Destination Wedding Photographer | Red Deer Photographers | St. John’s, Newfoundland

Destination Wedding- A Newfoundland Welcome

When Ryan and Leigh asked me if I’d fly to Leigh’s home province of Newfoundland to photograph their wedding, I jumped at the chance! In July, almost 50 friends and family from Alberta made the trek East to watch them become husband and wife. Most of them even made a once in a lifetime holiday out of it, enjoying all that Newfoundland has to offer!

A few nights before the wedding I joined them at their welcome barbecue at the Fisher-Foster house where Leigh grew up. There I could instantly tell who was from where…mostly by the confused looks on the Albertan’s faces!! Newfoundlanders are known to have a *bit* of an accent at the best of times, but add in the excitement of a wedding and some booze from a backyard get together and buddy, all bets are off! It’s hard to keep up with what they’re saying!

Hearing the stories from both Ryan and Leigh’s childhoods was so great! Stories from Aunts and cousins got a little more colourful as the night went on! Leigh’s father Rick eventually donned the traditional  yellow fisherman’s gear, the long raincoat and sou’wester, and stood on the deck in front of all the mainlanders and asked a very important wedding related question. He asked them all if they’d like to become Honorary Newfoundlanders.

The Screech In

Of course, the crowd let up a roar, drinks in hand! Leigh and one of her bridesmaids, Bobbie Jo, came out onto the deck carrying a platter filled with shots of Screech (the traditional alcohol of Newfoundland) and another filled with Newfie steak (Maple Leaf bologna). Leigh’s mother Paula joined in the fun as well proudly waving a big Newfoundland flag. Now, I know what you’re thinking…wow, this seems a little extreme!! Just you wait…we haven’t even gotten to the extreme part yet!

The crowd was looking at each other, at the bologna, then back at each other. No one really looked excited to eat this mystery meat. Then…Rick dragged a cooler over to the edge of the deck. He threw the top back and manhandled out a big slimy cod fish! A cod fish is NOT the prettiest thing in the sea. You’ll see below that this is definitely not cute little trout! Oh my goodness you guys, even writing this out, I’m laughing! The expressions on Ryan’s Aunt’s faces were priceless!! His brother Dale..oh my goodness! I thought for sure he was just going to walk outta the yard and not come back!!

Rick began explaining that in order to be a TRUE honorary Newfie, not only do you have to take a shot of traditional Newfoundland rum and eat a chunk of Newfie steak…you’ve got to kiss this beautiful fish from the waters of Newfoundland. On. The. Lips. The cold and slimy fish lips! He stood in front of his mainlander guests and started the ceremony. After confirming that they indeed do want to become Newfoundlanders, and reciting a long comical verse, the screech and bologna were passed around and consumed a little reluctantly. Then came the cod! One by one, Bobbie Jo presented the cod to each guest for a smooch! The faces, yelps and nose pinching that went on was hilarious!! There also may have been some gargling of alcohol after too.

Rick then declared all his guests to be honorary Newfoundlanders!!

Have you visited Newfoundland? Better yet…have you been Screeched In? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!