Danika and Jesse’s love story started with a “Happy Canada Day” text message. Shortly after that, the couple joked about what they should do for their first date, and they decided on hot yoga and dinner at the beach. Since they lived in cities that were three hours apart, Danika and Jesse made a number of trips back and forth over the summer to see each other because they both felt they had something special.
Two months later Jesse dropped Danika off at the airport to catch her flight to Toronto. The couple managed a long distance relationship for two years which involved many more airport hellos and goodbyes as Danika completed her master’s degree. In 2010 she moved back to the West Coast and since then the two have been sharing a home and making a life together. On February 8th, 2014 (Danika’s birthday), Jesse proposed to her in front of her parents and grandmother. Jesse asked Danika if she wanted to marry him so they could “be like the old couple in IHOP” and Danika of course said yes!
A few of the couple’s favourite wedding moments included their first glimpses of each other just as the church doors opened. Jesse and Danika couldn’t take their eyes off of each other as she walked down the aisle. And at their reception, the couple’s favourite wedding moment was their first dance. “It began with the song “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” and then switched to “Shut up and Dance with me” and we had choreographed a really lively dance routine,” says Danika. “Our guests are still talking about that dance months later.”
As for the couple’s favourite wedding details, those included all of their personal details throughout the wedding day. Some of those details were the movie posters displayed in the mezzanine of the venue and the wine glasses that served as favors.
Photographer: Candid Apple Photography
Videographer: Hera Films
Ceremony location: Danish Lutheran Church
Reception location: The Metro
Reception décor: DIY by the bride and Chic & Unique Event Designs
Bridal gown: Sophia Tolli
Bridesmaid gowns: Angelina Faccenda
Bridal accessories: Nancy Ciccone earrings (a prize won from a Today’s Bride contest)
Hair & Makeup: The Loveteam by Coa
Flowers: Umberto’s Flowers
Cake: Provided by Morgan Gerry, the maid of honor
Favours: DIY etched wine glasses filled with candy by the bride and her parents
