Real Wedding: Amanda & Corey

Published on : November 5, 2017
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Where it all started

This is a true Canadian love story where a small town electrician named Corey from Cold Lake, Alberta fell for a cute elementary school teacher named Amanda after a chance encounter at a local pub called Thumpers. The moment Corey saw Amanda he couldn’t take his eyes off of her and his heart hasn’t stopped thumping since! The ‘good looking goof’ (Amanda’s words) bought Amanda and all her friends a round of drinks just so he could have the chance to strike up a conversation with her. After hitting it off and exchanging numbers, the two met up the next day for ice cream and a casual walk along the marina. It’s been anything but casual ever since.

As each date passed the couple fell more and more in love with each another, and eventually they bought a new house together. Before moving in, Corey laid out rose petals and candles leading up to the master bedroom where, with music playing and surrounded by white balloons and roses, he bent down on one knee and proposed. Of course Amanda said ‘yes!’

Erica Hannah

Erica Hannah

Planning the wedding

Since Amanda’s family was from a small town in Ontario and Corey’s was from a small town Alberta, it only made sense for them to plan a destination wedding and invite their closest friends and family for a tropical vacation celebration. The couple-to-be chose to have the ceremony and reception at the Riu Guanacaste resort in Costa Rica because it was unique, elegant and beautiful, and none of their friends or family had been there before. With the expert guidance of their destination wedding specialist, all the small details were taken care of and the preparation for their intimate gathering of 58 guests was simple and stress free.

Day details

On a perfect spring day in April, the serene Riu Guanacaste beach served as a backdrop to Amanda and Corey’s beautiful ceremony, followed by a reception at The Flamingo Terrace that brimmed with laughter and excitement. Simple light blues and silvers elegantly underscored the décor as Amanda walked down the aisle in a soft white Maggie Sottero gown with flowers in her hair.

The ceremony was Corey’s favourite moment of the day. As he waited breathlessly at the altar under the warm Costa Rican sun, he was also happy that he and his groomsmen were allowed to wear shorts and sandals! For Amanda, her favourite part of the wedding took place after their first dance to Thomas Rhett’s ‘Die a Happy Man’. The DJ let loose and had everyone partying all night, the perfect way to celebrate their new life together.

When the bride and groom finally returned back to their wedding suite, a bottle of champagne was waiting for them to toast to their first night as husband and wife. They had to postpone their summer honeymoon though for an adorable reason – they are now expecting their first child!

Erica Hannah

Erica Hannah

Wedding day wear

Amanda’s gown: Maggie Sottero gown with delicate beading and a glamorous low back

Amanda’s shoes: Call It Spring sandals

Amanda’s accessories: David’s Bridal earrings

Corey’s attire: Rip Curl shorts and sandals with a Tommy Bahama shirt

The bridesmaids wore: Strapless, full-length light blue dresses

The groomsmen wore: Same as the groom

Wedding bands: Clowes Jeweller

Small details

Flowers: Gerbara daises

Hair and makeup: Faith Oxby

Photographer: Erica Hannah

First dance: Die A Happy Man– Thomas Rhett

Stationary: Luggage tags from 4imprint

Erica Hannah

Tips for future couples

"Don’t expect everything to go absolutely perfectly – you’re still in paradise. Leave the stress at home and let the wedding planner handle the details because you’re on vacation!"