Before our wedding day we asked many of you to send us your dedications and contributions. Below are some of the words that you shared with us. We have used these words to create our wedding scrapbook so that our photo memories are also infused with the wisdom and faith you have all offered to us so generously. There are no words that we can express to fully capture the amount of gratitude we feel to have such an incredible community of family and friends. Thank you. We love you all. You all rock!!!
With love for you both from Lori and Nic: Words for your wedding day from ours; A blessing and a wish and a talisman: May you have faith that your marriage is sacred; That your bond is unique; That your lives are connected to the energy of your actions and attitudes.
Dave & Cathy & Kendra: A wise many once said, "Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Patrycja and Josh are clearly enjoying the ride! Wherever they go they bring a warmth, a playfulness and a serenity that is contagious. They have a way of making you forget everything else and focus on the moment. As they embark upon their adventure together, we wish them a wonderful ride-they deserve it.
Rana: I have thought long and hard and looked at all these words that I have known so intimately all my life. Sometimes I have thought that I all I have is words and there was a threatening emptiness with that thought. The threat that my words might never be enough and never fill my heart or the hearts of others. But I am weak, as we all are, and faith is shaken but truth prevails, because words are no longer words when transformed with love. There is very little in life that has the power to transform us, and transform our words. Love is the only thing. It is the river that smoothes stones, the volcano that destroys mountains, and the ocean that carves the earth. It has the only power - the power that we can give. Even with words. In thinking about you, I think about love. In thinking about what you are and what you have become, I think about love. When I think about what you have with Joshua, indeed all of the people you touch in life, I think about love. When I stop thinking, I feel that love. The love that doesn't belong to you, yet you give it freely. The love that doesn't belong with me, yet I give to you freely. And the love between you and Joshua. You are a wonderful woman, and your love is spectacular. Don't stop loving. Take these words, which I have always given you freely, and keep the love. This quote is from 1st Corinthians, chapter 13 from the Bible. It has followed me most of life, even when I didn't know where it came from. It moves me. I hope it moves you too.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Roger & Co: love the website. have added it to my list of favourites right behind expos website. can't wait for mexico.
Carolyn: Patrycja and Josh have a wonderful sense of relationship. A vibrant joy and appreciation flows between them and to the people they care about. Their wedding is a good example. They plan a celebration of their love and commitment, and welcome all of us to share in a week of vacation wedding celebration together. Anything less is not their style.
Huddy: Yes perfection is not always a requirement...
Ania: I love your website! The resort looks wonderful, and soooo much better than staying in Canada. You know that you are giving me so many ideas about my own wedding. I can't wait for your wedding photos! Make sure you post them on the web!
Deb: THANK YOU for YOUR wonderful website and the chance to meet your husband to be and your whole family and extensions. No wonder we became friends, you are such a love bunny!
Yves & Sue: What a great idea! looking forward to the pictures
Terri: Your website is awesome!! It is so typical you, it made me laugh!! Where do you find the time??!!
Words of wisdom: I know this sounds irrational but the details will take care of themselves and you will not be able to change anything. Go with the flow and have a wonderful time. Remember that the little things that are driving you crazy are not going to be noticed by 85 other people. We are all there for you and are planning to love every minute of it no matter what.
Jennifer: What is love? A few educated responses: "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4/ "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6/ "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4/ "Love is when my Mommy makes coffee for my Daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7/ "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8/ "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." Nikka - age 6/ "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7/ "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6/ "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7/ "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4/ "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you" Karen - age 7/ "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget," Jessica - age 8
Gail & Nick: I know this sounds irrational but the details will take care of themselves and you will not be able to change anything. Go with the flow and have a wonderful time. We are all there for you and are planning to love every minute of it no matter what. Remember, do not sweat the small stuff (although it is probably hard at this point to know what the small stuff is). The memories will all be of a fabulous week with people that we love. Go and enjoy. We love you both. Remember it's going to be a blast with meaning!!
Seamus: "Old man take a look at my life I'm a lot like you/ I need someone to love me the whole day through/ Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true."
Tina: I wish you all the best. I will be thinking of you both on your special day and sending you positive thoughts. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you - you will be in my thoughts! Have a fantastic time.
Kennen: May your big day be full of love and joy. I wish I could be there to bask in it. Namaste.
Erin: I've been thinking of you so much lately as you prepare for your lovely and exciting adventure down the "sandy aisle". You have so much love in your heart and I'm so excited for the beautiful shared future that stretches out before you and Josh.HAVE A WONDERFUL, RELAXING, EXHILIRATING TIME!!! (and make sure you wear sunscreen!!)
Paola: i wish you the most beautiful, peaceful, joyous, blessed time in the mystical land of mexico.... may your love shake you to your core! much love and peace and dance and prayers... you are both in my heart...
Alfredo: Took a quick peek at your weddingly website. Sounds fantastic. If you haven't locked down the menu yet, I suggest that you treat you guests to fish tacos. Wheel a few vendors' carts off the street and serve a meal to remember. I love fish tacos more than I love most things that I love.
Grace: Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!!!
Tony: hola!!! hola!!! Good Lord you've done a most outstanding job with this!! I can't tell you how much i'm looking forward to going down. Will have guitar (and beatles book) football, baseballs and gloves, frisbee, ping pong paddles, balls, net, tennis raquets - what am I missing? CD's with unbelievable music for the pool area - believe me - otherwise the dorks there play total *&$%^&#!!!!! See ya there babins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Judy & Wayne: How exciting... enjoying this moment of your life with all the people that love you. We wish you all the wonderful things that this world can give to two very special people. When you get back, I would love to hear all about your beautiful wedding and see all your pictures.
Ruth & Paul: We wish you a wonderful time in Mexico.
Lisa: You have brought tears to my eyes! I am so excited and your night of festivities sounds absolutely perfect! Wedding song - 'Everything' by Life House (amazing lyrics): Find me here/ And speak to me/ I want to feel you/ I need to hear you/ You are the light/ That's leading me/ To the place/ Where I find peace again/ You are the strength/ That keeps me walking/ You are the hope/ That keeps me trusting/ You are the life/ To my soul/ You are my purpose/ You're everything/ And how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this/ You calm the storms/ And you give me rest/ You hold me in your hands/ You won't let me fall/ You steal my heart/ And you take my breath away/ Would you take me in/ Would you take me deeper, now/ And how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this And how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this/ Cause you're all I want/ You're all I need/ You're everything, everything/ You're all I want/ You're all I need/ You're everything, everything/ You're all I want/ You're all I need/ You're everything, everything/ You're all I want/ You're all I need/ Everything, everything.../ When how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this/ Oh And how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better any better than this/ And how can I stand here with you/ And not be moved by you/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this/ Would you tell me how could it be/ Any better than this...
Patricia: I'm so pleased to hear that so many parts of your life are going so well and so happily. And congratulations on your marriage -- much happiness to both of you!
Sue: I heard about your wonderful wedding from Christy. It sounds like a remarkable week. Congratulations to both you and Josh -- I am very happy for the two of you and wish you all the best in your new lives together in Ottawa.
Adrian: Hi, we are going to have a party on thursday to celebrate with you guys. love adrian
Rhonda and Allan: We love you both very much. What a joy to watch young people grow up and fall in love. We are on the beach with you. We can't get over how much love and thoughtfulness you give -life is all the sweeter knowing and sharing with you two! mucho besos xoxoxoxo
Julie: I wish you a very good wedding day. I hope the weather will be with you. I’m sure you’ll be the prettiest woman in the world that day. Take care and have fun!
Jen: I was thinking about you all week of your wedding and thinking how giddy and excited you must have been! So happy for you and I wish the two of you a lifetime of happiness, memories (good and bad), health and love. Congratulations!
Sandra: I hope your wedding was everything you hoped it would be and so much more. This is how I imagined it: you two running off hand-in-hand along the beach, jumping up and down with joy, with Patrycja’s wedding gown blowing in the wind. I can't wait to hear all about the special day, and to see how gorgeous and happy you both looked. I wish you both all the best in this wonderful life that you are building together. Congratulations!
Michael & Amy: Congratulations! This is such an exciting and interesting time. You deserve no less. Isn't it wonderful to have someone in the world you can share your life with? Amy & I are so thankful for each other. Keep on travelling!
Doug & Julie: Remember that WHAT you're doing is so much more important than HOW you do it. The ceremony is just a day --however beautiful it might be. The weight should really be on the marriage, not the wedding. I really, really wish that we could be there with you when it happens. I thought that before, and daydreamed about a holiday in the sun. But having seen how it feels to have your friends there at a time like that, now much more than before I wish we could be with you. But we'll be there in spirit, for sure (or watching the live web simulcast).
Rhonda & Gang: Welcome Home! We were privileged to see a video of the wedding (courtesy of Dean & Shawna)! It was sooo romantic and gorgeous. Your Dress and Josh's suit - WOW!!! We were there in spirit! The whole ceremony was wonderful in Spanish! We could feel the love going on right through the video! We love you and can't wait to see you. Enjoy your bliss!
Jen, Derek & Dylan: I am sitting here thinking of both of you and how much you mean to me, and wishing I was there to celebrate your wedding with you. Please know that my heart is sad because I can't be there with you. I wanted to be able to hug you both and tell you in person what I am about to tell you... The day I discovered Joshie was at Ottawa U and he knew a lot about philosophy was the day I realized that I needed him in my life! I remember him trying to explain the major topics in the intro to philosophy class I was taking and the blank looks he received from me never deterred him. He would read and reread the ideas to me and "dumb it down" enough for even me to understand. I still failed the class (the only one I ever failed) and out of that difficult learning experience, I was blessed with a new friend. We would go out and eat chicken schwarma and "dance through the beads" at the scary restaurant by my apartment, we would meet for coffee and talk about home, we would check out girls (and guys) on Elgin and share in each others lives. Joshie always wanted me to introduce him to the cute girls I knew. I tried to hook him up, but I just wasn't very good at knowing his type. Then one day he called me to tell me about meeting this "cute little student" in one of his classes...that cute girl was Patrycja...I had never heard Josh talk about anyone with more lust, love or admiration...I knew she was the one. I remember telling him I thought Patrycja had his heart and he looked at me and smiled...he knew it too! The first time I met Patrycja at home in Montreal I remember feeling like I had met a kindred spirit. She hugged me as tightly as I hugged her and we pushed Joshie aside and talked about the big things in life like marriage, kids, fun, adventure, love, and how much we both loved Josh. We rode the 24 bus and we forgot all about Josh...We chatted so much that day. I felt so close to Patrycja, closer than I was feeling to a lot of people then...I remember thinking that I was really fortunate to have someone so special in my life...
Since then, Josh and Patrycja, you have been in my thoughts a lot...I think you the two of you out there smiling, laughing and enjoying one another. You are perfect together. You complement one another perfectly. Enjoy your wedding day and cherish the memories you will create during these first weeks as a married couple. You will look back on these days as the most exciting and the least difficult. Remember to love each other always, laugh together often and always, always remember that going to bed angry only makes for restless sleep. Make the sleep restful by making up...and make up a lot! I hope you have a wonderful time together in Mexico and know that Derek, Dylan and I are thinking of you! I will be at Grad school at 4:00 on Thursday and I will definitely be thinking of you guys and how hot you will both look! I can't wait to see the pictures! I love you both very much! Congratulations!
Erin: Today is your wedding day and I've been feeling so happy all day long, imagining your excitement, your anticipation, and the flurry of joyous activity around you. Soon you'll be digging your toes into the sand and embarking on the journey of a lifetime. It would be so wonderful to be there with you, helping you celebrate, but I know you are encircled right now by an abundance of love, support, and admiration. This is a testament to the love you give to all around you, the joy you bring to this world, the openness of your spirit, and the grace and integrity with which you live your life.
A few special wedding dreams for you and Josh: May you nurture each other's growth. May you hold fast to the seriousness of your commitment. May you laugh abundantly. As your lives and dreams intertwine, may you still feel the strength and importance that each of you has as an individual. On sad days, may you remember just the right things to say and do to comfort each other. On happy days, may you burst at the seams with wanting to share your joy with each other. May you always feel as loved and supported as you do today. May you hold each other close.
Sending my love all the way to the sand and sea, Erin
Winnie & Oliver: ”Love is holding hands, walking in the rain, and not even knowing it’s raining; it is being there for each other (no matter what); it is that certain look; Love is trust, passion and the best kind of friendship; Love gets better with time; it is a fairytale that does come true.” May you lives be filled with love. May all the love and happiness that you both selflessly bring to others be yours today until eternity. We are so happy and proud to be able to share in your special day. Thank you and we wish you the most wondrous life imaginable as you enter this new door in your lives. Happy Wedding Day!
