Wedding date: August 6, 2011

Wedding theme: Vintage Elegance

Guests: 220

Best moment: “Mark’s favourite moment was the ‘dip’ — the kiss that made everything official. Also, Mark was pleasantly surprised by his uncle who passed him a cell phone and said ‘grandpa is on the line.’ Unfortunately, Mark’s grandfather was unable to attend the wedding due to his ailing health. Mark has an extremely fond place in his heart for his grandfather,” says Vanessa. “My favourite moment was how often Mark and I got to kiss at the reception, which was easily over 30 times. We asked our guests to make donations towards the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, and in return we’d share a kiss. We raised $1,200!”

Favourite detail: “My vintage brooch bouquet, which my mom and I made ourselves. I think this was honestly one of the best and most special parts of our wedding because my mom and I worked on it together,” explains Vanessa. “I will cherish it for the rest of my life, and maybe if I have a daughter one day I can pass it onto her for her special day.”

Wedding song: “Back at One” by Brian McKnight ft. Ivete Sangalo. “We chose this song because it represented our relationship and what we believe true love is. Also, because it featured a beautiful duet in Portuguese and English,” says Vanessa.

Honeymoon: Googled “nicest beach world” and then we found ourselves in the Maldives!