“Norbert and I developed a friendship over the years of knowing each other…When we came together, we felt ready for a relationship…”
Claudia and Norbert first connected online, leading to a few dates but not moving beyond a meaningful friendship until years later. When their friendship evolved into romance, it wasn’t long before Norbert began planning their proposal. The perfect opportunity presented itself when during vacation Norbert got down on one knee while taking an early morning stroll along the beach. Claudia and Norbert said “I do” in an enchanting church wedding in Ontario – featuring planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member Liv Chic Events. Read all about their love story and wedding experience below.
Bride & Groom: Claudia & Norbert
Occupations: Registered Psychotherapist & Operations Supervisor
Wedding date: June 15, 2019
Wedding location: Kleinburg, Ontario
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Norbert and Claudia met many years ago online. We went on some dates here and there but circumstances did not bring us together until 2015. After a couple of years of dating, Norbert decided to propose while on a beach vacation. It was early morning and he had asked me to put on something nice for our walk together because he wanted to take pictures. Me, disgruntled as ever because it was 5 am and I did not want to change out of my sports bra and baggy gym shorts, reluctantly decided to put on a dress and head out for a walk. He asked a kind elderly woman to take a photo of us and when I turned around he was on his knee! The woman kept snapping pictures and she got some amazing shots (many people thought Norbert hired a photographer for the proposal, but it turned out our impromptu photographer had some serious skill).
How did you know they were “the one”? Norbert and I developed a friendship over the years of knowing each other. We both were working on being the best versions of ourselves and that meant we were on separate journeys for a while. When we came together, we felt ready for a relationship because we had grown closer to the people we were striving to be. However, Norbert will tell you I fell in love with him when we ran into each other at the mall and he had just had a fresh haircut and was feeling particularly handsome that day.
What was wedding shopping like for you? I wanted a dress that was elegant and unexpected – almost something that I could wear again to a fancy party afterward. I wanted some color in my dress, not pure white. I went to a couple of stores and found something I liked in each store, which made my decision a bit challenging. At the end of the day, I picked the dress that I felt I could wear all day and still be in a good mood (translation: one that I could breathe normally in).
Norbert is a simple guy when it comes to fashion, taking pride in his staple jeans and t-shirt, but when he saw a paisley patterned emerald green jacket in the corner of the store, he couldn’t help but try it on. It turns out his suit jacket was the talk of the town amongst the men (almost everyone asked him about his jacket). Norbert still looks back at his photos from time to time to admire it. I’m not sure if he notices I am in some of those pictures as well!
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Yes, Norbert is from Kenya, so we changed into our traditional attire part way through our reception. Emerald green was one of our accent colors, so we had our outfits made to match. My family is Italian, so it was important to incorporate some Italian songs into our music list, as well as Italian desserts.
Wedding Party Gifts: Donation to our favorite charity, Make a Wish Foundation – one of our dear friends has a son whose wish it was to go to Disney Land.
Favorite item on the menu: Wedding cake (though we didn’t eat it until the next day!)
First dance song: “Rise Up” by Andra Day
What is your best memory from your wedding? Dancing the night away with each other and our guests.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Don’t sweat the small stuff. There were many things that did not go according to plan that were out of our control, but no one could tell. Despite the busyness of the event and the days leading up to it, Norbert and I did not take our eyes off of each other that day. We enjoyed being with our family and friends and had a lot of fun.
Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Liv Chic Events
Wedding Dress Designer: Impression
Wedding Dress Shop: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Suit: Andrew’s Formals
Bridesmaids Dresses: White by Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Stationery: Christine Martinez
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Makeup: Jenna Medina
Hair: Bride & Jenna Medina
Ceremony Location: St Margaret Mary Church
Reception Location: Doctor’s House
Photography: Samantha Clarke
Videography: Sean Dean Brown
Decorator: Dream Creations Design
Cake: Chocolate & Pastry Boutique
DJ: Andre Clarke
Limo: Just For U limo
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