Kristen & Brian Hogervorst
MARRIED AUGUST 15, 2015
Sometimes things just happen for a reason. That’s how Brian and I like to think of how our paths crossed.
I grew up in Vancouver, B.C, spending the majority of my childhood in the mountains and lush green forests. Brian grew up thousands of kilometers away, in the flat countryside of Ailsa Craig, Ontario. At that time, the idea of our paths crossing was one in a million. However, when my Dad’s job required him to move our family to Ontario, it was a decision that would bring me a little closer to Brian. And then when Brian and I both decided to attend Brock University, not yet knowing each other, our paths started connecting even more. It was when a mutual friend of ours at Brock introduced us to each other when our lives would entwine. At the time, neither of us was looking to get into a serious relationship, but something changed when we met each other — it felt right!
Three years later, Brian proposed. With being the sentimental and small town guy that he is, Brian wanted to propose in an intimate setting. So, he secretly trespassed on the property of his neighbour (a good family friend), who lived on the beautiful riverside. His plan was to cut a patch of tall grass and plant flowers (in the shape of a heart), to create the perfect spot to ask me to marry him. Initially, things didn’t go as smoothly as he’d hoped, as he ended up getting his car stuck in the mud and needed to call his dad to come pull him out. Instead of having his cover blown, Brian brushed the situation off by saying that he just wanted to visit his favourite childhood spot by the river! (By the way, I said yes! — that is, when he finally got me out to the special spot).
When we started searching for the perfect location to have our wedding reception, we knew we wanted something with a small town feel. At the time Brian was tutoring and mentoring a few young kids in the St. Marys area, and decided to take one of the foster kids out for a day of golf. They ended up at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club. Brian mentioned to the staff at the Club that he was taking a foster child out for a round of golf, and they didn’t hesitate to give them a free round. Brian liked these people! That was when we decided to inquire about hosting our wedding at the Club — and it was the first and last place we looked! We instantly fell in love with the beautifully renovated banquet hall, the scenic backdrops on the golf course, and of course Ashton (the Club’s Wedding and Event Manager), Chef Jason, and the rest of their staff.
Our wedding day is a day that we will never forget. Although the year of planning got very hectic and stressful at times, since we were both working full-time and living in the Toronto area, we felt so supported by the St. Marys Golf and Country Club. The tips, tools and information they provided to us along the way were so helpful, and we were so thrilled with all of the hard-working, talented local vendors in St. Marys that were recommended to us by Ashton.
In the end, the most important thing to us on our wedding day was that our guests were all having fun and laughing the night away. That was exactly what ended up happening. For weeks after our big day, we were still getting calls, texts and emails from friends and family saying how perfect the day was, how much fun they had, and how delicious the food was — some people even admitting it was they best wedding food they’ve ever had!
We believe that the people are what make a wedding so special; that includes the venue, vendors, and your loving guests that all come together for a day to celebrate the two of you.
Without hesitation, we would recommend the St. Marys Golf and Country Club to anyone! They truly made us feel like we were a part of their family and went above and beyond to make our day so very special. We couldn’t have picked a better spot to host our wedding!
Story by Kristen Hogervorst
Photography by Darlene O’Rourke Photography