St. Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica

Ceremony

Grand Imperial

Reception

Our Wedding

Kayla and Ivan first met in high school, and on December 19, 2013, they officially began dating. They were in a long-distance relationship for nearly 6 years as they both attended different universities. The distance always made their hearts grow fonder. Throughout their relationship, they have shared a passion for traveling the world and have explored countless new destinations together. Along the way, they were lucky enough to welcome two adorable Yorkshire Terriers, Ari and Mia, who have brought even more happiness in to their adventure-filled lives.

Our Story

The Gals

Stephanie Cookson, Maid of Honor

Stephanie is Kayla's sister since February 20 of 1999. She is not only her sister, but her lifelong best friend. From childhood giggles to supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, she has always been by her side. Stephanie knows Kayla better than anyone else - her love, kindness, and unwavering support mean the world to Kayla. She couldn’t imagine this special day without her standing right by her side, as she’s been there for every moment leading up to it.&nbsp;

Nicole Lindsay, Bridesmaid

Nicole is Kayla's right-hand-woman and one of her best friends. Nicole is practically family. She initially entered Kayla's life when she was 9 years old as they played on the same soccer team together. They went their separate ways as life became busy and took them on different adventures. However, they rekindled their friendship after high school and bonded over working in the same industry. They have been friends since 2020 and talk nearly every day - they truly never skip a beat! Nicole is Kayla's biggest cheerleader, self-proclaimed therapist, and confidante.

Ileana Gusa, Bridesmaid

Ileana is one of Kayla's best friends. She is like family to her. Ileana and Kayla met while working together at Go Honda in 2017. What initially started off as a professional relationship, soon blossomed in to an unbreakable bond and sisterly-love for one another. No matter what adventures their careers take them on, they always keep up with each other's lives. She is so thankful to have Ileana in her life.

Louella Ramos, Bridesmaid

Louella is one of Kayla's best friends. Louella and Kayla met while working together at Go Honda in 2018. They battled through tough deals and tough days, and formed an unmatched union together. Louella is Kayla's 5-foot-tall "body guard" -&nbsp;she has the most protective demeanor and fiery personality. However, her heart is made of pure gold. Kayla thanks God every day for Louella and their chats about life.

Olga Kolesnikova, Bridesmaid

Olga is one of Kayla's best friends. Olga and Kayla met while working together at St. Albert Honda in 2021. They shared a love for Ukrainians and Yorkshire Terriers. Funny enough, Olga's Yorkie, Sonya, is Ari and Mia's mom. Olga's son, Luka, is also Ivan's godson.&nbsp;Olga has always been a true friend to Kayla, and they have shared many great memories together.

Emma Esposito, Bridesmaid

Emma is basically part of Kayla's family. She is dating her brother, Eric, and has been in her life for the past 5.5 years. Emma comes from an Italian background and shares all the same family values as Kayla. Emma and Kayla enjoy lengthy conversations about life and travelling, and Emma is always down for a good time! Moreover, Kayla treasures Emma's bold opinions and insights, and is so proud of the boss-woman she is!

Velida Sopjani, Bridesmaid

Velida is one of Kayla's best friends. Velida and Kayla met while working together at Volkswagen of Richmond in 2022. Kayla moved to Vancouver in February 2022, met Velida, and they immediately clicked. They shared many wonderful memories while working together, and pushed each other every day to be better. Velida and Kayla also took a trip to New York which was an incredible memory they will never forget.

The Guys

Dmytro Hutsulyak, Best Man

Ivan's older brother and lifelong partner-in-crime. They've racked up a lifetime of inside jokes, questionable decisions, and unforgettable moments. Having him as Ivan's best man is like having a cheat code to life. He’s the guy who knows every version of him and still shows up anyway.

Luka Sasic, Groomsman

Ivan's honorary Serbian brother. He’s been one of his best mates for the past decade and somehow manages to sneak in a history lesson no matter what they’re doing. Ask him about the Ottoman Empire… he dares you.

Stefan Bojovic, Groomsman

A decade of friendship and still going strong. Whether it’s sports, work, or just life, Stefan somehow manages to crush it all. He’s like the overachieving younger brother Ivan never asked for—but is lucky to have.

Mykola Nykolyuk, Groomsman

Ivan's Ukrainian comrade. They’ve been side-by-side since elementary school—same junior high, high school, and university. If Ivan's life were a TV show, Mykola would be in every single episode, usually making sarcastic commentary. At this point, he doesn’t just know Ivan's story—he could write the unauthorized biography.

Nickolas Euchuk, Groomsman

Ivan and him met in high school and remained close ever since. One of his most loyal friends and someone Ivan genuinely considers family. If Ivan had a dollar for every laugh or deep convo they’ve shared—he'd have… well, at least, $27.

Eric Mateus, Groomsman

Ivan's future brother-in-law and long-time FIFA nemesis. For 11 years, they’ve bonded over banter, bad refereeing decisions, and a shared love of trash talk. Eric’s already family in every way that counts.

Benjamin Alvarez, Groomsman

Ivan and Ben met in high school and he been making Ivan feel guilty for skipping leg day ever since. With Ben's boxing background, he’s the reason Ivan walks into any room feeling like he's got his own personal bodyguard.

Master of Ceremonies

Stefan Malinovic, MC

Ivan has known this legend for almost 10 years. He’s a lawyer by day, dad of (soon-to-be) two by night, and fun-sized 24/7. Don’t let the height fool you —he’s got a big personality, sharp wit, and a heart of gold. A true friend, who keeps Ivan humble and the only person he trusts to roast us and run the show at the same time.

Wedding Party

The Big Day!

12:45 PM-all guests arrive at Ceremony1:00 PM-Ceremony Begins1:45 PM-Ceremony Ends5:30 PM-Cocktail Hour Begins6:30 PM-Cocktail Hour Ends6:45 PM-Grand Entrance by Bridal Party6:55 PM-Welcome Speech7:00 PM-Dinner Begins7:30 PM-Speeches Begin8:00 PM-Photo/Video Presentation8:30 PM-First Dance &amp; Other Dances8:45 PM-Dancefloor is Open!10:00 PM-Cake Cutting10:30 PM-Bouquet &amp; Garter Toss11:00 PM-Late Night Meal &amp; Ice Cream Bar1:30 AM-Last Call for Alcohol2:00 AM-Last Dance &amp; Grand Exit

Timeline of Events

Photos

The Dress Code is FormalA dark color scheme is encouraged Males: Tuxedos, Suits, Bow Ties, TiesFemale: Long Dresses, Long Skirts, Pant Suits

Dress Code

Hors d'Oeuvres

Mini Beef WellingtonServed with Béarnaise Sauce and Prawn enveloped in Phyllo PastryServed with Sweet Chili Sauce

Appetizer

CharcuterieCured Meats, Artisan Cheeses, Truffle Cream Cheese, Olives, Fresh Organic Fruit &amp; Artisanal BreadsServed with Butter

First Course

Arugula &amp; Pear Gorgonzola SaladServed with Raspberry Dressing

Second Course

6 oz. Filet Mignon with Lobster TailServed with Fondant Potato &amp; Oven-Roasted Vegetables in Peppercorn Sauce or Roasted French-Cut Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach &amp; FetaServed with Garlic Mashed Potato &amp; Grilled Asparagus in Wild Mushroom Ragout

Third Course

Crème BrûléeMadagascar Vanilla Bean Custard, Topped with Fresh Organic Berries &amp; Mint

Late-Night Meal

Philly Cheese Steak SlidersServed with Au Jus French FriesServed with Condiments Ice Cream Bar FlavorsMilk ChocolateVanilla Bean ToppingsWhipped CreamChocolate Fudge SauceCaramel SauceStrawberry SauceMini MarshmallowsChocolate ChipsRainbow Sprinkles Wedding CakeStrawberry ChampagneCoconut Raspberry PassionfruitLavender Lemon BlueberryEarl Grey Blackberry

Kayla & Ivan