Once upon a time in December 2016, Melinda and Joe began their journey towards a lifetime of love with a simple swipe on the dating app Bumble. Melinda and Joe started a conversation that would change their lives forever.

In the vast sea of online profiles, Joe's Bumble presence stood out like a brightly colored fishing lure, capturing Melinda's attention with a unique blend of interests and humor. The first thing that caught Melinda's eye was a picture of Joe proudly holding a pike, showcasing his love for the outdoors. Scrolling further, she discovered Joe's allegiance to the Toronto Maple Leafs, evident in his enthusiastic support for the team. As a fellow “sad” Leafs fan, Melinda couldn't help but appreciate the shared passion for hockey – a connection waiting to be explored over games and cheering sessions. But it wasn't just the fishing prowess and hockey allegiance that made Joe's profile memorable. His sense of humor shone through with a clever quip about “living in Keswick, but not being from Keswick”. A playful nod to the town added a touch of lightness to the profile, setting the stage for the easygoing and fun-loving personality Melinda would soon come to adore. Little did Joe know that his fishing picture, Leafs fandom, and Keswick humor would be the bait that would reel in the most important catch of all – Melinda's heart. As they swiped right, they unknowingly cast the line that would bring them together, setting the stage for a love story filled with laughter, shared hobbies, and many adventures.

Their first date was set for January 5, 2017, at Hungry Brew Hops in Newmarket. Over pints of craft beer and hearty laughs, they found a connection with their shared passion for hockey as they cheered on the Canadian World Junior Hockey team.

In the years that followed, Melinda and Joe embarked on countless adventures from the picturesque landscapes of Kelowna, historic charm of Quebec City, scenic landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord, beaches of Saint John USVI and exploring all that Texas has to offer. Ontario became a canvas for their love story, with weekends filled with occasional Jays games, craft beer tastings, and lazy weekends at the cottage spent fishing or chilling on the dock.

In 2019, they welcomed a Mini Australian Shepherd named Goose to the family. This fluffy pup quickly became an integral part of their lives, adding warmth, laughter, and unconditional love to their home. Goose, with his endless energy and (sometimes questionable) loyalty, became more than a pet; he became a cherished member of their family, wagging his tail through every adventure, ball throwing and cuddling up during the quieter moments.

But the most extraordinary chapter in their story unfolded on April 21, 2023, along the shores of Canyon Lake in Texas. Joe cast, and cast and cast his line, eventually reeling in a bass. Calling Melinda over, he explained, "Come see what the fish in Texas eat." Ever the good sport, Melinda, somewhat gullible asked, "Ew, is it worms? Is it rocks?" Smirking, Joe nodded, and as Melinda approached, he was already bent on one knee. With a dramatic turn, he pulled the ring from the fish's mouth, gleaming in the Texas sunlight. Joe, grinning from ear to ear, asked the question that would change their lives forever – "Will you marry me?". Melinda, overwhelmed with joy, grabbed the ring and exclaimed a heartfelt "Yes!”.

Fast forward to September 7, 2024, Melinda and Joe can't wait to celebrate their wedding day with you all. Join them as they exchange vows, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and step into the future hand in hand, ready to embrace all the (fishing) adventures yet to come.

M&J

Wedding Day

Reception