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Fiesta Style
Annette Camilla Blazewicz and Matthew Gerald Loewen, February 12, 2008, Rivera Maya, Mexico. By Teresa Morgado
About the Couple
Bride: Annette Camilla Blazewicz (Loewen)
Groom: Matthew Gerald Loewen
Occupations: Annette is a grade two teacher and Matthew is a business owner.
How they met: Matthew worked as a lifeguard at a resort where Annette’s family had a seasonal campsite. Annette and her friend had the biggest crush on “the pool boy” (Matthew) when they were fifteen. Over that summer, Annette and her friend battled over who would get him with the song “That Boy is Mine” by Brandy and Monica. Annette told everyone she was going to marry the pool boy. However, summer was over and Matthew had never talked to them. The following summer Matthew did not work there and Annette sold their trailer. A few years later, Annette was out on the town with her best friend (the same friend she went camping with) when she spotted “the pool boy.” She was shocked to see him, and surprisingly, him and his friend finally came up to her and started talking. Ever since (almost seven years ago), they have been together.
Fave date: It was seven years ago when Annette and Matthew went to a bar, which is somewhat funny because Matt does not like dancing or drinking, or going to the bar.
What attracted her to him: His cute smile and his shyness. He’s also very caring and always watches out for Annette.
What attracted him to her: Her great smile and kindness.
Engagement story: They both picked out a ring that Annette really liked. They both drove down to the States to pick it up, and they were both giggling when Matthew was proposing because they thought it was quite silly for him to go down on one knee because they already knew what was going to happen.
The Wedding Date
Guests: 25
Theme: Pink and orange, and seashells
Her best moment: “Seeing Matthew when I was walking down the aisle with my dad. Our wedding was not until four o’clock in the afternoon, and I had to wait all day to see him. Seeing him and all our family members was definitely the best moment of the day.”
His best moment: “Seeing her walk down the aisle in her nice dress.”
Advice to others: “If you want to have a destination wedding, take the time to research everything. I spent a lot of my time on the Weddingbells forums talking to other destination brides. Also, look for little things to make your wedding unique and special and don’t worry about following “the norm.” Plan ahead and bring everything you need. I think I brought four pairs of faux lashes, and I ended up using all of them! Spend the majority of your budget on things that are most important for you. For me these were things like photography, location, flowers, and food. Save on things that you may not really find important such as a fancy cake cutting, fancy flutes and flower girl baskets, etc. I bought less expensive ones and decorated them myself. This not only saved me money but allowed me to personalize everything to reflect our style and what we wanted.”
Most unexpected moment: “When Matthew threw my garter in the pool. This was not supposed to happen but the wind was so strong. So then we had a “search for the garter” in the pool. The groomsmen jumped in, and it was found!”
Fave wedding detail: “The mariachi band was our favourite wedding detail. We wanted to include as much Mexican flavour as possible. They were a fabulous treat for our guests and us.”
What made her day: “It did not rain!”
What made his day: “Having friends and family there to spend time with us all week.”
The day in three words: Exciting, beautiful, perfect.
