Paradise Love

About the Couple
Bride: Leah Sookhan
Groom: Daivin Macdonald
Occupations: Leah is a marketing specialist and Daivin is an information technology auditor.
How they met: They worked at the same clothing store in the mall. Totally against her style, Leah introduced herself to Daivin and has been trying to get his attention ever since.
Fave date: Daivin and Leah planned a candlelight picnic in the winter, and they ate hot dogs, French fries, coleslaw and ice cream bars. It's now an annual tradition.
What attracted her to him: “Daivin made my heart beat fast.”
What attracted him to her: “When Leah looked at me, I felt like I was the only person in the room.”
Engagement story: Leah and Daivin were engaged on Sunday August 10th, 2008 at Beaudry Park just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Daivin planned a night under the stars as a surprise for Leah. The largest meteor shower of the year was happening that night, and Daivin hoped Leah would experience her first falling star. The night was cloudy and Daivin was nervous that they might not be able to see a falling star. Much like their relationship, fate intervened and they saw two of them. Daivin had planned to say many romantic things to Leah, however all he could manage was “Let's get married.” After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Daivin was able to ask the question the way he originally wanted it to come out. Leah was speechless (and she still is) but was very excited to say “Yes.”
Words they live by: Let your life be your message and live every day with clear eyes and a full heart.

The Wedding Day
Wedding date: May 6, 2009
Guests: 7
Wedding theme: Simple and elegant to ensure the focus was on the message of our vows to each other and the natural beauty of the location.
Her best moment: “Saying my personal vows to Daivin and hearing the vows that he had written for me. It was a profound moment in time that I will never forget.”
His best moment: “Seeing Leah for the first time in her wedding dress. She took my breath away. It was at that moment that I came to the realization that this beautiful woman would soon be my wife.”
What they would have done differently: Nothing! It was exactly the way we envisioned it!
Advice you would give to other couples that are getting married: Ensure that your big day is how you pictured it. Don’t be swayed by what should be part of a wedding. Make it your own.
Wedding song: "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk. Leah and Daivin chose the song based on the amazing lyrics. A long time ago, Leah said to Daivin, “My home is where you are,” and they have chosen to live by those words.
The day in three words: Memorable. Breathtaking. Emotional.
Favourite wedding gift: The support of their family who allowed them to have a destination wedding. “It was always our dream to be married in a place with such natural beauty,” says Leah. 
Most unexpected moment: Just before the ceremony started, Daivin’s dad suddenly went running back to his room. Leah was told that he had forgotten the rings and had to go get them. Did he ever get back fast!
Best surprise of the day: Their rings. Leah and Daivin chose rings for each other as a surprise and saw them for the first time during the ceremony. Daivin designed Leah’s ring, so Leah had no idea what her wedding band would look like.
Honeymoon: They continued to stay on the cliffs in Negril, Jamaica for a few days after everyone had left. They are planning a bigger trip next year, which could also be considered part of their honeymoon.
Favourite wedding detail: The location.
What made her day: Seeing how blissfully happy Daivin was.
What made his day: Leah smiling at me all-day long.

Vendors
Bridal gown: Allure Bridals (allurebridals.org)
Ceremony location: Tensing Pen Resort, Negril, Jamaica (tensingpen.com)
Flowers: Tai Flora (taiflora.com)
Groom’s tux: Calvin Klein (calvinklein.com)
Hair: Debra Barrett from Scissors Salon
Reception location: The Tensing Pen Restaurant