After forming an instant connection seven years ago, Francesca and Patrick said “I Do” in an intimate, dreamy summer wedding at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Brampton, Ontario.
Although Francesca and Patrick officially met through Instagram in college, the couple had long been in each other’s orbit. “One evening, I was telling my friend about how my cousin went to high school with Patrick, and that he would always pop up in my mutuals ‘to follow,’” Francesca says. “She encouraged me to follow his account that evening, and luckily for me, he ‘direct-messaged’ me that same night.”
It only took a few messages for the pair to discover their commonalities: several mutual friends, shared interests…and the fact that they only lived five minutes away from one another!
After a movie and dinner date, the couple knew their connection was the real deal. “It truly felt like we’ve known each other long before,” says Francesca.
Patrick proposed on August 30, 2022, tricking Francesca into thinking they had dinner reservations at a lakefront restaurant.
“When we approached the hostess, they pretended to walk us over to our seats, but actually, led us to a gorgeous glass room that had a view of the water, but also a large red carpet with roses that led to a big ‘Marry Me’ sign,” she recalls.
Two years later, the couple tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends. Keeping true to their vision for the big day, the festivities began with an emotional, intimate ceremony and ended with an unforgettable reception.
From elaborate, colorful florals to sweet personal touches, keep reading for all the details on the couple’s dreamy summer wedding day!
- Couple: Francesca Apraku & Patrick Castaneda-Debrito
- Occupations: Francesca – Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Patrick – Welder
- Wedding Date: June 15, 2024
- Wedding Location: Ceremony: St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Brampton, Ontario, Canada | Reception: Mississauga Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
How did you meet?
We met on Instagram while we were both in college. One evening, I was telling my friend about how my cousin went to high school with Patrick, and that he would always pop up in my mutuals “to follow”. She encouraged me to follow his account that evening, and luckily for me, he “direct-messaged” me that same night. The first thing he messaged was “You look really familiar…” and funny enough, we found out that we had many mutual friends that we grew up with, and only lived 5 minutes away from each other (despite living away on campus at the time).
I went back to my parent’s house the following weekend to meet him, and he took us out on our first date which was dinner and a movie. It truly felt like we’ve known each other long before. We have the same sense of humor, and similar interests, and spending time together felt right. After that date, I went back to my campus residence, and we instantly missed each other; we knew this connection was worth exploring more. Fast forward seven years, and now we are married!
Tell us about the proposal.
Patrick told us that we had brunch reservations out of town. He drove over to my parent’s house to pick me up for our reservation and brought us to a beautiful restaurant called Spencer’s At The Waterfront which overlooked the lake. When we approached the hostess, they pretended to walk us over to our seats, but actually, led us to a gorgeous glass room that had a view of the water, but also a large red carpet with roses that led to a big “Marry Me” sign.
What was the wedding planning experience like?
We got engaged on August 30, 2022, so we spent nearly two years planning our wedding. We gave ourselves a lot of time, so we enjoyed the phase of “being engaged” and taking the time to find vendors that shared great chemistry with us. Some of the best moments in the planning experience were visiting many venues, speaking to decor and florist vendors, and finding my dream Essense of Australia dress from BLU Ivory Bridal in Toronto.
What is your favorite memory from your wedding?
Patrick: Celebrating our love in front of our friends, family, and loved ones.
Francesca: Seeing our vision come to life. We wanted the day to be romantic and intimate, and you could feel the love radiating in the ceremony and reception. I’m glad we got to have a moment to dance with our parents as they mean so much to us, and we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them and their support.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Patrick: Try to be there for your fiancé. Remember that it is a partnership.
Francesca: Do what feels best for both of you and what is true to your beliefs as a couple. Set your expectations and try to stick to them.
Looking for more dreamy summer wedding inspiration?
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Vendors
- Bride’s Dress: Blu Ivory Bridal
- Groom’s Tuxedo: INDOCHINO
- Bride’s Wedding Band: People’s Jewellers
- Groom’s Wedding Band: Michael Hill
- Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal
- Groomsmen’s Suits: Tip Top Tailors
- Bride’s Makeup: Afia Beauty
- Bridesmaid’s Makeup: The Glam Life Co.
- Bride’s Hair: Wigz by T
- Bridesmaid’s Hair: Slicked by Kash
- Wedding Party Florals: Blossom and Petal Floral
- Flower Girl Bouquet and Ring Boy’s boutonniere: Silk Gardener
- Photography: Kay Panchal of TMC Weddings
- Ceremony Florals/Décor: Ijenna Ndukwe of LILAC Floral Design
- Reception Décor: Felicia Ma of Rosepetal Decor
- Cake: Just Temptations
- Wedding Favors: Sweet Selena’s Desserts
- Limo: LA Elite Limo
- Photo Booth: Booth Levels
- Welcome and Seating Arrangement Signage: Just Printed Hamilton
