Jaclyn + Matthew

How did you meet?

We met back in the spring of 2017 after we matched on a dating app. Our first date was June 21st at Stoney’s Bread Company in Oakville, where we had lunch on the patio and after went on a few hour hike in Lion’s Valley with Jaclyn’s dog JD.

When did you know they were the one?

Both of us felt an unspoken connection to the other and went on a few more dates. By July 27th we were officially a couple and needless to say, inseparable and obsessed with each other. Jaclyn moved in with Matt in December of that year and we haven’t looked back since.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His generosity, kindness, passion, consideration, goofiness, ability to forgive, his sensitivity, and his fearless ferocity to love me with no boundaries!

Who proposed and how?

Matt proposed to Jaclyn in one of her favourite placed in the world, Glen Lake in Michigan during a family trip. Jaclyn’s been going there since 2012 and Matt since they started dating. Every year we would spend hours on the dock, and it became our unofficial photo spot for each trip. On the day of the ladies were tasked with keeping Jaclyn distracted during the day so they went wine tasting, while Matt and Guy handled the setup. Matt had been working on this proposal for a few years but due to travel restrictions we were not able to visit in 2020 or 2021, he had a vision in his head and did not want to compromise as he wanted it to be perfect. We always planned to have our dog JD at the wedding with us, but after his cancer diagnosis in December 2021 we knew this wouldn’t be possible. Matt wanted to at least include him in the proposal but due to Matt returning the original ring because Jaclyn changed her mind (a story for another time) and then a 8+ month production delay with the new ring JD unfortunately passed away before Matt got the ring. He wanted to keep him involved somehow, so before Jaclyn went outside there was a handwritten note from JD Matt wrote for her, which of course was instant waterworks. With an instrumental version of one of their favourite songs and some misty rain Matt asked Jaclyn to marry him on the dock where they’ve already shared so many fond memories. Everything about the proposal was perfect, and Jaclyn wouldn’t change a thing.

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

I knew I’d get a made with love dress the first time I saw them around 2019. I love the signature low back, and fitted dresses. They’re unlike most traditional dresses which resonated with me as I didn’t see myself in the ones I saw growing up. I won the 2021 valentines giveaway on Instagram and was able to pick a veil with it. At this point I was not even engaged (though we talked about it often & knew my ring was back ordered at this point) so I browsed the website to essentially pick out my dress & match the veil to it! I loved the unique texture of the Harlow, and how low the back is so low. I loved how it was fitted and the V2 was “sexy” but elegant with a bit of sparkle!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Our wedding was truly perfect in my eyes. Even though our engagement was just over 9 months I’ve been planning it since 2019, I was worried that after planning and obsessing for years it wouldn’t live up to my expectations but I’m happy to say it did. And was honestly better than my wildest dreams. The whole day was perfect in every way!

What were your favourite details?

Taylor swift is my favourite artist so we played classical renditions during the ceremony, and during dinner which not everyone would have noticed but was special to us.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Ask for help, I reached out to a couple other recent brides through social media to get an idea of the cost of vendors and to see their spreadsheets to help me! Also google is your friend, you can find answers to anything, I kept a very detailed multi sheet spreadsheet which became my bible. I had a tab for everything which kept me very organized and relatively calm. Also your vendors are huge support systems, hiring people you trust and are organized is a huge help!

Any standout vendors?

Our venue and all their employees are top notch and clear why they’re leading vendors in Ontario. And our photographer who’s work is not only stunning but her communication and planning was so thoughtful and prepared I was never stressed and fully trusted her!