Real Wedding: Donna & Joben

How it started

Donna, a registered nurse and Joben, a payroll analyst, first met in university in Toronto. They were on a weekend retreat training to be leaders for their school’s Frosh Week and got to know each other over the long days learning the ins and outs of orientation. After the retreat, Joben asked Donna out during the subway ride home. They went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Toronto before seeing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – which is still one of their favourite movies today.

Nine years later, Donna and Joben were on a trip to Japan and visited Kyoto, which is famous for its imperial palaces and gardens full of cherry blossoms. They were having their photo taken in front of a picturesque pond surrounded by cherry blossoms when Joben got down on one knee and pulled a gorgeous engagement ring out of his pocket. Of course, Donna said yes!

Planning the wedding

The couple knew from the start that they wanted to have a destination wedding. The year before they got engaged, they had gone to Cancun with a group of friends and loved it so much that they knew they wanted to say “I do” in paradise.

Jamaica had always been on their bucket list with its delicious food, vibrant culture, gorgeous landscapes and laidback vibe. They chose the newly renovated Riu Ocho Rios as their wedding resort, since they had numerous friends who had been there and loved it.

Wedding day details

On November 12, 2020, Donna and Joben exchanged their vows by the beach gazebo at Riu Ocho Rios in front of 27 of their closest family and friends. It rained briefly in the morning, but when it was time to walk down the aisle, the sun had come out and there was a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky.

After their ceremony, they hosted their rustic beach reception in a tent by the ocean. The venue was decorated with their wedding colours of navy and burgundy, with light pink and gold accents. They even surprised all of their guests with a choreographed routine for their first dance! They’re looking forward to planning their honeymoon to a tropical destination when travel resumes.

Wedding day wear

Donna’s gown: Pierette ball gown by Mori Lee with lace appliqués, a tulle skirt and romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Donna’s shoes: Gold metallic toe ring sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti.

Donna’s accessories: A gold sparkly hair clip – a gift from her family – and an elegant drop necklace.

Joben’s attire: Custom three-piece navy suit.

Joben’s shoes: Brown dress shoes from Cole Haan.

Joben’s accessories: Rose gold watch with a navy strap.

Wedding bands: Custom made rings from Hollywood Diamonds in Toronto. Donna’s unique engagement ring is an infinity band to symbolize forever with a flower halo to symbolize the growth of their love and relationship.

The bridesmaids wore: Burgundy mesh maxi dresses from Boutique 1861 in Montreal.

The groomsmen wore: Custom three-piece navy suits to match the groom.

Small details

Destination wedding consultant: Jessica

Flowers: Burgundy and pink flowers from Tai Flora and Events to Go.

Photographer: Erold Surposa with edits from Viewtiful Photography.

Hair and makeup: Half up, half down style with loose waves done by the bride’s sister and natural makeup done by Beautiglo.

First dance song: Next to You – Chris Brown ft. Justin Bieber

Stationary and invitations: Electronic invitations sent through withjoy.com

Favours: The couple booked a private excursion for their guests to Luminous Lagoon on their last day in Jamaica.