Sam and Marissa’s story started with both of them being completely lost.
The two first connected at a picnic in Toronto organized by a TikTok creator for queer people to meet before Pride festivities. Somewhere in the middle of a crowded park, neither of them could actually find the picnic location. After messaging in the group chat, they realized they were both wandering around looking for the same thing. Luckily, Sam was easy to spot in a matching watermelon outfit. Marissa found her, and the two walked to the picnic together.
Ironically, they barely spoke that day.
It wasn’t until the next picnic, when Marissa started a games night group, that they really connected. Friendship came first—attending events together, spending more time together, and slowly becoming something more.
Their proposal story is technically proposal stories. Even though Sam and Marissa legally married at a Toronto courthouse in November 2023, they always knew they wanted to do more formal proposals later on while planning their wedding celebration.
While on a trip to Australia, they each surprised the other with their own proposal.
Marissa’s involved Sam’s nieces, nephew, and dog Oliver. After Sam returned from a quick trip to New Zealand, Oliver greeted her at the door wearing a bandana that read, “Mum can we ask you a question.” Around the corner stood the kids holding signs that together read: “Will You Marry Me.” It was heartfelt, emotional, and completely unexpected.
Just a few days later, Sam proposed to Marissa at the Melbourne Aquarium during a behind-the-scenes penguin encounter because Marissa absolutely loves penguins. Since rings weren’t allowed on the ice for safety reasons, Sam waited until they stepped outside the exhibit before proposing, surrounded by family while the kids held a sign asking, “Will you be my wife forever.”
Their wedding celebration perfectly reflected their relationship: whimsical, romantic, joyful, and completely personal. Hosting the day at the Toledo Zoo felt fitting for two people who built their relationship around fun, adventure, and shared experiences.
The ceremony included meaningful details woven throughout the day. Both brides were walked down the aisle by their parents, bridesmaids entered individually, and the aisle music was a custom mix blending Taylor Swift, Paramore, and Disney songs—favorites chosen together by Sam and Marissa. Marissa’s childhood best friend officiated the ceremony, while Sam’s nephew gave a reading that made the entire ceremony feel even more intimate and emotional.
From getting lost in a crowded Toronto park to finding each other anyway, Sam and Marissa’s story feels like proof that the best things sometimes happen when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Venue/Ceremony: Toledo Zoo
Hair and Makeup: Vastu Hair Studios
Ceremony/Reception: Toledo Zoo
Decor: Party Dreams Toledo
Marissa’s Dress: Atlas Bridal
Sam’s Suit: Gotstyle – Natasha Espinoza
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