NICOLE & DERRICK

Nicole & Derrick relationship began nearly a decade ago in college, an encounter that would lay the foundation for a relationship full of growth and shared experiences. Their first time they met was, in some ways, a sign of how complementary they would be. While Derrick’s quiet demeanor contrasted with Nicole's nervous, talkative energy. Nicole remembers feeling uncertain, thinking she might be “too damaged” to pursue a relationship with him. Yet, their connection endured and blossomed, proving that sometimes the best things come when least expected.

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About a year into their relationship, Derrick was diagnosed with leukemia for a second time. Instead of the carefree days they’d imagined, they found themselves spending their first anniversary in a hospital room. It wasn’t the way anyone would hope to celebrate a new chapter together, but it was also a moment that would shape them in ways neither could have foreseen. At one point, Derrick turned to Nicole, offering her a way out from what he knew would be a difficult journey. “If it’s too hard, you don’t have to stay with me,” he said.

But for Nicole, there was never any question. In that moment, she made a quiet, unbreakable commitment to stand by Derrick’s side through every high and low. The love they shared wasn’t defined by the easy times but rather by the strength and resilience they found in one another during life’s hardest moments.

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When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the couple’s choice of Elle by Stella felt like a natural fit. Before they even got engaged, their friends had visited the space and immediately thought of them. Their friend Jocelyn knew that the venue's modern, minimalist style and ample natural light perfectly matched the couple’s aesthetic vision. This sense of destiny in their choice of venue brought an added layer of excitement and anticipation to the wedding planning process.

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As with any wedding, there were countless memorable moments, but their favourite was the ceremony. The joy was amplified by the presence of two little flower girls who, with grace and charm, made their way down the aisle. To top it all off, their beloved Golden Retriever, Tucker, added a special touch, running down the aisle to be part of the festivities. The moment held a sense of relief as the stress of planning finally faded, and the start of  celebration with loved ones. It was a day where every detail, both big and small, came together to create unforgettable memories.