Meredith and John’s lives were in sync even before they met. Initially they were both not planning to attend a mutual friend’s birthday bash, but a turn of events led them both to the party and consequently to each other.

The Proposal

John’s proposal was nothing short of thoughtful perfection. Meredith fell in love with a photo her stepsister took while in Paris of a young couple on a bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Planning to visit Meredith at the end of her business trip in London and travel to Paris together, John knew the perfect place to pop the question was on the same bridge in the cherished photo—and that’s exactly what he did.

The Big Day

The couple’s Gatsby themed wedding was influenced by Meredith’s affinity for the 1920’s era and inspired by The Great Gatsby film. The edgy, industrial, speakeasy feel of Paul Hardy Design Studios perfectly complimented the energy channeled from Gatsby’s mansion soirées characterized by fun, celebration and glamour. Deep hues of red paired with gold, sparkle, black, lace and pearl elegantly draped the atmosphere ushering guests back in time to the roaring twenties. Complete with a Bourbon room and streamers falling from the sky, Meredith and John agree their wedding was perfect.

Favourite Moments

Meredith: “My favourite moment was when we did our reveal. My husband was such a smokeshow in his custom Pal Zileri navy tuxedo.”

John: “Marrying Meredith”

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

‘Too Good To Be True’ Lauryn Hill

Newlywed Advice

“Hire a wedding planner if you have the budget to do so. Sheryl was so amazing, professional and organized. Live and love your relationship and being engaged rather than your life turning into the wedding. It really worked for us.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Happily married, this dame and her fella look forward to their first anniversary.

Honeymoon

Honeymoon Destination: Japan

Honeymoon Resort or Hotel: Black Diamond Back Country Lodge

Dominique and Louie met at school. He would drive her to her car after class and they would meet at school on the weekends to “study” but they would always end up talking the entire time.

The Proposal

Louie’s proposal to Dominique was sweet and intimate. They traveled to San Diego with another couple to celebrate their anniversary. Louie asked Dominique to go for a walk with him along the cliffs, then he asked her to be his wife. It was no surprise that she said yes, because their friends were waiting for them back at the condo with a bottle of champagne.

The Big Day

Nothing sets up a big fat Greek and Italian wedding like a big fat engagement party. Dominique and Louie celebrated their upcoming nuptials with over 80 of their friends and family at the Calgary Italian Club. They chose St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and its adjacent hall to accommodate their 350 wedding guests plus the 17 members of their bridal party.

LED trees, sequined tablecloths and cool blue backlighting all worked to evoke fresh, glittering snow under a pale moon.Their wedding focused on food, dance and tradition–they danced the Zeibekiko at midnight to honour Louie’s Greek heritage, and Dominique’s Italian side wrapped the couple in streamers to symbolize them coming together as one.

Favourite Moments

Dominique:  Walking into the reception was awesome! Having all of our family and friends there smiling from ear to ear because they were so happy for us was a really special feeling. I also really enjoyed getting ready with my bridesmaids in the morning; everyone was so happy & excited. Everything went smoothly. There was no stress at all! Lastly, taking off my shoes & dress at the end of the night.”

Louie: Watching my bride walk down the aisle to me & listening to the beautiful speech that she wrote for me.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

‘Butterflies’ – Alicia Keys

Newlywed Advice

“Keep the guest list small, talk to other couples that were married at the same venue, and spend your money on the things that are most important to you – for us it was the photography and food.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds have recently moved into their new home and are enjoying their return to normalcy. “Not much has changed, which I think is a good thing,” says Dominique.

Honeymoon

Maui, Hawaii

A mutual friend introduced Jessica and Aleem at a Halloween party. Although they each attended the party with a group of friends, the two ended up talking the whole night! Shortly thereafter, Aleem took Jessica on a date and they have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal

When the time came to propose, Aleem’s elaborate plan took Jessica by surprise. He whisked her away on an adventure filled vacation to Seattle where he got down on one knee at the top of a majestic mountain in front of a grand waterfall.

The Big Day

In planning their dream wedding, the couple aimed to pay homage to their traditional East Indian roots while also incorporating their modern style. “The new Edmonton Airport Renaissance Hotel was the perfect venue to achieve this goal,” says Jessica, “every detail of the hotel was very cosmopolitan and we were excited to be the first wedding!”

Jessica and Aleem created a unique and edgy atmosphere by blending traditional elements with contemporary flair. The interfaith ceremony included time-honored practices from each religion juxtaposed by a harpist playing modern songs such as “Titanium” and “Marry Me”, while traditional Indian hors d’oeuvres and a live Instagram feed on big screens were reception components.

Favourite Moments

1. “One of our good friends was able to perform our first dance song live with an acoustic guitar. It added a special touch that added a unique experience for us.”

2. “Traditionally, the harp is a classical instrument, but walking down the aisle to songs you hear on the radio today added a special feeling that we were taken away to a magical place.”

3. “We were able to incorporate traditional ceremonies from both of our religions which made the ceremony unique and different.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Square

First Dance

‘Spectrum’ – Zedd feat Matthew Koma performed by a friend.

Newlywed Advice

“Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. At first, we felt that we needed to do everything ourselves. We started to give tasks to our family and friends, because there was so much to do. In fact, many people had contacts and talents which ended up being very helpful in the end. Giving your friends and family tasks makes the whole process easier.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“Since we never lived together prior to getting married, we are in the process of getting to know each other on a completely different level. Whether it’s living together, buying household items, or going on vacation; it’s all new and exciting – and we get to do it all together. Now our adventure begins.”

Honeymoon

Hong Kong

Amy and Daniel met on eHarmony in February 2012. The first date turned into a second, third, fourth and fifth in the same week! From that point, they both knew that was it.

The Proposal

Roughly a year later, May 2013, Dan proposed to Amy at their favourite resort where they first travelled together—Dreams in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Amy was overjoyed and expressed the private moment between the two of them was absolutely perfect.

The Big Day

Wanting to tie the knot where Daniel popped the question, the couple reserved a date in May 2014 and began planning their wedding at Dreams Resort. Unfortunately, six months before the wedding, Amy and Daniel were informed the resort had been bought and all weddings after April 2014 are cancelled. “We were heartbroken,” says Amy, “but decided to move up the date because all that really mattered was getting married!”

The couple’s Great Gatsby theme wedding at Yellowhead Brewery went off without a hitch. The unique venue added character to the celebration and also fostered a cozy atmosphere for the intimate gathering.

Favourite Moments

Amy: “The first was our first look. Spending that hour alone with Dan before the ceremony was absolutely perfect and I’m so glad that Blake talked us into doing it. The second was our first dance together. We were surrounded by people who love and support us and love was just radiating throughout the room. We are so lucky to have such amazing families and friends.“

Dan: “My favourite moments were seeing Amy for the first time, spending time outside in the warmth for photos, and eating dinner – it was pretty delicious!”

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“At Last” – Etta James

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy it. The planning process is an experience almost as important as the wedding day and you only get to do it once. Enjoy the decision making and the time you get to spend with loved ones.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

As newlyweds, Amy and Daniel most look forward to finding joy in the simple things, such as date nights, and traveling as husband and wife.

Honeymoon

Cancun, Mexico | Honeymoon Resort: Sun Palace