Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Like most millennials, Matt and I affectionately swiped right on each other on Bumble in February of 2019. We met up at Starbucks in Niagara on the Lake, March of 2019, for our first date, and the rest is history! We quickly found out how much we had in common, from growing up in the Niagara Region, both attending Brock University, and both working as teachers in the District School Board of Niagara. We often wonder how many times our paths crossed without even knowing. We started officially dating in June 2019 and were falling for each other by time Thanksgiving rolled around that fall. We booked our first trip to the Dominican Republic in March 2020 not knowing that a global pandemic would be announced while we were sitting on the beach. We quarantined together and haven't lived apart since. We've spent a lot of time over the last 5+ years trying new hobbies, from cycling and sailing, to bonding over cooking and shared meals, and travelling our beautiful country. We took a chance in 2021 and packed up our lives into a trailer, drove across the country, and made a life for ourselves in Chilliwack, BC. We've made friends who've become family here and 3 years later, we couldn't imagine living or working anywhere else. Over the years we've enjoyed our shared love for Christmas, so naturally we got engaged on Christmas 2023 after moving into our new place. It would then lead to deciding that a Christmas wedding is a must. We can't wait to celebrate with our family and friends on December 28, 2024, and start this new chapter of our lives together surrounded by love and joy.

How we began...

Our Story

We took our beautiful engagement photos in September 2024 at Pitt Lake, BC with the amazing Catrina Scott (<a href="https://catrinascott.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website here</a>). She blew us away with her talent and vision.

Photos

Olivia's sister & bestie of 29 years! 

Addie is the best person I (Olivia) know. She is kind, caring, and will always go the extra mile for the people she loves. There was never a question about the fact that she would be my Maid of Honour!

Adelaide

More affectionately known as "The Travelling Trio" these two gals are simply the best!

Chantal (middle) and I have know each other since Pelham play group circa the late 90s. We went to high school and university together. She has the best sense of humour and is an awesome friend!

Hillary (left) and I have known each other since our first year of university. She is kind-hearted and an amazing friend! 

The three of us have been through it all, from studying together and group projects, to partying, travelling, and facetime hangouts. I couldn't imagine having better friends at my side for my big day!

Chantal & Hillary

Jeremy, AKA G-Money, is Matt's best friend. Jeremy and I have known each other since our sisters played soccer against each other when we were toddlers. He asked me to hang out with him one day in grade 6, and the rest is history. From travelling to playing basketball together and still enjoying late-night gaming sessions, we've been through it all. Despite living in different countries, we still talk daily and I'm so grateful to have him as my Best Man.

Jeremy

Ever since their lockers were beside each other on the first day of high school, Colin & Matt have had each other's backs. Colin is one of the most loyal friends I have and is incredibly funny. Thank goodness I can always rely on Colin to answer his phone the old-fashioned way as he is known to have zero social media. It is a guarantee that Colin will bring the energy to the wedding and I'm glad to have him stand by side.

Colin

As the best package deal around, Nick & Connor bring laughter and joy to everyone they're friends with. In grade 4, the three of us ended up on the same travel hockey team and despite not making it to the NHL, we've somehow remained friends to this day. 

Nick is by far one of the best storytellers I know. He and I share a love of sports and curating our fantasy teams. 

Connor is coming to the wedding.

But in all seriousness, he is the wittiest person I know. It is a guarantee that our conversation will always turn into laughter, in the best way possible. 

I'm excited to have both Nick & Connor in my wedding party. Without a doubt, these two will bring killer moves to the dance floor and good vibes.

Nick & Connor

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are 10 guestrooms available within The Gate House of 124 on Queen Hotel &amp; Spa for the night of Saturday, December 28, 2024. The block code is "Taylor &amp; DiMartino Wedding December 28th, 2024". There are several room options listed below: 4 x Deluxe Kings ($359.10 per room per night + taxes + resort fees) 2 x Double Queen ($415.65++) 1 x Double King ($432.65++) 2 x King Suites ($445.40++) To book, please call Amber-Lee Theriault at 1-855-988-4552, ext. 4022. You will need to provide the room block name, the date, and the type of room you would like to reserve. These rooms are available at a discounted rate until October 29th, 2024. The rate applies for the night of the wedding and in some cases, the night before. If you would like to book a room after this date, the discount will not apply. There is no elevator in The Gate House building, therefore if you have mobility issues, please inform the staff so that they are able to accommodate you. Guaranteed check-in time is 4 pm and check-out time is 11 am. You are welcome to come to the property during the day and they are able to store your luggage. Parking passes will be provided. If you need a room to get ready in, it is strongly recommended to book a room for the night before as well.

The Gate House

Travel

Visiting Local Wineries

One of the best things about visiting Niagara on the Lake is that it plays host to some of the best wineries in the country! Many offer wine tastings and have restaurants attached. There are even wine tour services offered in the region. Here's a list of our favourite wineries all within Niagara on the Lake: 1. Two Sisters Winery2. Riverview Cellars 3. Ravine Winery 4. Caroline Cellars5. Strewn Winery Wine not your cup of tea? Try a brewery or cidery. Here's our favourites: 1. Silversmith Brewery2. Oast House Brewery3. The Grist 4. Ironwood Cide House5. Shiny Apple Cider

Dinning

Niagara on the Lake also has some amazing restaurants and food experiences. Here are some of our favourite restaurants according to meal times: Breakfast/Brunch:1. Pillar &amp; Post Brunch2. Butler's Sports Bar3. Soko Bakery Cafe4. Balzac's Coffee Lunch:1. Stage Coach Family Restaurant2. Caroline Cellars Afternoon Tea:1. The Prince of Wales Dinner:1. Two Sisters Winery2. Niagara's Finest Thai3. Sandtrap Pub &amp; Grill4. The Irish Harp5. Bricks &amp; Barley6. The Garrison House

Shopping in Niagara on the Lake

At Christmas time, downtown Niagara on the Lake is always decorated and brimming with festive cheer. Shop the unique small businesses on Queen Street. There are also plenty of antique stores in Niagara on the Lake, our favourite being Lakeshore Antiques &amp; Treasures. The Outlet Mall in Niagara on the Lake has some of the best shopping with stores like Abercrombie &amp; Fitch, Nike, Adidas, Coach, Kate Spade, Saks on 5th, etc.

Niagara Parkway

The Niagara Parkway is a gorgeous drive that stretches from Niagara on the Lake straight to Fort Erie. While you don't the whole thing, we recommend driving from Niagara on the Lake (downtown area) to Queenston. During the day, you can make stops along the way to view the Niagara river, checkout Fort George, Laura Secord's house, or even see the Brock Monument. At night, we highly recommend checking out the Christmas lights on the parkway and the most famous Christmas house, on York Road. You won't need the address, because we promise you'll see the lights. Be sure to stop and get out to walk through the lights at the house on York Road.

Niagara Falls

And of course, what would be a trip to the Niagara Region without seeing Niagara Falls! Here are some of our favourite things to do in The Falls:1. See Niagara Falls! (day or night!)2. Drive down Clifton Hill 3. Stop at Pho Xyclo for the BEST pho4. Casino Niagara 5. Festival of Lights at Dufferin Islands to view the Christmas lights

Things to Do

Registry

Arrival: Between 3:30-3:45 at 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa (enter through the font door and you will be directed to the ceremony). Address is 124 Queen Street, Niagara on the Lake. Ceremony: 4:00-4:30 pm at The Courtyard inside 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa. Cocktail Hour: 4:30-5:30 pm at The Gate House. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, please walk (2 minutes) over to The Gate House for cocktail hour. Dinner Service: 5:45-7:30 pm at The Gate House. Enjoy a delicious meal served by Treadwell Cuisine. Dancing: 7:30-12:00 am. Join us on the dance floor for a night of fun! Photo booth: Open from 8:00-11:00 pm. Snap pictures in the photo booth with friends &amp; family. Take home pictures to enjoy! Late Night Station: 10:00 pm. Enjoy a selection of late night snacks! Bar Closes: 11:30 pm. Event concludes: 12:00 am. Afterparty: Join us at The Irish Harp from 12:00-1:00 am for the afterparty!

Order of the Day

Dinner selection is now available! Please click the following link to complete your party's dinner selection: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-89ATMS_8BYtpWCXDddT4AEjBeO17o-PI_Xd8CgRtV9AHHg/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dinner Selection Form</a> Complete only ONE form for your entire party. Dinner selection must be complete by November 30, 2024.

Dinner Menu: First Course: Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Lime Sorbet &amp; Togarashi Straw Main Course: Sesame &amp; Hoisin Glazed Beef Short Ribs, Potato Puree, Pickled Red Onion OR Pan Seared Salmon, Bacon &amp; Beluga Lentils, Sauce Gribiche Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rosemary Caramel Dinner is served by Treadwell Cuisine.

Olivia & Matthew

Olivia & Matthew

Photos