Words of Love: Elora Wedding at Elora Mill, Ontario

February 1, 2025 Parallel

A letter to Julia and Gavin…

We're gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments,and to give recognition, worth to the beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words that will unite Julia and Gavin in marriage.

May the road always rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your home. May the light of friendship guide your paths together. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward. And today, may the spirit of love find a dwelling place in your hearts.

This union was written in the stars. When Julia was three years old, she and her grandfather planted some seeds. Her nonno wanted her to have a pumpkin for Halloween, and in the fall, she picked her pumpkin. She brought it home and said, in a little three-year-old voice, "Mommy, I know what I want to be when I grow up." I said, "Julia, what do you want to be when you grow up?" She said, "I want to be a Gardner."

Family comes first, but understand that today, the two of you created your own little family. The two of you come first.

Growing up, I was blessed to have Julia as an older sister. She was my punching bag, literally, and my confidant. Even into our adult life, we have remained close, always referring to my husband as Julia and I's third wheel. She showed me that if you treat your friends like family, you'll have them forever. She also showed me how to work hard and persevere through life's challenges.

Gavin, you probably already know this, but Julia's probably right 99% of the time. Grand gestures are nice, but it’s the little things day to day that make it work. Always make sure the water cup is full, clean out your fridge regularly, and make sure to cherish the small moments.

It's great to believe in something or someone, and it's just as great when someone believes in you. One of the hallmarks of a great relationship is a belief in each other. Secondly, I want you to excel at all you do, and I encourage you to excel at your relationship and not to take it for granted. I encourage you to spend quality time together. Don’t just expect it to happen—plan for it. Don’t allow the good things to prevent you from the great things, like growing your love for each other, communicating your hopes and dreams, and, of course, sharing intimacy with each other.

Marriage can be a wonderful place to discover love and companionship that nothing else in the world can offer. It takes determination, tenacity, and commitment to each other. Here you are holding hands, and this is the perfect picture of what it should look like as you go down life together—that you're side by side, holding hands, facing it together.

Julia, all that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy. From this day forward, I will love and comfort you and hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

Gavin, all that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy. From this day forward, I will love and comfort you and hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

This is a physical symbol of the vows they have made to one another. They would like to first ask their immediate family and friends to participate in the warming of their rings by passing their rings amongst one another. These rings will not only be a gift from one to another but will be given with the love and support of their family and friends.

With this ring, I join my life to yours. It is a symbol of my commitment to love, honour, and respect you.

With this ring, I join my life with yours. It is a symbol of my commitment to love, honour, and respect you.

Julia and Gavin have made their vows to each other in our presence and have confirmed their promises by the joining of hands and the exchange of rings. Therefore, by the authority given by this province, I pronounce they are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce, for the second time today, please join me in a round of applause for the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Gavin and Julia Gardner.

Life with Gavin has been an adventure. Gav was always eager to do everything. He was a very outgoing and friendly little boy. His thoughtfulness would always surface at opportune moments. In June of 2022, Gavin started to see Julia. I know that Julia will be a pro at being a loving, caring, and supportive wife, but the advice I have for Gavin is: make your bed in the morning, kiss Julia goodnight every night no matter what, trust each other implicitly, and listen to her carefully.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, good health, happiness, and, dare we say, fruitfulness.

Today, as Gavin stands with Julia, I couldn't be happier for the two of them. Julia has brought a profound and wonderful change to Gavin's life, adding a new depth of joy and love that is evident to all who know him.

A toast: May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your adventures together be as epic as the ones we've shared over the years. Congratulations to you both!

Vendors that Made the Day Happen

Videographer: Parallel Weddings (www.parallelweddings.ca)

Hair Stylist: H.Art Beauty Parlour (https://www.facebook.com/harthairsarnia/)

Make-up Artist: Christina Pfaff Makeup (https://christinapfaffmakeup.com/)

Florist: Flora and Farfalla (https://www.floraandfarfalla.com/)

Coordinator: Laura Olsen Events (https://lauraolsenevents.ca/)

Photographer: Mango Studios (https://mangostudios.com/)

Venue: Elora Mill (https://eloramill.ca/)

Car Rental: Red Car Service (https://www.redcarservice.com/)

DJ: Scottify Productions (https://www.scottify.ca/)

Rentals: Special Event Rentals (https://specialevents.ca/)

Details About the Wedding

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