Our Story
Zach and I first met back in the Fall of 2012 – I can’t believe it’s almost been 10 years! We both made the choice to go to Western for university and were placed on the same floor, 3North, in Delaware Hall residence. We quickly become close friends – connecting over a shared love of theater, movies, and history. As we both planned to go to Ivey in 3rd year, we also shared many of the same classes and would spend long evenings in the library together. This usually meant me helping Zach work through calculus problems after his patience had immediately run out…While we had only known each other for a few weeks, it truly felt like we had known each other for ages.
As Spring 2013 arrived we decided to make it official. School was wrapping up so it would no longer be as risky to date someone who lived ‘down the hall’. While we still tried to keep it hush hush, word got around fast and on the last day of school we were awarded the ‘Floorcest’ award during our residence goodbye party, much to my embarrassment….
9 years’ worth of memories later and we’ve traveled to over 25 countries together, bought our first home and supported each other through many highs and lows. During Summer 2020, Zach popped the question at Moraine Lake in Banff during a trip out West with friends – the same friends who also lived on 3North at Western with us and had witnessed our relationship from the very beginning! As we settled in on the side of the lake and the sun rose over the mountains, Zach got down on one knee. It was the easiest question I’ve had to answer – YES!
Now, as the clock ticks down to our Big Day, we’re so excited for you to join us as we say “I do”. We can’t wait for this exciting new chapter to begin and have our most loved friends and family there to celebrate with us.
The Ladies
The Bridal Party
Sarah
Maid of Honour
Sarah and I first met in 10th grade because our lockers were next to each other for homeroom drama class (Ray, Rowe). We ended up being cast in a 2-person short play about the friendship of two girls as they move from childhood into adulthood. While we had just met, little did we know we’d soon become just as close friends as the girls in the play! Sarah is funny, smart, an amazing listener and sometimes knows me better than I know myself. Since that day she’s been my best friend and I can’t imagine anyone else as my maid of honour.
Carley
Bridesmaid
Carley and I met during the first week at Western and she’s been beside me during the up-and-downs of the last decade. She has witnessed Zach and I’s relationship from the very beginning (we were all on the same floor in residence together), so it’s only fitting that she stand beside me on my wedding day. Carley is one of the most deeply caring people I know. You can depend on her to be there to comfort you in difficult times, but also celebrate with you in the happiest moments. We are both getting married this year and I’m so thankful to have her beside me as we move into this next stage of life together!
Julia
Bridesmaid
Julia and I met when we were two years old during a mom-and-tots group and she has been a part of so many key moments in my life since then. She was my partner in crime from my first day of school, to camp, to middle school graduation, to my first music festival. Julia is kind, creatively talented and, as we both only had brothers, she’s been like a sister to me since I can remember!
Kylie
Bridesmaid
In the same mom-and-tot group I met Kylie and the three of us soon became the three musketeers. Some of my earliest and most cherished memories are of playing with Kylie at the Gibb’s farm house – jumping on the trampoline, playing mermaids in the pool or searching for kittens in the barn. Kylie is always up for a new adventure and as kids she was definitely the one getting us into trouble (and ensuring we had the most fun). I’m so thankful to have had such a wonderful life-long friend.
Laura
Bridesmaid
When I first met Laura, it felt as if we had already been friends for a decade. She is sincere, warm-hearted and adventurous! From hiking up mountains, to biking around Toronto, to seeing a new band, she’s always up for exploring and trying new things. I’m so lucky to have met such a fun and caring friend. We’ve had so many amazing adventures and I look forward to many more to come.
Gabrielle
Bridesmaid
Growing up without sisters, I’m very excited to have Gabrielle as a sister-in-law. As a fellow board game lover, we’ve made many great memories celebrating holidays over a game of Splendor. Gabrielle is caring, generous and an amazing artist (check out her work in our guestroom if you ever stay over!).
Jasmine
Honourary Bridesmaid
Since first meeting Jas, she has welcomed me with open arms into the Hamel Family and I’m so grateful for that. From finding the perfect sentimental gift to being there to celebrate life milestones, Jas is so thoughtful and kind and I’m lucky to soon be able to call her my sister-in-law!
The Men
The Groomsmen
Adam
Groomsman
Adam and I met when we both ended up on 3N in Delaware Hall at Western. When I went through a breakup in 1st year, he was there to help me through it and being one of the most social guys I know, pushed me to expand my horizons. Along with Joel, we joined a fraternity together, lived together, and were just generally there for each other all through university. Adam’s easygoing, social, friendly attitude always makes any group more fun to be around and he’s always been someone I can confide in. The night before the engagement – Adam was more nervous than I was! We miss him out in Vancouver and look forward to forcing him up in front of the crowd as our MC on the big night.
Joel
Groomsman
Joel and I are bonded for life – we’re both marrying Delaware Hall 3N women this year! A roommate, brother, engagement photographer, and lifelong friend, Joel has been there for both Emily and I since year 1 of university. I greatly admire his drive and care for his friends – I always know that I can reach out to Joel on the phone any time. Emily and I love spending weekends with Carley & Joel playing games, hiking, and biking (even when we can’t keep up!). Looking forward to sharing many more cottage weekends and life milestones.
Ahron
Groomsman
After crossing paths a number of times in the first two years of university, Ahron and I really hit it off when we ended up in the same section at Ivey. We were both interested in strategy and after many mock case interviews together, we both ended up getting jobs at BCG! I admire Ahron’s friendliness, fun-loving attitude, intelligence, ambition, and negotiation skills (it’s gotten us out of a few sticky situations). It’s only natural to have you up by my side and look forward to supporting each other as we each craft our own paths in life.
Adam
Groomsman
DJ extraordinaire, mixologist, and brother of the bride, Adam welcomed me into the family from day 1. From getting to know me as the wild Chicopee camp counselor to who I am today, it’s been a journey. Thanks for always bringing the party to life – you’re more than a brother-in-law, you’re also a good friend. Excited for more family adventures, board games, cottage mixes, and dance moves.
Andrew
Groomsman
Andrew and I met at a bar in Australia and moved in together a few weeks later – must be love at first sight! During my six months abroad in Melbourne, Australia, Andrew was my roommate & travel buddy. Those were some of the best months of my life with the BCG expat crew. When Em came over 3 months in, the three of us really hit it off. I got to share the journey from flexitarian, to vegetarian, to vegan and I’m excited to see the impact that Andrew can have in the world. I always enjoy the memes, laughs, and good times that we have with Andrew.
Kevin
Groomsman
Of anyone other than Emily & my family, Kevin is who I’ve traveled the most with (and shared a bed with the most??). We’ve jumped off waterfalls in Haiti, bungee jumped in Nepal, raged at the full moon party in Thailand, eaten a McArabia in Qatar, and biked the streets of Milan.Thanks for encouraging my craziness. Looking forward to many more adventures! We’re so glad he could join us all the way from San Francisco.
