Did anyone believe that Spring would ever come after this brutal Canadian winter?

Maria and Mack did not believe that Spring would ever come back again after Mack lost his wife in 2016 and Maria lost her husband the fall of 2017, both to arduous battles against cancer.

Mack and Maria first met in 2018 when Mack was seeking an instructor position at Victoria International College. It was during then when Maria said “You can bring your wife to visit the college next time”. Mack broke into tears right away and replied “My wife passed away”. It was then that Maria broke into tears as well and said, “I lost my husband too”. The two knew that there was still a long way to go in healing from their loss.

Come 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mack receives a call. “Hi Mack, can you provide co-op opportunities for my students because it is more difficult for them to find placement now. I think my students will have better opportunities after a couple of co-op terms with hands-on experience for data engineers.” “No problem, Maria. I will do my best to help”. Through this collaboration during the pandemic, the two started to develop a real sense of closeness when the rest of the world felt distanced.

Maria and Mack's daughters Ruby and Yani planned the engagement for them on August 18, 2021. Following the engagement, the couple paid a visit to their late spouses. It was realized then that Maria's late husband Peter and Mack's late wife Hong were situated in neighboring plots at the same burial ground.

Maria and Mack are now inviting you to witness the exchange of their vows August 27, 2022 at Pan Pacific Toronto Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. You will learn more details about their relationship development during the wedding party.

Maria and Mack’s story proves that spring will come after each stormy winter. There will always be winter in our lives (in Canada at least). However, Spring will come at the end! Please visit the site close to the wedding date, we will provide you with a live stream link for you to join the wedding online if you are not able to come in person.

Please also remember to look into your spouse’s eyes every morning and say, “I love you!”.