How our story started, Wade’s perspective:

I decided, against all odds, to ask out the most beautiful woman on the planet. Bonnie miraculously said yes to a walk, and then a dip, and then some food, which turned out to be Bonnie’s love language! I started asking Bonnie about marriage about a week later, and waited patiently four years while Bonnie warmed to the idea. I feel so lucky to be engaged to Bonnie! ❤️😊

How our story started, Bonnie’s perspective:

As most of you know, Wade and I were neighbours in another life. Years after moving away, and each of our lives evolving with many twists and turns, we ran into each other at a coffee shop in Shawnigan. We said a quick hello and were both happy to see a familiar smiling face. Some time after that, Wade reached out to me and said, “If I had the courage to do what I wanted no matter what others thought of me, what would I do?” and asked me if I’d like to join him for a coffee or a walk sometime to get to know each other. I was intrigued and impressed by his courage.

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We made our plans. Wade picked me up and we went for a walk in the forest at Jack Fleetwood Trail in Shawnigan. We enjoyed talking, sharing and laughing as we got to know one another along the trail. Sparks were flying and I think we were both surprised by how much fun we were having. Toward the end of the walk we found a spot to rest by the river. Wade was so sweet and delightfully cheesy and secretly packed bubbly’s and chocolate for us to share. The sun was hot, the river was inviting and on some level I think I wanted to test his sense of adventure - so I asked him if he would want to take a swim in the river. We hadn’t planned for a swim but we were both up for it! We jumped in the river, Wade in his gitch and me in my leggings and tank top. It was hilarious fun. Once I got home I was so excited I couldn’t wait to see him again. I skipped the protocol of waiting for him to call-first and asked to see him the next day.

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July 3rd, 2021 we had our first date. We walked to Spinnakers Pub in Victoria, down the road from where Wade was living at the time. We were so wrapped up in conversation that, by the end of the night, we didn’t realize that the place was closing and the staff had stacked all the chairs on the tables around us to do their closing-clean. It was the best first date, which lead to the best first kiss(es), which lead to the best subsequent dates which lead to the best weekend getaway in Tofino and before I knew it I was all-in.

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It has taken me by complete surprise the depth of connection, trust, enjoyment and fulfilment we share in our relationship. I never imaged that I would invite a man into Avery’s life but it is so very clear to me that Wade is the best bonus-dad in the world. And how lucky for Avery, Wade was a package deal with the two best bonus-brothers! Though both Colten and Ryan were already launched and living independently before we all moved in together, we have been fortunate to have long stretches of true quality time together; Avery and I are so grateful to have this wonderful expanded family.

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Now we enter this next chapter with all of you as we say our I-do’s! Our story is just getting started, thank you for being a part of it!

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PS - Kudos to you if you read this far!