James and Jared: Timeless Charm and Shared Dreams
James and Jared began their love story in 2019, sparked by an online connection. Drawing inspiration from THEODORE magazine, their wedding became a blend of timeless charm and shared dreams. Family, both human and four-legged, played starring roles, infusing the celebration with warmth.
Photographer Simkova Studios | Location Toronto, Canada
“…Jared's proposal was a surprise (I hate surprises). He organised the most beautiful beach engagement on Laguna Beach in California in 2021 with the most spectacular custom yellow-diamond eternity band designed by Jared himself.”
How and when did you meet?
We met online in the summer of 2019.
Tell us a little about the first time you met
James: We shared our first date with our dogs; I have a French Bulldog named Fredrik, and Jared has a Morkie named Ollie, and we spent the afternoon at the park with our dogs, getting to know each other. Since beginning our relationship, we've added a third fur baby to our family, Emma, our English Bulldog.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Jared's laugh - you can't miss it!
Tell us about the standout moments in your relationship…
Jared: This is a difficult question to answer; we really thought hard and couldn't decide on just one standout moment that was different from the rest. We have had so many!
What does marriage mean to you?
James: A major step in our relationship. This milestone is just the beginning, and we have so much more to accomplish together.
Who proposed and how?
James: Jared's proposal was a surprise (I hate surprises). He organised the most beautiful beach engagement on Laguna Beach in California in 2021 with the most spectacular custom yellow-diamond eternity band designed by Jared himself.
When did you get married?
In May, 2023.
James and Jared story continues below ↓
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
Jared: Authenticity, we really wanted to be sure the day felt as authentically us as possible. We made all the major decisions and most minor choices together down to the very last detail. It was after all, our wedding!
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
James: Our families, closest friends, and our dogs, which were such an important part of our special day!
Did you incorporate any family sentiments or traditions?
Jared: Yes, we incorporated aspects of both our Greek and Jewish backgrounds. Not entirely traditional, we did have our dogs walk down the aisle before us and stand with us throughout the ceremony.
Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?
James: Editorial, social media, articles, and magazines just like Theodore - we took a little bit of everything we loved and put it all together to create the most special day.
How did you choose your suppliers?
Jared: We had the most amazing wedding planners at Duet Events who helped us put together an unbelievable team of vendors and suppliers to make our day possible. Without them we would have been lost!
What was the most difficult thing about planning your wedding?
James: The guest list - we wanted to have an intimate wedding that included only our closest family and friends. We wanted to share this special moment with the people that meant the most to us!
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?
Jared: Don't ask for others opinions, yours is the only opinion that matters! And it goes without saying, you need a wedding planner.
James and Jared’s Team
Photography Simkova Studios
Wedding Planner Duet Events
Venue 1Hotel Toronto
Florals White Oak Flowers
Jewelry Jared Brown Designs - one of the grooms!
Suits Harry Rosen
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