Engagement Story: Rebecca & Ryan

Pop the bubbly, it’s time to celebrate!

Our Bridal Contestants: Rebecca & Ryan, Toronto, Ontario

Wedding Day: June 24, 2023 in Toronto / June 28, 2023 in Dominican Republic

Ryan and I got engaged on November 10, 2022. The summer before our engagement, my doctors found multiple blood clots in my liver and kidneys. We had a trip to Europe planned for the following month, which was soon canceled as I was not allowed to take flights over 5 hours. This barrier made it difficult for Ryan to pick the perfect place to “pop the question” the way he originally planned.

On the morning of November 10th, I went to my favorite salon and I got my nails done. Ryan had planned a trip to Banff for the Remembrance Day weekend and I was getting into vacation mode and so I decided to wear one of my favorite new dresses. When I returned home from my appointment, Ryan called out for me asking if I could come to the bedroom. He had decorated our apartment with balloons, tealights and rose petals which led me to a bouquet of flowers and the marquee letters that spelled out “MARRY ME”!

I of course said yes and we called our families to share the news of our engagement. We had always joked about how proposals are rarely a surprise in our generation since so much teamwork is required in deciding to get married, but I am glad Ryan found a way to keep that tradition in our story. Later that day we went to Ryan’s house where we were showered with gifts from his family and got to toast to this new chapter of our life together.

That following morning we left for our trip to Banff and I still had no information about this trip’s itinerary. Ryan booked us a chalet with a fireplace, kitchen and jacuzzi, a true little home in the woods, surrounded by mountains. I was shocked at how beautiful the cabin was and truly felt like it was the perfect place.

He then took me to Anejo restaurant in Banff where we were welcomed with Champagne and congratulations from the staff. The next day we drove to Lake Louise and had our engagement photos taken by my friend, Vanhalla Wild, who truly made our trip memorable. We picked out an ornament from the Banff Christmas Store to add to our collection and then the next day we returned home to start Wedding planning.