After a busy summer wedding season, marriage commissioner Marilyn Lees performed her last ceremony on Sept. 30 as Nicole Braun and Bradley Saundry exchanged their wedding vows.
Lees has served the past 10 years as a marriage commissioner in Abbotsford, and has performed hundreds of weddings along with officiating at eulogies and other ceremonies such as commitments and vow renewals.
She was a volunteer for the police force-based victim services unit for several years, but changed direction when she was appointed as a marriage commissioner.
Lees felt she could give back to the community by performing one of the most important events in the life of a couple – joining them in marriage.
Lee has performed ceremonies for couples at their home, in parks, at heritage sites, along oceanside beaches, on ferries and in hospitals.
On one memorable occasion, Lees was flown by BC Helicopter Service to the top of Robbie Reid Mountain to perform a wedding ceremony.
To commemorate her 10-year service to the community, other Abbotsford marriage commissioners gathered at her last ceremony to show their support and say their fond farewells.