Our Story...

"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”
-- William Shakespeare

          Joe grew up on the East Coast (Saint John, NB), and Louisa lived along the West Coast (Vancouver, BC). It was God’s will that they met in Ottawa, ON in the summer of 2005.

          Louisa adopted Bee, a shih tzu / lasha apso mix in Montreal SPCA in the beginning of August 2005, and shortly after that, Louisa was due for a visit to Vancouver. “I will be going home to visit my parents in September, would you be able to look after Bee for a week?” Funny enough, it was Louisa’s very first question to Joe. At that time, Joe and Louisa were mere acquaintances, but surprisingly, Joe agreed to look after Bee in hopes that he would have a chance to get to know Louisa better.

          The plan did not turn out the way Joe had expected. Shortly afterwards, with very little notice, Joe had to move to Kingston Ontario for his work. Joe and Louisa started corresponding via e-mail & instant messaging, and phone calls. Joe came to Ottawa for a visit in Nov 2005 and again a month later for Louisa’s office Christmas party. Louisa drove an hour and a half in the snow in mid January to attend Joe’s "Christmas" party. It was a challenge for Joe and Louisa to keep this relationship going, and they spent way too much money on gas and long distance phone bills! Luckily, by the end of Summer 2006, Joe convinced his employer to move him back to Ottawa. This concluded their 8-month long-distance relationship!

          How and when did Joe propose? It was a snowy Valentine’s Day in 2007. Joe and Louisa were driving home… just like any other normal day. As usual, Louisa was talking about tons of things, and Joe was unusually quiet. Louisa did not pay attention and kept talking some more. The car stopped at the light (traffic was slow and they were going at 10km/hr), Joe couldn't wait any longer, he pulled out a ring from his shirt pocket, and started his speech. “I have been meaning to do this for quite some time, and have been waiting for the perfect time to do it. Today is Valentine’s Day…. ” It was a long but heart-felt speech and 10 minutes later, a sparkling engagement ring was on Louisa’s finger!

          Most people would assume that since the proposal was done, it would be time to start the wedding planning. This was not the case for Louisa and Joe. Louisa values her Chinese culture upbringing, so she explained to Joe about the proper Chinese wedding proposal. They flew to Vancouver in March 2007. Meeting Louisa’s parents for the first time was already a nerve-wrecking experience for Joe, let alone to ask Louisa’s parents for their daughter's hand in marriage! Poor Joe!!!! So, how did it go? Joe presented a gift to Louisa’s parents (an Inushuk carving from Nunavut) and gave a wonderful speech which began like this, “The first time I met Louisa, I was attracted to her stunning beauty. The more I get to know her, the more I am attracted to her inner beauty…” It was a very beautiful and heart-felt speech that won the parents’s approval!