When it comes to wedding planning, every couple dreams of a day that reflects who they are, their unique love story, and what matters most to them. For Mary Jean Louise Nash and Robert (Bob) Allan Waronchak, their wedding wasn’t just about joining two lives—it was about honoring a 23-year journey filled with love, laughter, and patience. For couples seeking intimate wedding venues in Ontario, their story is proof that it’s not the grandeur of the event, but the personal touches and meaningful connections that truly matter.
A Love Story That Spanned Decades
Mary and Bob’s story didn’t follow the typical timeline. It wasn’t a whirlwind romance, but rather a steady friendship that blossomed over 23 years. A dear mutual friend, Judy, tried on numerous occasions to introduce them, but life seemed to have other plans. Then, one Saturday night, Mary took the leap and made the first move by leaving a message on Bob’s phone. That single call set everything in motion, leading to a phone conversation the next day and an invitation to celebrate his birthday.
From that moment on, their friendship deepened, and their love story began to unfold. They shared years of companionship, overcoming life’s challenges together, all while living just a block apart without truly knowing each other for much of that time. The beauty of their relationship was in its slow burn—two people coming together when the time was truly right.
A Surprise Proposal
After two decades of laughter, tears, and friendship, Bob’s proposal was as spontaneous as their relationship had been steady. On a regular Sunday evening, Bob walked across the room, got down on one knee, and asked Mary to marry him. It wasn’t a grand gesture; there was no elaborate planning—just a heartfelt, genuine moment between two people who had already built a lifetime together.
The spontaneity of the proposal perfectly captured their relationship: rooted in the everyday moments that make life special. As Mary tearfully accepted and helped Bob to his feet (he has bad knees!), they both knew their wedding needed to reflect the simplicity, beauty, and joy that had defined their time together.
Keeping It Personal and Simple
When it came time to plan their wedding, Mary and Bob weren’t interested in flashy details or over-the-top décor. Their vision was clear: keep it personal, intimate, and stress-free. They opted for a small guest list—just 48 of their closest family and friends. For couples looking at intimate wedding venues in Ontario, their approach serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes less is more. Fewer guests meant they could focus on making every aspect of the day reflect their personalities and story.
The details were thoughtful and meaningful. Instead of elaborate centerpieces, Mary hand-painted miniature pumpkins—orange and white with copper highlights—that doubled as place cards. These little touches weren’t just decorations; they were a nod to Bob’s love of Halloween and their shared sense of creativity.
Even their flowers reflected their understated style. Bright orange Gerbera daisies complemented ivory hydrangeas, bringing a burst of color and simplicity to the day. It wasn’t about impressing anyone—it was about creating a space where their love could take center stage, surrounded by those who mattered most.
Emotional and Heartfelt Moments
The most memorable parts of Mary and Bob’s wedding weren’t the decorations or the venue; they were the emotional, personal moments that unfolded throughout the day. Their ceremony was filled with humour, love, and tears. After 23 years together, they certainly didn’t need any more convincing to say “I do,” but their officiant still found a way to lighten the mood by asking if they were sure!
The ceremony wasn’t just about Mary and Bob; it was about blending their families. Bob’s children, Mike and Shelley, stood by their side as Best Man and Maid of Honour, while Mary’s son and grandchildren played key roles as well. Including their family in such meaningful ways was a testament to how deeply they value those relationships. Their vows weren’t just to each other—they were promises to their children, their grandchildren, and the new family they were officially becoming.
Perhaps the most touching moment was when they honoured Mary’s late daughter, Jennifer, who had passed away five years earlier. Jennifer’s presence was felt throughout the day, especially as Bob had once walked her down the aisle at her own wedding. These layers of love and remembrance gave the day a richness that couldn’t be replicated by any amount of décor or planning.
A Little Humour Goes a Long Way
Weddings rarely go off without a hitch, and Mary and Bob’s day was no exception. Just before their granddaughter Zoe was supposed to walk down the aisle as the flower girl, a small miscommunication had her in tears. But in a moment of quick thinking, one of the venue staff offered Zoe a loonie at the end of the aisle as a prize for making it through. It worked like magic, and little Zoe proudly completed her walk, much to the amusement and delight of the guests. This moment of lightheartedness captured the joy and spontaneity that defined the day.
A Reception Full of Joy and Laughter
Their reception continued the theme of intimacy and connection. With just 46 guests, Mary and Bob were able to spend time with everyone, sharing stories, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. Their first dance, to the classic song “As Time Goes By,” brought tears to their eyes, symbolizing not just their love, but the time they had already spent together.
And then there was Zoe again, stealing the show with her dance moves. While the couple shared their tender moments, Zoe kept the dance floor alive with her endless energy, dancing to Pharrell’s “Happy” and providing a fun, lighthearted contrast to the emotion of the day.
A Keepsake for Life
One of the most special touches from the day was the custom canvas seating plan, which the couple loved so much they decided to hang it in their dining room. This wasn’t just a practical item for the event—it became a cherished memento of the day, a reminder of the people who celebrated with them and the love that filled the room.
Choosing What Matters Most
For Mary and Bob, their wedding was never about impressing others or following trends. It was about celebrating a love that had already stood the test of time. By focusing on what truly mattered—their story, their family, and their shared joy—they created a day that was uniquely theirs.
For couples searching for intimate wedding venues in Ontario, Mary and Bob’s story is a reminder that the best weddings aren’t about the size of the guest list or the grandeur of the venue. They’re about finding ways to make the day personal, meaningful, and reflective of the love you share.
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