A Black and White Wedding in Ottawa

About the couple

Bride: Ashley Ann Stead

Groom: Robert William Henry Stead

How they met: “We met in grade 5, when I was in the French immersion class and he was in English,” explains Ashley.

Engagement story: “Rob was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months, and he was coming back to Ottawa on his three-week leave block in the middle of his tour,” Ashley recalls. “I surprised him by picking him up in a stretch SUV Limo, wearing nothing but a trench coat hiding a sexy outfit underneath and tall boots. We booked a room at the Holiday Inn for the night. After we settled in, we went to dinner and that is where he popped the question! He grabbed my hands from across the table and started to say all of these wonderful things, and he wouldn’t let go of my hands. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the most beautiful ring that I have ever seen and asked me to marry him. I was so surprised and extremely happy and excited to say the least.”