Hayley + Paul

How did you meet?

Paul and I met in college. We were both working at the campus restaurant, I was a waitress and he was a bus-boy. I can still remember when I first saw him. I had a hosting shift so I was at the entrance, he walked in and smiled at me. He was so cute, and still is.

When did you know they were the one?

We were friends for about a year until he asked me out on a date. I was hesitant at first, but after our date I could not stop thinking about him. We had been hanging out every single night for about a month, I knew there was something special about him. I finally let him call me his girlfriend. After six months of dating, we woke up one Sunday morning, the sun was shining in. We were snuggling and he said I love you, for the first time. It was in that moment I knew I would marry him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

I love how he never fails to make me smile. No matter what kind of mood I am in, he can put a smile on my face with a joke, a pun, funny story, or even just tickling me.

He always goes out of his way to make sure I am comfortable and happy. I have a physically demanding job, he rubs my feet and legs every night without question. This includes tucking me into bed every night, giving me a proper amount of snuggles, and making sure I have water at my side.

He is a family man. We do not have children, yet, but he loves family. He makes sure to call his mother and father every day. His heart is so big and I am so excited to start a family with him.

Who proposed and how?

Our proposal was so cozy and so us. He had an elaborate plan to take me to see the Christmas lights, my favourite. We had gotten massages and went to my favourite restaurant for dinner. However, I was so tired after dinner I insisted on going home. Although he was determined to go see the lights, he caved and we went home. We have a lovesac and were snuggling after our long day, we love to snuggle. We were just talking and reminiscing, then a tear came to his eye and said he had to ask me something. He pulled out the ring and we were both overcome with the most joy. I am tearing up just writing about it. He then asked me to marry him. Cozy, warm hearts, full bellies, and deeply in love. The best day of my life.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I went to a boutique called The White Dress By the Shore in Clinton, Ct. I had been shopping with one of my bridesmaids for about a month and could not find anything I liked. I never wanted a big wedding, or even a wedding at all, so I have no idea what kind of dress I wanted. I always loved the Made with Love dresses and knew I wanted something from this line. I saw the dress on the hanger and did not even want to try it on, I said that there was no way it would look good on me. But then I tried it on, and did not want to take it off. I kept thinking about the dress and how it made me feel so beautiful. I have always had body image issues, this dress made me feel so gorgeous, and I knew I wanted to marry him in that dress.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

We had a blazing donut bar. Neither of us are cake people, so we wanted to do something unique. So instead of cake cutting pictures, there are pictures of us flambéing donuts. The donuts flambéed in rum, then guests got to add ice cream and toppings to their liking. It was so much fun!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Ask for help. I did most of the wedding planning and found myself to be extremely stressed throughout the process. I wish I enjoyed it more because the day happens so fast. Even the smallest favours can help take a load off of you. Also the day of the wedding, make sure you are prepared. I found myself very anxious that day and became nauseous. Thank goodness I had the best photographers who came prepared with some alka-seltzer. Most importantly, make sure to have fun and get a dress you can dance in!