OUR STORY
Started with a gift card
It was a fateful night, lounging in the Lakehead residence "Atikokan". They were amongst friends, sharing stories and making memories. Kelson, a usually quiet kid, spoke up, announcing a recent gift from his mother; a Cineplex card.
"I don't really want to go to on my own," Kelson sighed.
"Well you could take me," Sarah offered.
A bold statement from a stranger, Kelson regarded her more carefully. He knew little about her. They hadn't spoken directly before this moment.
"I don't know what movie to watch," he said.
Sarah considered briefly. "I think the third Thor is out," she suggested.
Kelson, having never watched many superhero flics, realized the dilemma. "I haven't seen the first or second movie," he admitted.
Teasingly, Sarah gasped. "Well, we'll have to fix that," she determined. "Tonight, we will watch the first movie and tomorrow we will watch the second. And Friday, we can go to the movies to watch the third."
Kelson smiled. "Only if I get to choose dinner," he bargained. "Any preferences?"
Sarah, a truly non-picky eater, didn't volunteer her opinion. So Kelson chose.
"Mongos!" he declared.
Sarah agreed (at least there would be popcorn at the theater), and the rest is history.
Their journey would take them through university, although not without some hiccups on the way. Kelson's path may have changed, steering him towards Confederation College. But together they stayed; through the mouse infested Frankwood rental (2018), and the strange wiring of Langworthy rental (2019), fueled only by the love for each other and their love for Burger Barn.
Sarah would start her career on the cardiac unit in the TBRHSC while Kelson finished his final year of school. During this time, they enjoyed their abundance of foster dogs with Northern Reach Rescue and the freedom of the Callibu™ to see all Thunder Bay had to offer.
Then, in a decision that shocked all, Sarah and Kelson made the choice to leave Ontario for the sunny beaches of PEI (2021).
Thus began a new chapter in their lives, one that involved a lot of adjustment and Dominos.
Kelson accepted a job at Home Depot while Sarah worked orthopedic/oncology at QEH. While the world battled COVID-19, Sarah and Kelson explored their new home, spending many weekends walking beaches and late nights on the neighbourhood bleachers talking deeply about plans of the future. Kelson secured a position as a Junior Developer at Llamachant Ltd, furthering their stability.
Homeownership was heavy on their minds, and as the Island quickly slipped from affordability, Sarah and Kelson set their sights across the bridge to New Brunswick, committing to a final move into their very own house. So with high hopes and empty wallets, they journeyed to Burton, New Brunswick (2022), falling in love with the community and way of life.
They gained immeasurable peace and happiness, welcoming an addition to the family; Mr. Kai (2022) - a tribute to Northern Ontario, where it all began, by rescuing a rez mutt from Sandy Lake.
Speaking of Northern Ontario - while returning to Thunder Bay for a good friend's wedding (hi Katie and Davis), Kelson felt the romance in the air (or maybe it was just Burger Barn), and he proposed before the sprawling beauty of Kakabeka Falls (2022). Sarah, of course, said yes, and their commitment deepened, along with their love for one another.
The newly engaged couple returned to New Brunswick to begin the planning of their ceremony.
The story brings us to the present, although it is not a conclusion. There are still many chapters to come and tales to tell. And you, lucky reader, get to participate in a chapter of significance, to witness the union of a young couple committed to love and adventure; who pursue goals with unconditional support and unwavering trust, with a love so vast it crossed 3 provinces.
So join us, September 22nd, 2024 for an intimate ceremony of close friends and family. Watch the small-town techy from Dryden marry a corn-picking nurse from Chatham, and know, despite the odds, they were brought together by a pinch of Midnight Storm, a generous Cineplex gift card, and a comfy mattress foam from Costco.
