06/29/2026
Julia & Derek’s wedding day was perfect in every way. 🤍
Their story began in September 2019 at a mutual friend’s housewarming party. As the night came to an end, neither of them was ready to go home, so they headed to the ByWard Market with friends and ended up at Patty Boland’s, completely unaware that it would be the bar’s final night in business. The place was packed, everyone danced until closing time, and a week later, they had their first official date. Over the years, they built a life filled with adventures: summers spent playing softball, cottage weekends with loved ones, trips to Vancouver and New York City, countless shows at the NAC, and of course, bringing home their beloved pup, Gus.
Their engagement was every bit as thoughtful as their relationship. Derek proposed during a walk in Gatineau Park while both he and Gus wore matching ties. The day ended with champagne, dinner at Arlo, and a comically bad movie on the couch with Gus by their side.
Their wedding day was full of the details that matter most: handwritten vows that brought everyone to tears, grandparents holding hands through the ceremony, tulips lovingly planted by Derek’s mom, handmade touches from friends, Greek wedding crowns honouring family traditions, and Gus, wearing a tuxedo sewn just for him.
Here are some highlights from their day!
The vendors who made this day possible:
Photographer: Calm and Collective⚡️Ottawa Wedding Photography
Venue | Catering: Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Officiant: Exceptional Ceremonies
Dress: Wtoo by Watters
Jewellery: Magpie Jewellery
Florals: Maison Anthea | Ottawa • Montreal • PEC
Other: Sandra Mercer Ottawa, Ontario Canada
📍 on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation
