Meeting your future spouse through mutual friends is fairly common, but what makes Amber and Steven’s story unique is that they met through a friend in Indonesia. At the time Steven was working for a travel company and Amber was touring through Southeast Asia. They fell hard and fast for each other on a trip with friends to Thailand, then spent two weeks together on some remote islands in Vietnam. Six months later they finished university and moved in together.

The Proposal

Steven surprised Amber with an early birthday gift—a trip to New York City to watch the US Open. He surprised her again on the trip with tickets to see the Blue Jays play the Yankees, but he saved the best surprise for last. As they were crossing a beautiful bridge in Central Park with bagels in hand and the city skyline in the background, Steven popped the question.

The Big Day

Amber and Steven were married at a private ranch, but wanted a unique reception space. “The Commons had the industrial feel that allowed us to create our vision.” They served a featured cocktail inspired by the official cocktail of the US Open, the Honey Deuce, and called it the Honey I Do.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Say You Won’t Let Go”—James Arthur

Newlywed Advice

“Hire a wedding planner! We trusted Kismet & Clover with our entire day and vision. They kept us at ease and our day was executed flawlessly.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

They look forward to traveling the world, starting a family, and calling each other “husband” and “wife” every day.

Honeymoon

Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

A snowstorm nearly kept Natasha home from her friend’s Christmas party, but she braved the weather and met Matthew at the cocktail reception. They talked throughout the evening and went on their first date a few days later.

The Proposal

They spent nearly every weekend together in the mountains, so Natasha didn’t think twice when one morning Matt asked if they could hike alone instead of with their friends. As they neared the peak, Matt found the perfect spot for “lunch”. When Natasha turned to grab a sandwich from her bag, she found Matt on one knee, asking her to make him the happiest man alive.

The Big Day

The Rocky Mountains had been the backdrop for their entire relationship, so there was no question about celebrating their love anywhere else. Natasha and Matt wanted an “elegant, romantic, fairy-tale wedding,” and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel provided the perfect setting. In the weeks leading up to their nuptials they worried they would have to move the ceremony indoors due to smoke from wildfires, but on the big day they woke up to sunny, clear skies that lasted until just after photos. When Matt took her hands at the altar, Natasha’s nervousness dissipated and she realized she was marrying her best friend

Favourite Moments

Natasha: “My favorite moment was when Matt and I were able to join hands during the ceremony. I was very nervous in front of all of our family and friends that I just needed to hold onto him. Once he grabbed by hand, all the nervousness went away. I was able to relax and i realized I was marrying by best friend.”

Matt: “Finally being able to see Natasha”

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval Baguette

First Dance

“In Case You Didn’t Know”—Brett Young

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy being engaged and enjoy every moment with each other the day of your wedding; it goes by quickly. Laugh, dance and take a moment to realize that you both put so much time and effort to make this happen!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds look forward to their honeymoon, starting a family, and “not answering any more wedding emails!”

Honeymoon

Greece

Mark’s biceps caught Natasha’s eye while they worked together at a local restaurant. She would help clean his tables and eventually asked for his number. They discovered how much they had in common over coffee, including their love of mountain adventures.

The Proposal

During one camping trip, the couple rode the Jasper Sky Tram and hiked to the top of Whistler Mountain. Mark popped the question—along with some bubbly—and they spent the rest of the day hiking, fishing and excitedly calling their families.

The Big Day

Family heritage is very important to the couple; Natasha’s mom gave her the Irish Claddagh ring she inherited on her own wedding day and bound the bride and groom’s hands together during the garden ceremony. Mark carried on his grandfather’s tradition by having the same wedding band created by the same jeweller in Roccagorga, Italy. A string duet brought the ceremony to life, and a singer and pianist performed during cocktail hour and the first dance. They chose the Shaw Conference Centre to host their reception for its capacity and flexibility when it came to decorating and catering

Favourite Moments

Natasha’s favourite moments were the private ones she had throughout the day with her family and her groom, while Mark’s was when Natasha pinched his butt at their first look.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Tenerife Sea”—Ed Sheeran

Newlywed Advice

“Do your research and ask lots of questions! Don’t be afraid to ask people for help and to delegate tasks as needed. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember to be present on your wedding day because it flies by!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

They look forward to sharing many more laughs and adventures together.

Honeymoon

Italy | Hotel La Perla

Monika and Jeremy’s journey down the aisle started over ten years ago in the hallways of their residence at Copenhagen Business School while they were on a university exchange.

The Proposal

The charming Brit fell for the Alberta girl at first sight, and he brought her back to the scene of their first meeting for a weekend getaway to supposedly celebrate her new job. They snuck into the residence and he proposed outside their old rooms. They spent the rest of the day visiting their favourite spots in Copenhagen reminiscing about the past and planning for their future together.

The Big Day

With half of their guests coming from the UK and elsewhere abroad, Monika and Jeremy wanted an outdoor ceremony site to showcase the best of her home province. They chose Banff for its gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, but also because it was one of the first places they went on holiday together. They added a few personal touches to their wedding day, including a candy bar with a variety of British and Polish sweets to reflect their heritages, a cheese wheel cake in addition to a traditional cake, and a homemade photo booth with a polaroid camera.

Favourite Moments

Monika: “It was incredibly special to have all of our closest friends and family altogether in one place. The wedding speeches and MCs were all wonderful, and walking back down the aisle with Jeremy as husband and wife!”

Jeremy: “Too many to mention really, but seeing Monika in her dress for the first time and watching her walk down the “aisle” with her Dad; our mothers’ reading during the ceremony and all the fantastic speeches are all very special memories.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Strawberry Swing”—Coldplay

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

Father-Daughter Dance “I wish you love” by Dean Martin

Newlywed Advice

“It was wonderful to have Jessica coordinating all of the events and vendors on the wedding day; it meant we didn’t need to worry about anything and could just enjoy ourselves!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds now look forward to “spending the rest of their lives together doing what we enjoy most: eating and drinking our way around the world!”

Honeymoon

Spain and France

Shannon met Kevin at his cabin in Pigeon Lake, he was hosting a get together with his friends. Instead of hanging out with them, Kevin asked Shannon to watch the sunset over the lake. They spent the rest of the evening talking and getting to know one another around the fire.

The Proposal

Kevin kicked off their B.C vacation with a surprise stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise, where Shannon had always wanted to visit. Shannon had also never been in a canoe before, so he also took her out on the lake for an unforgettable day. She nervously told Kevin numerous times to not stand in the boat, so instead he got down on one knee and proposed while a photographer secretly following them in another canoe captured the moment.

The Big Day

They loved the idea of having their rustic wedding at the same location they got engaged, and even took a few wedding photos in canoes on Lake Louise. They wed in front of 100 guests in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Silvertip Resort followed by a cozy family-style reception, but their most cherished moments were their private first look and room reveal.

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Lost in This Moment”—Big and Rich

Newlywed Advice

“Follow your instincts though the planning and wedding day. If there’s something that is important or special to you make it happen; it’s your day.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds look forward to growing old together and creating memories as husband and wife.

Honeymoon

Kauai, Hawaii | Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa