Real Wedding: Vanessa & Patrick

How it all started

Vanessa, a registered nurse, and Patrick, a paramedic, first met when they were both working in residence at the University of Ottawa. Patrick was Vanessa’s supervisor at the time, so they didn’t start dating until four years later when Vanessa asked him to see a comedy show. Patrick didn’t actually realize that was a date, so a few weeks later he asked her to dinner for their first official date – and the rest is history.

Patrick knew Vanessa was the one when they started talking about renovating a house and moving in together in Ottawa. In December of 2018, the two took a romantic pre-Christmas getaway to Iberostar in Riviera Maya. On their last night at the resort, they were walking around the grounds and admiring the beautiful Christmas lights when Patrick got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, Vanessa said “yes”!

Planning the wedding

Vanessa knew she wanted to have a destination wedding ever since she attended her stepsister’s destination wedding years prior. The couple loved the idea of spending time with their closest family and friends for an entire week instead of just the one day they would get if they hosted a wedding back home.

They knew they wanted to say “I do” in Riviera Maya – where they got engaged – and ended up choosing Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa as their wedding resort. They loved the gorgeous beachfront gazebo and the fact that the resort had all the amenities they wanted, while still offering an intimate ambiance.

On January 6, 2020, Vanessa and Patrick exchanged their vows in front of the dreamy beach gazebo at Dreams Riviera Cancun overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The aisle was lined with candlelit lanterns and the gazebo was adorned with white and pink flowers.

After the ceremony, the couple and their 31 guests moved to the beach deck for their reception, which was decorated in their wedding colours of ivory, beige and light pink. For their honeymoon, the newlyweds are planning a trip to India and Dubai.

Wedding day wear

Vanessa’s gown: Mermaid lace dress with a V-neck, princess-seamed bodice and an elegant lace train

Vanessa’s shoes: Espadrille wedge sandals

Vanessa’s accessories: Pearl earrings

Craig’s attire: Beige linen suit with a white shirt

Craig’s accessories: Watch

Wedding bands: Black titanium wedding band from People’s for him and a diamond wedding band from Etsy for her

The bridesmaids wore: Dresses from Show Me Your Mumu and Tobi in different shades of dusty rose and beige

The groomsmen wore: Beige pants with white shirts, suspenders and neckties

Destination wedding consultant: Natasha

Flowers: White and pink roses

Photographer: Adventure Photos

Hair and makeup: Loose curls and natural makeup from the resort spa

First dance song: Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden

Favours: Custom ornaments

Stationary and invitations: Vistaprint

Old: Pearl earrings

New: Wedding gown

Borrowed: Veil

Blue: Robe