Eat, drink and be married: Couple to wed at Santa Claus parade
CBC
For this match made in heaven, life together will begin on a float.
Katie Nigh and Trevor Vanderloo are exchanging their vows at the Santa Claus parade in Ailsa Craig, Ont., after winning a local contest.
Last fall, Tessa de Almeida, owner of Sapphire & Lily, started brainstorming ways to demonstrate her wedding and event planning business. She floated the concept of a real wedding and tested it out on social media. The idea snowballed, resulting in 30 entries and a number of local businesses donating floral arrangements, hair styling and photography.
Nigh and Vanderloo's submission stood out. Almost five years ago, Nigh became widowed when her first husband died of brain cancer. They had three children together.
Though all the entries and stories touched de Almeida, "It's the only one I cried when I read."
"Katie's gone through trauma. She was able to stay strong for the kids. She found love again," she said.
The entire town is invited to the wedding; no RSVP is required. The ceremony will be broadcast by a sound system for anyone lining the parade route to hear. Instead of traditional white, the bride plans to wear a festive green dress.
"If you know our lifestyle and the mayhem that happens daily, this is actually quite reserved and calm," said Vanderloo.
The couple's parents, as well as the five kids that form their blended family, will be on board.
"It's a little wild, that's for sure," said Vanderloo. "But it's really special."
