Maddie + Ben

How did you meet?

My husband and I are both teachers- we actually met on the first day of school years ago! We both got placed at a tiny country school; once we were there the secretary even way cheering for us to get together. It started with a friendship of eating lunch together, to quickly realizing that there was something there.

When did you know they were the one?

This one is a funny story- on our third-ish date. Ben picked me up and we went out for a nice dinner. While dropping me off, we sat for a minute and were talking in his car…he then turned to me and gave me a goodnight kiss, THEN says “goodnight” and gave me a fist pump (L O L). I left the car with a huge smile on my face and knew I was falling in love with him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. his love for the people he cares about
2. his ability to make people laugh
3. his sensitivity

Who proposed and how?

Ben proposed to me on July 19, 2022.

He had a whole date day planned. First we woke up and packed a lunch to go on a canoe ride on a river near his parents house; spending the day on the water (I love swimming). After our lunch adventure, Ben printed a menu for me, which I got to choose the dinner of the evening. Ben made me dinner, we had wine and when we came back into the kitchen he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

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

I actually fell in love with my dress, SUMMER, on instagram. The MWL retailer, Joy Bridal posted the introduction news and I just knew it was my dress. I loved how pretty it was- all the little details of the petals, the slit, the tulle and the tiny beads. I messaged Joy the minute I got engaged and went to try her on the week after. I knew the second I had it on it was my dress- it was paired with the Holly veil and I didn’t want to take it off. I am so happy and thankful to have worn Summer before she was retired. Thank you for making such a beautiful dress. xo

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The absolute best moment was walking down the aisle- I was not nervous at all. I could see Ben waiting for me and it was pure joy. All of my favourite people were there and I was so excited to be his wife.

What were your favourite details?

1. my dress was one of the items I was most excited about. I couldn’t wait to put it on and show everyone, especially Ben (who said I surprised him with my choice of dress)
2. my whole theme- it was pretty and pink. From my bridesmaid dresses, to my flowers, to our cake and bowties- every element had a touch of pink and it made everything so beautiful
3. my Gran was our Flower Gran, and walked down the aisle before me (she is 87)
4. how happy everyone was!

What advice would you tell other brides?

I would tell them to enjoy the day. We had a timeline and it worked to keep us on schedule but not to make us feel rushed. It honestly goes by so fast- when I got home that evening I cried with happiness because I didn’t want the day to be over (or take off my dress if I’m being honest)!

Any standout vendors?

1. Farmhill Weddings- because of how beautiful it is
2. Samantha Belsey- she was our coordination queen: she made everything so incredibly beautiful
3. Katherine Healey- Katherine’s Flower Shop- we had flowers EVERYWHERE and they were stunning
4. Franz and 180- our food was delicious