but having a few days to relax in a cabin after all the wedding stress was actually perfect.
After months of applying for jobs she doesn't want, Laura decided to go back to school in January. She'll be getting a business admin diploma at SAIT (online for now). Frances' contract with Springboard will end before Christmas.
So the new year promises another bout of change for the GillDonalds.
Happy Holidays!
Lake Louise Getaway
Frances' view from the Matilda
Stage Manager Booth
Lots of snow in Lake Louise!
Lake Day
Laura Wake Surfing
Frances and Laura - Day on the water.
Wake Surfing
Frances & Chelsea at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park...
Quarantine Hobbies
The Full Family | Lauren Hamm Photography
The Bridal Party | Lauren Hamm Photography
The Brides | Lauren Hamm Photography
Our Day | Lauren Hamm Photography
Happiness | Lauren Hamm Photography
Head Table | Lauren Hamm Photography
Just Married
Canoeing on Patricia Lake
Old Fort Point Trail
Honeymoonin'
