This Couple’s Family-Focused Wedding Day Was the Sweetest

Little did Jennifer Renieris and Grant Gonchar know when they had their first date at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa back in 2015 that it would also be the location for their intimate wedding day seven years later. Though the pair had known each other casually through friends for a few years, and it was a push to connect further from one of their mutual acquaintances that ultimately sparked a love connection.

“Once we started spending time together, our relationship moved very quickly,” says Jennifer. “When you know what you want in life your focus becomes very clear. With the support of our children, we bought our first home together in 2016 and became a beautiful blended family.”

The fun-loving couple are both spontaneous, and Jennifer says they found a soulmate in each other. “Grant and I love to savour the moments, from impromptu road trips and dinner dates, to celebrating our children’s milestones. There is a deep level of love and respect between us, which has been so important in navigating the dynamic of step-parenting.”

In their first year of living together, Jennifer suffered a debilitating back injury where she was completely immobilized for six weeks to heal. Grant and her family totally looked after her, so she could recover. She says this was a pivotal time in their relationship, one that deepened their love. “Appreciation and consideration has shaped our experience,” says Jennifer.

Though the couple had discussed marriage a few times over the years, both Jennifer and Grant thought marriage wasn’t a necessary step for them. That perspective changed in 202o with the onset of the pandemic. “In the fall of that year, one day Grant looked at me and said, ‘You need to have a ring,’ so I knew a proposal was coming,” says Jennifer. “Grant had an engagement ring designed, and when it was ready, he wanted me to confirm that it was the one. Once I tried it on, I never wanted to take it off!”

With weddings in flux at the time of their engagement, Jennifer and Grant had time to enjoy this phase of their relationship and planned a very special, super-tiny and elegant celebration on September 22, 2022. They invited just a handful of guests for their celebration: their three children, Marika, Kostas and Ashton; Jennifer’s mother, Sharon; their best friends, Kelly and David; and their adorable West Highland White Terrier, Daisy.

“We didn’t choose any specific theme for our wedding. Our intention was to include our children, eat well and laugh,” says Jennifer. “And that is exactly what we did.”

Jennifer’s daughter, Marika, was integral in helping to plan the day. She arranged all the florals, choosing a joyful palette of fuchsia and red for her mother’s bouquet and the table decor. Marika, who is the owner of a medical skincare practice, was also Jennifer’s personal beauty guru. “I was spoiled with a very intensive pre-wedding treatment plan, so that I was photo-ready for the big day,” says Jennifer.

For their afternoon ceremony, Jennifer’s son, Kostas, walked her down the aisle in the sunny conservatory space—Daisy was the newlywed couple’s escort after ‘I dos.’ The couple and their guests took over the private Colonel Langdon Room for their reception where they indulged in an incredible wedding feast they created with celebrated Langdon Hall Executive Chef Jason Bangerter and his culinary team.

“The food was a huge priority for our day, and each bite and each course served us up visual delights and gave us pause as we savoured the flavours,” says Jennifer. “We enjoyed poached scallops that were stunning and sweet, followed by smoked beef that was so savoury and delicious. The presentation of the raspberry cocoa ganache dessert we choose almost made it too pretty to eat.”

Another highlight of dinner hour for the couple were the intimate speeches. “My best childhood friend Kelly toasted our marriage as a triumph of hope and love over experience,” says Jennifer. “Grant’s speech expressed our gratitude to the wonderful group of people that took time to be with us on our day for such a special moment. He also told some very funny personal stories about each guest, which was added entertainment that had everyone laughing.”

The party closed with an impromptu dance party: The couple turned down the lights, turned up the music and boogied late into the night with their guests. “We danced, raised our glasses and enjoyed the moment as we so love to do,” says Jennifer, with a laugh. “It wasn’t part of our itinerary, but it was so much fun!”

Highlight reel

Select standouts from Jennifer and Grant’s big day

The dress

Jennifer wore a glamorous, asymmetrical mermaid wedding gown from the Pronovias X Ashley Graham collection. To compliment the simple, clean design of the dress, Jennifer accessorized with a tulle blusher veil topped with a bow in the back of her demi-updo. Blue Jimmy Choo stiletto heels detailed with her and Grant’s initials made the perfect finishing touch.

The family heirloom

“My father passed away a few years ago; to honour his memory I sewed his wedding band onto a special wedding handkerchief I carried with me on the day,” says Jennifer. “I love symbolism, and this was a very special and personal one for me.”

The special guest

“Being able to include our dog, Daisy, in our plans was so much fun,” shares Jennifer. “We dressed her in a neck scarf that said ‘Flower Girl,’ and she had a pearl leash for the day. Having her there meant a lot to us as she is a special part of our family.”

Jennifer and Grant’s Wedding Directory

Wedding Dress: Pronovias X Ashley Graham from The Modern Bride
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Veil: Etsy
Hair: King’s Hair Salon
Makeup: Connie from Adored Spa
Pre-wedding skincare: Metaform Ancaster
Photography: Trina Koster Photography
Venue: Langdon Hall Country House Hotel Spa