OUR STORY

GROOM

Jonathan
MacDonald

BRIDE

Laura
Cheesewright

June 2014
Laura and Jon started wheeling in 2014 at a Halloween party. Despite Jon's arguably cancellable halloween outfit, Laura thought he was very cute. After a few months of what could be defined as 'ghosting,' Jon found himself with prom fast approaching and dateless. So he purchased a teddy bear, a balloon (that flew away) and a cupcake (that he forgot to give to Laura and decided to eat himself) and popped the question for prom.

September 2014
Despite Jon's claim that this was “just a prom date”, they quickly said “I love you” and agreed to tackle the first of many bouts of long distance as Jon headed to the University of Western. The year featured many visits back and forth, with Laura frequently showing up at Western with a gaggle of friends. When Laura graduated Appleby, they went on their first big trip together to Europe. It featured lots of gelato and pizza, one segway crash on the streets of Florence, and a stint in Magaluf (not a romantic destination).

And the most important event in Year 1 of dating… the arrival of Hudson, the best dog.

June 2015
Prom round 2 was a hit and featured a boat cruise around the Toronto harbour (shout out Clare for saving prom 2015). Perhaps they were more than just prom dates?

September 2015
Laura joined Jon at the University of Western where they enjoyed 2 years together with lots of Weldon library dates, too many Jack's dollar beers, sleepovers at 176 St. George St., and Luxe, weekend getaways to Bayfield, and lots of new friends and adventures.

September 2017
Long distance recommenced as Jon set off on a new adventure, heading to England to study law at the University of Queen Mary.

Three years of trans-atlantic trips ensued (and many an attempt at surprising each other). Jon took his first trip north of the wall to face his greatest challenge in their relationship yet… trying to keep up with Laura's cousins in the pub (he did not keep up, although he made a valiant effort). Depsite the challenge of being apart, this chapter included lots of facetimes, scotch eggs at Borough Market, exploring London, datenights at the Portobello Hotel, and time in Bayfield and Muskoka during Jon's summer breaks.

November 2019
Jon even trekked out to Thailand to meet Laura while she was travelling with friends after graduating from Western.

September 2020
After a brief hiatus (don't worry, we figured it out - obviously, you're on our wedding website), Covid brought Laura and Jon back together (silver lining). They spent lots of time out West, exploring the mountains, skiing, driving around in a camper van and playing an absurd amount of Dutch Blitz.

February 2021
Another major milestone and because this is as good as an excuse as any to resurface puppy pictures, in early 2021 little Arnie (the other best dog) came onto the scene. DOUBLE DOGS!

September 2021
Now one might think these two love birds had done their fair share of long distance, but Laura (apologies again Jon, blame Riley) decided to move to London for an adventure with her best friend. Laura and Jon have an obscene amount of travel points. And so, another block of trans-atlantic travel commenced with lots of memorable trips around the UK - up to Yorkshire, the Cotswolds, Scotland for the Kindrochit Quadrathlon, St. Andrews for the British Open, and plenty of rainy hikes and pub dinners in the Lake District.

August 2023
After an incredible trip to Norway to wrap up this chapter of Laura's Euro adventures, Jon helped pack up her things, say goodbye to her Clapham South flat, and move home to Toronto.

March 2024
Finally, after 10 years, Laura and Jon moved into their first home together in Little Portugal in Toronto (roomies at last!!)

June 2025
And that brings us to the summer of 2025 where Jon and Laura got engaged in one of their favourite places - hiking in the Langdale Valley in the Lake District. It was a perfect trip full of very wet hikes, cozy games of cards, pints, sausauge and mash, and lots of very joyful facetimes to their nearest and dearest. AND to round out the best week ever, they celebrated at Glastonbury.

August 2026
We’ll see you in Ireland!! Let’s get these two married.