This is Taylor and Zach’s story.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
It was just after 5AM on a Saturday when I arrived to work that day. I was spontaneously asked by a friend to help work at the annual Khatsalano street festival in Vancouver, and I was waiting with tired eyes that morning in the production area.
I wasn’t sure if I was still dreaming, but I swear that I saw a ring of light cast upon the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. She walked through the production doors, and she just so happened to be working at the same festival that day! I didn’t believe in love at first sight, but it’s hard not to take that as a sign…
My mission for the day seemingly changed from event production assistant to detective. I asked everyone I crossed paths with about this girl Taylor. Little did I know these naive inquiries were being fed back to her.
I did all that I could to get on the crew in her section. We exchanged pleasantries a few times throughout the day… but I needed more time. As the event was winding down, I caught a break by weaseling my way onto her cleanup team. Rain was falling at this point, and we were getting soaked. I have no idea how my fumblingly obvious investigation didn’t scare her off, but boy am I glad it didn’t.
I walked away from the event a few dollars richer, with the hope and optimism that my life would change forever. And it did. Six years later, in the summer of 2020, I proposed in that same production building where we met. I didn’t believe in love at first sight, until I met Taylor. I’ve never looked back.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
We have too many stories that don’t make sense to anyone but us. We are constantly laughing, making hilarious voice imitations, having choreographed karaoke parties in our kitchen and laughing at nothing and everything. Life is to short to not be smiling, even better with the person you love!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Long distance dating was a tough part in the early stage of our relationship. It was only a few months into dating that Taylor moved away for the better part of a year. At the life stage I was at, it made it difficult as I didn’t have the money to go visit her, and watching her have the time of her life through the lens of social media made me feel somewhat left out. Of course that was never her intention but that can sometimes be the natural effect of these different social platforms. Needless to say the experience definitely made us stronger and our trust unbreakable, but I am happy to be adventuring together now!
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Hawaii has always been a special place to Taylor and her family. She grew up going yearly with her parents and often extended family and friends. Choosing the beaches of Oahu was the perfect backdrop to incorporate on our special day. We hope to continue growing our memories together in paradise!
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Without a doubt spending time with the people we love most. Our family and friends mean everything to us. We never take the opportunity to make memories together for granted.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Vulnerability.
Taylor has instilled in me the power of letting go of ego, in order to better communicate how I’m actually feeling. What goes unsaid is often more damaging that what is. Learning to be vulnerable has also allowed me to become a better communicator and listener.
Patience.
Zach has taught me to savour every moment and take life with open arms as it comes. You can’t rush the process, so why not enjoy the journey.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favourite thing about Taylor is her empathy. She is so cerebral in terms of others feelings and what others need. She can read a room like no one else, and always has time to listen. I haven’t met anyone that can connect so quickly, and so deeply with so many different types of people. She’s the first to ask questions and be present for others to answer. Her empathy allows her to be genuine. I am constantly learning from Taylor.
My favourite thing about Zach is the way he loves. He loves deeply, passionately and with intention. He puts his family and friends as top priority. I have always admired his commitment to building our own story with the people we love most.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Knowing that we have the opportunity to bring together all the people we love in the place that we feel most at home: Hawaii. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and to do it in paradise is a dream come true.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Never stop dating. We both learned that from our parents as are blessed to grow up with the most incredible role models of true love.
Take time to laugh over morning coffee, go for walks, say yes to the adventure, be spontaneous and selfless. Never stop surprising one another or checking in to make sure your partner feels seen and heard. We plan to never leave the “dating” phase- it’s to much fun!
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love can be found and felt all around us. Even in the darkest of times, you just have to slow down and trust that when you give love, it will always come back to you.
Photographer: Jenzel Velo @jenzelvelo
Makeup Artist: Paige Griffith
Film Lab: Photovision
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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