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Iris Shamrony and Mike Svechnikar, August 29, 2010, Jordan, Ontario.

Photography Courtesy Karri North Photography (knorthphotography.ca)

About the couple

Bride: Iris Shamrony

Groom: Mike Svechnikar

How they met: “We met in high school and had so much in common that we became best friends right away (we had immigrated from Israel, incidentally from the same city, Haifa),” says Iris. “ Around the second year of university, Mike decided that we should be more than friends, and continued to persuade me to go out for 6 months, until I finally said yes. His persistence paid off!”

Engagement story: “We were dating for 5 years, moved in together, and decided it was time for a big trip,” says Iris. “We planned a 3 week vacation to Peru in May 2009, and all our friends were convinced that we were going to get engaged. I had no idea,” she admits. “One day during the trip, I came across a container that I decided to open and inside was a simple, costume jewelry ring that wasn’t mine so I asked Mike about it and he admitted to having plans to propose to me on top of Machu Pichu!” she exclaims. “For the rest of the trip, we pretended that nothing happened because I didn’t want to believe that I ruined it. Little did I know that Mike’s plan all along was to propose at home, after our trip, and the costume ring was only a back up. When we got home I saw a bouquet of flowers and the real ring –all arranged by our family and friends while we were away at Mike’s instruction. I was frozen in place and completely in shock. It was then that Mike finally asked ‘will you marry me?’”