Couple who found love after tragedy to be married during Santa Claus parade
An Ailsa Craig-area couple has beat out 30 others in a contest to be married on a parade float during the village’s upcoming Santa Claus Parade.
The application of Katie Nigh and Trevor Vanderloo was selected, above all others, based on their personal story.
The pair met through a mutual babysitter a few years after personal tragedies.
"We met at a time in the hardest time in both of our lives and we feel so blessed to have found each other," read the contest submission from the couple.
For Katie, it was the loss of her partner.
“I lost Adam, my first husband to brain cancer. And I never thought I would get married again,” she told CTV News.
But after starting a friendship with Trevor, a relationship blossomed. The couple has now blended their children to make a family of five.
“This was not what I expected but it’s been pretty awesome,” she added.
Trevor, who comes to the marriage with a sense of humour, is thrilled to be tying the knot for the first time.
“I never thought anyone would want to marry me”, he said with a laugh. “So this is pretty awesome. This is a home run for ole’ Trevie!”
A home run that will be witnessed by anyone attending the Ailsa Craig Santa Claus parade on Saturday, Dec. 10.
An early artist rending of the wedding float that has since been expanded to accommodate more people. (Source: Tessa De Almeida) The wedding party will travel down Main Street and in a change of plans, the couple will complete their vows before the parade turns towards the community centre.
The unique wedding contest is the brainchild of Sapphire and Lily, an event planning company.
Tessa De Almeida, a co-owner, says Katie and Trevor’s story touched hearts.
“It came off very much as a Hallmark Christmas movie. Our couple has gone through some tragedy in their lives and found love. That was just touching,” she said.
Initially, the contest included only the float and an officiant to confirm the vows.
But since the original story was broadcast on CTV News London, more services have come on board. De Almeida said a hairstylist, florist, decorator and even a hall have been donated.
“Friends of the old town hall contacted within the hour of the news and said, ‘Hey, we’re willing to offer the space to the couple if they want to have a reception.’ ”
Katie and Trevor have gratefully taken up all the offers while acknowledging the parade wedding is a switch from their original plan to elope to a warm and sunny Caribbean island.
“I love the idea of getting married at Christmas time” Katie said. “Having the kids with us and the memories it will create for them, it’s something we couldn’t do any other way.”
And while the kids will surely be watching the nuptials most of the time, Katie and Trevor acknowledge a jolly guy in red, also in the parade, just might grab more attention.
“Well, we don’t want to steal the show from Santa, but if we have to, we have to!” Trevor concluded with a laugh.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.