My parents’ love story could be a movie. My mom was 15 and my dad was 17 when they first met on holiday in Florida. A few weeks later, my dad pretended to bump into my mom by accident at a mall in Toronto, where he knew she worked. The year was 1983, and after separations through sleepover camp, work and university, they just couldn’t live without each other. The rest is history. Together, they have built a life full of laughter, music, joy, and infectious love. They are truly each other’s best friend.
My mom is full of energy, humour, courage, and warmth. She gives the best hugs, makes the best matzah ball soup ever, and somehow manages to do a hundred things at once without a hitch. My dad compliments her. He is calm, kind, and humble, with a musical heart and a gentle spirit that makes everyone feel safe and welcome. Together, my parents are the most loving team and my biggest cheerleaders. They’re the reason I believe in soulmates, and in finding the person who makes your heart sing.
I do not believe I would have found my partner in life if I had not witnessed the love my parents have over the years. They are, quite literally, the epitome of true love, and I am so honoured to call them my parents.
Sara is my younger sister, my best friend, and my heart in human form. She makes me laugh like no one else can, understands me in a way that no one else does, and has been my constant through every chapter of life. Her talent, loyalty, and creativity never cease to amaze me. She lifts up everyone around her. I feel so lucky to share this day with her by my side, she makes every moment funnier, happier, and more meaningful by being the amazing person she is.
Taylor and I go way back, to kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and even sleepover camp. She has the warmest energy, gives the best hugs, and makes every moment together special. We embrace Jewish life and culture together, celebrate each other’s highs (Taylor got married in 2025!), explore yummy restaurants together, and inspire each other every day. She’s one of the most wholesome people I know and makes life brighter just by being in it.
Sam and I met in high school through our shared love of music and theatre, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. From book club nights to singing our hearts out to cozy dinners in and enjoying wine together, she always brings so much fun and energy. Honestly, she’s one of the coolest people I know. I was honoured to be her bridesmaid in 2024, and I am absolutely thrilled she accepted my bridesmaid proposal in turn and will be standing by my side for our special day.
Emma and I met in undergrad, and she’s been my calm in the storm for all time. We love exploring the outdoors, indulging in spa days, heart to hearts over coffee and tea, and cheering each other on through life’s ups and downs. Her kindness, warmth, and thoughtfulness make her one of the sweetest people I know. I’m so grateful to call her one of my closest friends and could not imagine getting married without her by my side.
My parents’ love story began at the University of Haifa in 1981, where they both studied English literature. At a Purim costume party, my dad dressed as a cowboy and spotted the most beautiful girl across the room, my mom, Tzippi. Despite her having a swollen mouth from dental work that day, it was love at first sight. They clicked instantly, and just three months later, they were married. Talk about knowing when you’ve found “the one”!
My dad is the calmest, most relaxed person I know. Just being around him makes me feel at ease, like everything’s going to be okay. He’s a master at the grill and makes the best barbecue, and he’s also passionate about baking fresh bread that fills the house with the most incredible smell. My mom is the most Jewish polish mother I know, that cares so much about everyone around her, and is also an amazing cook, and I grew up absolutely loving her food, especially her chicken in the oven with baked potatoes. When I was a child, she would stop on her way home from work to bring me fresh pita with labaneh, and it’s one of my favorite memories. Together, they’ve built a home full of warmth, delicious food, and unconditional love.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without witnessing the way my parents love and support each other. They showed me what a true partnership looks like, one built on friendship, respect, and genuine care. They’re living proof that when you know, you know.
I met Ilya when I came to Canada. He is the friend you can call up anytime and say, “Let’s go on an adventure tomorrow,” and he’s instantly in, no questions asked. His energy, loyalty, and passion for exploring new places make every moment together a blast. We talk every day and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m absolutely thrilled he’ll be standing by my side as my best man on our big day.
Tomer is my older brother and the absolute best at barbequing a steak (aside from me). But most importantly, he is an incredible father to the cutest little human on planet earth. His guidance, humour and heart make him someone I always look up to. I’m so happy he’s standing with me, all the way from Israel, as we enter into this next chapter.
Gil is my younger brother and the go-to tech expert in the family. Gil is as sharp with gadgets as he is kind with people. He’s a true family guy with a big heart. Whether he’s solving a tech problem or just being there when it counts, Gil brings warmth, reliability, and a lot of love to everything he does. I can’t wait to get married with him by my side.
Erez and I have been friends since kindergarten. He’s the only person I know who will join me on a camping trip deep in the wild, and actually love it as much as I do. His adventurous spirit and easygoing nature make every moment together fun and memorable. I am also thrilled and very grateful that he’s making the trip, all the way from Israel too, to stand by my side for our wedding.
Yoni and I met and served together in the IDF. He is the smartest person I know. Like, scary smart. We’re talking could-beat-you-in-chess-while-reciting-Einstein smart. His genius probably explains why he’s a little crazy, but in the best way possible. I’m absolutely thrilled he’ll be by my side on one of the best, if not the best, days of my life.
Our flower girl is the adorable 5-year-old Romi, daughter of my big brother Tomer and his wife Masha. Romi is pure sunshine, the cutest little human on planet earth, and she lights up every room she enters. She’s sweet, full of energy, and has her dad’s big heart and her mom’s beautiful smile.
Having Romi be part of our special day means the world to us. She’s traveling all the way from Israel with her parents to celebrate with us, and we couldn’t imagine walking down the aisle without her sprinkling flower petals and spreading joy. We’re so lucky to have this little star in our family, and we can’t wait to see her steal the show!
© 2025 Created by Nitzan Eliyahu & Carly Waisglass