Heather & Alan

August 2025

Their Story

Heather and Alan met in 2017 at a university business social at the University of Manitoba — even though neither of them was actually studying business. Both attended the event with friends, not knowing that a casual night out would lead to something far more meaningful.

They connected easily, and just one week later, they went on their first date. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into a steady, genuine relationship built on shared values, laughter, and the kind of comfort that feels easy from the start.

The Proposal

Alan planned a thoughtful and cozy winter proposal in Waterloo, envisioning an evening filled with Christmas lights and quiet moments together.

The night began with dinner at a sushi restaurant; a warm, relaxed start to what Heather thought was simply a nice night out. From there, they headed to see the Christmas lights Alan had planned as the highlight of the evening. When they arrived, they discovered the lights were unexpectedly closed for a private event.

Undeterred, the two wandered through a nearby park instead, enjoying the crisp winter air and the calm of the evening. It was there, in an unplanned, perfectly imperfect moment, that Alan proposed. Without the lights, without a crowd, and without expectation, it was intimate, genuine, and entirely them — a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful moments often happen when plans change.

The Wedding

Upon arriving at the venue, I began preparing the reception space, placing favours, name cards, and setting up both the guest book and memory tables. The wedding party was getting ready off-site, which worked beautifully for this particular venue and allowed setup to proceed uninterrupted. Desserts were delivered and safely stored until it was time to put them out later.

As the day unfolded, the florist arrived and began placing floral pieces for both the ceremony and the dinner tables. One of my key responsibilities that day was tracking which décor elements belonged to which vendors, ensuring everything would be packed and returned correctly at the end of the night. The couple chose to rent Chiavari chairs directly from the venue, a decision that added elegance to the reception space while keeping logistics simple.

The photographer, content creator, and the Groom with his groomsmen arrived next. I tucked the Groom and his crew away in a private room so the Bride and her bridesmaids could arrive unseen. Once the bridal party was settled in the loft area, it was safe for Alan to step out for the first look. He waited in a shaded outdoor space for Heather, and the two shared a quiet, meaningful moment together before hopping into a golf cart to head off for photos.

While they were away, I enlisted the wedding party’s help stuffing paper cones with flower petals for the ceremony recessional. Shortly after, guests began to arrive. By that point, the DJ had completed setup and everything was in place; the space looked absolutely perfect. Just before the ceremony began, a very special guest arrived: Heather’s family dog of many years, Tessa, whose role was to bring the rings down the aisle. She was full of excitement and sweetness, instantly winning over everyone present. Tessa passed away shortly after the wedding, making her role in the ceremony a deeply cherished and irreplaceable memory for the couple.

The ceremony took place on a gorgeous summer day. Heather’s cousin, Tori, officiated with warmth and care, beautifully blending two cultures. She introduced guests to Jewish wedding traditions, shared the Seven Blessings, and guided the couple through a ceremony that felt both meaningful and inclusive. After sealing their vows with a kiss, the breaking of the glass concluded the ceremony. Guests showered the newlyweds with flower petals as they led the recessional.

During cocktail hour, Heather and Alan snuck away to the loft to enjoy a private cocktail moment together — a chance to pause and soak it all in. Guests mingled both indoors and outdoors while family photos took place. As guests were seated for dinner, the wedding party prepared for their grand entrance.

Dinner was served alongside a slideshow projected on the wall, followed by heartfelt speeches. As the sun began to set, the couple stepped away for sunset photos, giving guests time to refresh drinks and stretch their legs. Speeches resumed afterward, followed by cake cutting, the couple’s first dance, and family dances.

The energy shifted as the Hora began, leading seamlessly into dessert, the bouquet toss, and a lively dance party. Dance floor props were a huge hit and an essential part of the Argentinian carnival-style dancing, complemented by decadent Argentinian desserts. Before long, it was time to begin cleanup and prepare for the close of the evening — a beautiful ending to a thoughtfully designed and coordinated celebration.

Congratulations, Heather & Alan!

Setting Up & Getting Ready