The Proposal

Allisa and Samuel’s story began in college in 2015. Both were enrolled in the broadcasting television program and had mutual friends. One night at a party, Samuel worked up the courage to ask Allisa out on a date. “At a party one night he asked me to go on a date, and I actually said no! I was just getting out of another short relationship and wanted a break from dating. After a few weeks of hanging out though, he had swooned me enough to agree on a date, and we've been together ever since.”

 

When the time came for the proposal, it happened in a way that felt so natural, like it was always meant to be. “My husband and I were working through a couples activity book, and one of the activities was to draw portraits of each other. I had a suspicion my husband was going to do something crafty, so when he ran to the washroom I wrote "YES" on a piece of paper and hid it behind me. Lo and behold, instead of drawing a portrait of me, he wrote "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" on his page, and when he revealed it, I pulled my secret paper out and said yes!”

 

It was just a sweet, simple, perfectly them moment. “I was so thrilled to be marrying my best friend. I knew for a while we'd be getting married eventually, but I was SO excited to finally start the process of planning,” Alissa shares.

 

 

The Wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but being a wedding videographer herself, Allisa had an edge. She knew the vendors, had the vision and was able to put everything together. 

 

They opted for a two-day celebration. On the first day, they had an intimate ceremony and sit-down dinner with close family and friends. The following night, they threw a big reception dance party in a community hall with their extended family and friends.

 

On the second day, they both felt like it was time for something a little less formal and a little more "them." Instead of changing into another fancy outfit, they slipped into matching sweatsuits. “My husband and I decided to get matching sweat suits and change into those when the dance portion of our day started! He wore a black sweatsuit and I had a white one on with a short veil in my hair. When we came out, our guests howled, they loved it so much, and we were finally comfortable and able to let loose.”

 

 

Life After "I Do"

For Allisa, marriage has been everything she dreamed of and more. “Being married has been the absolute joy of my life,” she said. “It feels like the pressure of connecting has been taken away, and we've both grown every year we've been together, both individually and as a couple. It feels like we've crossed a finish line and all the hard work and training we put into our relationship is now paying off.”

 

They’ve faced their share of challenges over the past 9 years, too—none more difficult than each of them losing a parent suddenly. “It was a difficult and somber process,” she admitted, “but grieving alongside one another made me realize he was the right person to support and love me through all the challenges that will come up through the rest of our lives.”

 

In those moments of heartbreak, their love proved itself in quiet understanding, support and in the simple act of being there. Just as they promised in their vows:

“I vow to hold you in times of joy and sorrow, to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed/and to share the silence when they are not. I will love you unconditionally for all the days of my life.”

 

 

Love in Three Words

When asked to describe their love in three words, Alissa said, “Friendship, Laughter, Forever.” Three simple words, but everything that mattered.

 

 

Advice for Future Brides & Grooms

After years of witnessing countless weddings through her videography work, Allisa knew exactly what advice to give: “Make your day your own, do not plan your wedding day according to anyone else's desires. You only get to do this once - if there's something you're stressing about or not excited about, don't do it!”

And, of course, she had to add: “Hire a videographer. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t!”

 

So true. You’ll never regret having those memories captured. Here's to living your story, just as beautifully and authentically as they have.