Real Wedding: Josh & Christine
How it all started
Recently betrothed Christine Panetta of Toronto, Ontario, an Account Manager, and Josh Panetta of Barrie, Ontario, co-founder of Limitless Staffing began their love story in St. Catharines while attending Brock University. Specifically, they met at the Moose & Goose Country Bar – yeehaw! Right away, Josh was enamored with Christine’s quick wit, class and unique personality while Christine was taken with Josh’s authenticity and ambition. After their first meeting, Josh didn’t waste any time and asked Christine out. They enjoyed a romantic first date on the Niagara Skywheel, taking in sweeping views of the falls and, to Josh’s surprise, Christine made the first move and kissed him!
Josh knew right away that Christine was the woman he wanted to marry and when they graduated university, Christine was sure that she felt the same. One day, on their regular walks along the beautiful paths of Woodbine Beach Park with their dog Desi, they stopped to enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Ontario. When Christine turned around, there was Josh, down on one knee with a ring in hand, proposing. It was an instant yes from Christine and Josh had even arranged to have photographers follow them to capture the magical moment – future proposers, take note!
Planning the wedding
A destination wedding was always Christine and Josh’s first choice to start their happily ever after. During the six years prior to the big day, they had travelled across Mexico for their winter vacations and the destination’s natural beauty, wonderful food, amazing people and endless adventure kept them coming back – it was only right that they host their wedding there! After attending the Toronto Bridal Show with her maid of honour Lindsay and running into an old co-worker at the Royalton Luxury Resorts’ Weddings booth, Christine decided on Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort and Casino as the venue for her special day.
Wedding day details
After their original wedding date was postponed by COVID-19, the day finally arrived. On April 17, 2022, Josh and Christine tied the knot during an elegant yet minimal ceremony on the Sky Terrace at Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort Adults Only decorated with a gold, white, blush, and palm leaf green colour scheme. Surrounded by more than 70 of their friends and family, Christine felt like she was in a dream, walking down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband with the brilliant Caribbean Sea offering the perfect backdrop. After the ceremony, the couple and their wedding guests continued the celebrations with a reception at the Sky Terrace at Royalton Riviera Cancun and while they haven’t planned their honeymoon yet, chances are another visit to Mexico is in the cards.
Wedding day wear
Christine’s gown: A lavish Stella York gown by Essense of Australia
Christine’s shoes: The perfect Lulus shoes
Christine’s accessories: Christine wore an opal pin that had belonged to her grandmother, and diamond earrings that were gifted to her by her in-laws at the rehearsal dinner
Josh’s attire: Custom suit from Indocino
Josh’s shoes: Gucci loafers
Josh’s accessories: Gold cufflinks from his father with his initials
Wedding bands: Christine wore two paved diamond bands from a jeweller in Florida and Josh’s was a tungsten wedding band from Michael Hill
The bridesmaids wore: Christine bought floral dresses from Lulus as a gift for her bridesmaids
The groomsmen wore: Cobalt blue dress pants and a crisp, white Oxford shirt from Uniqlo
Small details
Wedding day coordinator: Yectli
Flowers: Royalton Riviera Cancun vendor
Photographer: Romanza Photography
Hair: Royalton Riviera Cancun beauty salon
Makeup: Royalton Riviera Cancun beauty salon
First dance song: Mine Would Be You by Blake Shelton
Traditions: Christine’s something old was her grandmother’s opal pin, her something new was the diamond earrings from her in-laws and her something blue came in the form of two delicate blue bows added to the back of her dress by her seamstress.
Tips for future wedding couples
Make sure you spend time just the two of you as it goes by in a flash, and you want to enjoy it together!
