At first, Joe and Andreea worked together, but not for long. There was too much chemistry between them! So, Andreea transferred to another location, and their relationship bloomed. “Joe is my best friend and soulmate all in one. He is my safe place, my rock, and my favourite comedian. We dated for many years and I don’t think it was a sudden realization that he was the one, but little moments added up over many years that solidified this feeling for me.”
Their ‘place’ has always been Niagara-on-the-Lake, so when Joe surprised Andreea with a weekend getaway, an engagement didn’t really occur to her. That is, until Joe got down on one knee as they walked beside the water at sunset.
As a little girl, Andreea had dreamed about what she’d wear on her wedding day. So, when she went in search of her dress, she was determined to find a gown that spoke to her vision as a little girl but also resonated with who she’d grown up to be.
“I went to many stores and I could not find ’the dress’. Most shops I went into I was advised that finding ’the one’ is a myth, until I met Vanessa at Lea-Ann Belter. Vanessa assured me we could make my vision come to life and after trying on many dresses, at my second meeting we came up with a custom dress design that I knew I would love. We created a dress that had the many components I wanted—sweetheart neckline, low back, volume between A-line and ballroom, mikado silk with a little bit of lace, a take-your-breath-away train, and romantic buttons trailing down the train. When the gown was ready, and I tried it on for the first time—I had that feeling of finding ’the one’!! It was exactly what little Andreea would dream about.” To complete the elegant picture, Joe chose a custom tailored tuxedo.
Read more about their day from our stunning bride below, who honeymooned in Italy with her new husband:
How did the two of you meet?
“Joe hired me to work for him as a Personal Trainer! Soon into our ‘professional’ relationship we realized we had romantic feelings for each other and less than 2 months from my hire date, Joe transferred me to another location.”
How did you two get engaged?
“Our ‘place’ has always Niagara on the Lake. Joe took me on a surprise weekend away to Niagara and told me we were going to an event that required I wear a white dress. I didn’t think anything of it engagement-wise as he was so cool and collected the whole weekend and I thought to myself that if he were to propose, he would’ve been a lot more nervous and emotional.
We were all ready for our event and he suggested we go and take a quick look at the sunset by the water before heading to the event. Of course, Joe gets down on one knee and proposes! It was extremely romantic and very thought out—he had hired a photographer and we did our engagement photos on the spot!”
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
“Joe has taught me what love is and how to really love someone. It may sound cliche, but he has the biggest heart and is so incredibly giving towards those he cares about.”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
“Joe loves my femininity and the love I give to those I care about. I love Joe’s love, his big heart, and his gorgeous blue eyes!”
Tell us about your day!
“My little brother, whom I am very close to, was my Man of Honour. I dedicated my bouquet to my mom to a song we used to listen to when I was little. To get everyone up and dancing we made everyone dance the Macarena—Joe and I love dancing and we really wanted to ensure we had a wonderful dance party at night.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We went to romantic Italy!”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Enjoy the day, enjoy the little moments, enjoy each other—it really does pass by so fast!”
Andreea + Joe’s Elora Mill Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via the flagship Toronto bridal shop | photography + videography: Parallel Wedding | venue: Elora Mill | hair + makeup: Makeup Worx
Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.
