Tashawna Linkiewicz and Joel Waszynski
Changing plans became the norm in 2020, and it was no different for this couple. They had to change their wedding plans not once, but twice. In the end, the bride says the day was perfect. And here’s what else she had to say.
The love story: Almost 11 years ago, on July 6, 2010, we met in Port Dalhousie at Jailhouse on a Tuesday night. We definitely noticed each other right away, but were slow to take off. It wasn’t long until a full summer of talking and hanging out went by and September rolled around. While away at school, we Skyped everyday and soon enough we became inseparable. On July 6, 2019, Joel proposed to me in front of the same spot where we met!
Fur babies: We are obsessed with our two beautiful fur babies, King and Henry, who make us laugh and love like crazy each day. We have accomplished so much together including owning our own houses, having travelled in The Ranch across North America, travelling to Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba and Dominican together, getting our career jobs but most importantly having accomplished a solid foundation for us to build on for the rest of our lives.
Change of plans: After COVID cancelled our winery wedding, our next plan was a private property with 100 people and bringing everything in, but after more restrictions were put in place just 3 weeks before our wedding, we had two shifts of 25 people in our backyard. At the end of the day we just wanted to get married and celebrate our love and start a family. We created the most beautiful backyard wedding and it was perfect despite all the changes and stressors that 2020 and covid brought. We were able to realize that no matter what happened, we did it for us and could focus on the reason why we’re getting married in the first place! It was very stressful and I definitely had my fair share of tears over the wedding – and that’s not what wedding planning should be. It was so hard to get so excited to be let down again. We are so happy we went through with the wedding because it was absolutely amazing and truly the best day of our lives (as cliche as that seems).
Bigger plans this year? We thought about doing a big one-year anniversary party, but also want to be able to start a family and move forward with our lives together. Fiends and family were and are very understanding of whatever we want to do. Our intimate affair blew our expectations out of the water and because it was so amazing we don’t feel the need to have another wedding.
Favourite part of the day: Honestly I loved every part of it. Getting ready with my bridesmaids in the morning, seeing Joel for our first look at Fielding Estate Winery and then our beautiful ceremony set-up with the lush green backdrop. If I had to choose, I would say how blown away I was by our vendors and how accommodating everyone was. Our backyard was completely transformed into a dream venue. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I loved doing two first dances to two different songs that both meant a lot to us. Our family and friends each wanted to see a first dance so we did a second one on a whim when the second wave of people joined the reception. I love dancing so I had an incredible time dancing the night away with my closest friends and family and my new husband. The day was filled with so much joy and went on with such ease.
What will guests remember most? The party! I think in a year where there had been so many cancellations and disappointments, everyone was so happy to just be together having fun and celebrating. They will also remember the reception space and how a place that they have been to many times for get-togethers was changed into something straight out of a Pinterest dream!
What advice can you give to couples planning a wedding? Keep your head up and stay strong! Remember why you’re doing this. It’s about your love and making a life-long commitment to each other. Don’t worry too much about what everyone else thinks. Times are crazy and no one could’ve predicted this. You’re doing what you can with the cards you’ve been dealt. We have no regrets in gong through with the day on the day that we planned. We’re very happy we didn’t postpone. I would tell couples do just go through with it the best you can because you won’t ever regret it!
Number of guests: 25 for ceremony and then two shifts of 25 for reception (family from 5-8:30 and then wedding party and some other friends from 8:30-2 am)
Ceremony/reception location: 40 Mile Creek Park, Grimsby, On, and reception was in the couple’s backyard, St. Catharines, On
Photographer: Young Glass Photography
Gown designer: Stella York
Suit designer: Jack Nash
Hair: Katie Elizabeth Salon
Makeup: Alana Marie Beauty
Planning & décor: Tufts and Toile
Flowers: Leona Gaulton
Dessert: Beechwood Doughnuts and Cookielicious
Signage: Wild Muse Weddings
Catering: The Yellow Pear
Officiant: Paul Fletcher, from Cathy Davidson & Co.
Videographer: Dave Tebbutt (Watch the wedding video here!)
It was the most amazing and beautiful day! These two share a special love story and I am so very proud of my son Joel and my most wonderful new daughter-in-law, Tashawna! Thank you for featuring their lovely wedding day.