This is Anna and I want to tell our story :

...After building a new life in Canada and finding each other through difficult past experiences, we’re planning a small, heartfelt wedding surrounded by the people who became our support system. This fundraiser will help us bring that day to life.

Our story

Two years ago, we met at work.

What started as friendship quickly felt deeper — like a connection that had already existed for a long time.

There was no single moment of “initiative.”

It felt natural, calm, and mutual.

We simply realized we felt stronger, happier, and more grounded together.

I was drawn to his kindness, emotional strength, and the way he communicates with care and respect.

He appreciated how naturally I care for people and create warmth around me.

Over time, we became a team.

Before this relationship, I went through a difficult marriage that ended in divorce. There was no ceremony, no wedding dress, and no moment of celebration. That chapter of my life passed quietly, without the feeling of being truly seen or supported.

After the stress of that period, my health suffered and rebuilding myself felt overwhelming.

During that time, he stayed beside me — calm, patient, and supportive.

We talked. We listened. We learned how to show up for each other without pressure or control.

For the first time in many years, I felt safe in a relationship.

We chose to grow together and to work on becoming better partners — not perfect, but intentional.

For him, this will also be his first wedding.

That is why this moment means so much to us.

Not as a performance or luxury event — but as a conscious beginning.

At the same time, I was building a new life in Canada.

Moving here meant starting over: learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and at times feeling isolated and far from family. Step by step, I created friendships, found work, and built a social circle that became my support system.

This wedding is not only about us as a couple.

It is about bringing together the people who stood beside us while we built our lives here.

Part of my family lives far away and cannot be present. On my side, only my child will stand with me that day. That is why it is especially meaningful to gather the community we have found in Canada and allow our families and friends to finally meet.

For us, this is what “family” truly means.

We don’t want to postpone this chapter for years while trying to save everything on our own.

We want to begin our life together now — in a simple, meaningful way, surrounded by people we love.

We have already started saving ourselves and will continue to do so.

This fundraiser is meant to help us cover the remaining costs and make this day possible.

How the funds will be used

We are planning an intimate wedding for approximately 30 guests in Ontario.

We are keeping it modest and family-centered, while accounting for the real costs involved in organizing a legal celebration in Canada.

Venue & reception — approx. $6,000

• Small event space / restaurant

• Dinner for guests

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Limited alcohol (wine & champagne)

• Wedding cake

• Service fees, gratuities and taxes

Legal & ceremony costs — approx. $600–900

• Ontario marriage license

• Officiant

• Legal registration

• Ceremony setup

Photography — approx. $500

• Event coverage

• Edited digital gallery

Wedding attire & preparation — approx. $1,200–1,500

• Dress and suit

• Shoes and accessories

• Hair and makeup

• Groom preparation

Decor & atmosphere — approx. $500–800

• Bouquet & boutonniere

• Table decor

• Ceremony styling

• Red-themed details

Music & entertainment — approx. $600–800

• DJ

• Sound equipment

• Ceremony music setup

Transportation & accommodation — approx. $2,000

• Wedding-day transportation

• Local logistics

• Hotel stay after the celebration

Printed materials & essentials — approx. $300–500

• Invitations

• Seating cards

• Thank-you notes

• Ceremony details

Contingency fund — approx. $1,000

For small but unavoidable event costs such as delivery fees, setup, and last-minute adjustments.

Total goal: $12,000 CAD

Our vision for the day

We imagine a warm celebration in red tones — full of conversation, music, and genuine connection.

People meeting each other for the first time and feeling like they’ve known each other for years.

Dancing. Laughter. Cultural traditions.

A relaxed ceremony where we can look around and realize:

we built this life,

we chose each other,

and we are surrounded by support.

We understand that everyone has their own responsibilities and challenges, and even reading our story already means a lot to us.

If you feel connected to our journey and would like to support us — whether through a contribution or by sharing this page — we would be truly grateful.

Your support helps us begin this chapter of our lives with intention, stability, and a sense of community around us.

Thank you for being part of our story.