Our story
A little bit about us.
Janka & Daven
From the first sushi date to a lifetime of adventures
Janka and Daven met just before the world changed. For their first date, Daven planned a very special private sushi omakase dinner, followed by an ambitious plan to go skating in -25°C weather. Luckily, they got so caught up in conversation over dinner that their three-hour evening ended without ever making it to the ice; something they were both very grateful for in hindsight.
Somewhere between the sushi, the stories, and the laughter, they realized they had found something special. On their third date, Daven met another important part of Janka’s life: Chewy, her senior cat and longtime companion. Although Chewy came into the relationship as Janka’s cat, he seemed to make his preference known very quickly. The first time they met, Chewy sat outside the bathroom door meowing for Daven to come back out, a very clear sign that Daven had already earned a special place in his heart. Chewy continues to chose Daven as his favourite snuggle buddy.
Not long after they met, the world entered lockdown, and through a series of unexpected twists and turns, Janka and Daven became each other’s bubble. During a time when so much felt uncertain, they found comfort, laughter, and peace in each other’s company. Their relationship was tested from the very beginning, but they came through that chapter stronger and more certain that they had found the person they wanted to build a life with.
Over six years later, they have built a life full of adventures and memories; from travelling the world together and sharing countless amazing meals, to moving from Calgary to Vancouver and creating a home together. Along the way, their friends and families have blended into one circle of love and support.
Now, Janka and Daven are excited to begin their next chapter together as a family, surrounded by the people who have been part of their journey and who mean the most to them.
The wedding party
Meet the wonderful people who will be standing by our side as we celebrate this special day.
Crystal
Jonas
Maid of Honour
Crystal is Janka’s sister-in-law, wife of her younger brother, and mother to their children, Luca and Olive. Janka and Crystal have shared a close friendship for over a decade, and over the years Crystal has become an integral part of both Janka’s life and her family.
Crystal brings energy and enthusiasm wherever she goes. She loves live music, concerts, dancing, and celebrating with the people around her, especially when Kygo tracks are in the mix. She also has an entrepreneurial spirit, having started and run her own small businesses over the years.
It was an easy decision to have Crystal stand by Janka’s side as Maid of Honour. She has been one of the biggest supporters throughout this journey and one of the people who has helped bring this wedding celebration to life.
Christine
Brenner
Bridesmaid
Christine was originally Daven’s friend from his first chapter living in Vancouver, long before Janka and Daven met. Over the years, Janka has gotten to know Christine and she has become a wonderful part of their shared circle. Since moving to Vancouver, Christine has become one of the main characters and much-loved faces in Janka’s life.
Christine lives in a very cool Gastown loft (it has a swing!), where she has become an important part of her community. She is the kind of person who is always ready to lend a helping hand and show up for the people around her.
She brings energy, laughter, and a contagious enthusiasm to every gathering. Her joy, dedication, and unwavering commitment make her the perfect person to have standing by their side on this special day.
Rhoda
Witmer
Bridesmaid
Rhoda is Daven’s older sister, and from the very beginning, her kindness and warmth made Janka feel welcomed into the family. Over the years, Janka and Rhoda have bonded over their shared love of plants, often exchanging gardening advice and tips.
Rhoda has always had a deep love for animals and has welcomed many pets into her life over the years. She is currently a proud dog mom to Oonagh and Maggie, and her love extends to all creatures big and small. Rhoda is also a loving mom to Daven’s niece Gwyneth and nephew Ethan, and shares her beautiful acreage in DeWinton with her husband, Jason, where she enjoys a life surrounded by nature and the animals she loves.
If you get the chance, ask Rhoda about her chickens. She’ll happily tell you all about them!
Matthew
Pope
Best Man
Born and raised in Vancouver, Matt has been Daven’s best friend for over fifteen years. The two first met as coworkers, but it didn’t take long for that connection to turn into a lifelong friendship.
Matt is the definition of a loyal, kind, and genuinely good guy. Even if his die-hard love for the Canucks remains one of life’s greatest mysteries. He is easily one of the most competitive people around, a trait that makes everything from game nights to everyday life a lot more fun.
Beyond being an incredible friend, he’s a dedicated family man to his beautiful wife, Natalia, and their son, Pascal. Daven couldn’t be prouder to have Matt standing right by his side as Best Man.
Hansen
Chu
Groomsman
Just like Matt, Hansen and Daven go back to their working days, and he’s been a staple in Daven's life ever since.
Hansen is the undisputed life of the party, and it seems like he actually knows every single person in the city. He’s a guy who truly lives life to the fullest, whether he's indulging his love for fast cars or stepping into his proud role as a brand new uncle.
But beneath all that energy is a guy with a massive heart who would do absolutely anything for his friends, making him easily one of the best guys around. When he’s not out being the ultimate social butterfly, he’s likely hanging out with his favorite sidekick, his dog Zaire.
James
Welsch
Groomsman
James and Daven go way back, sharing a friendship that spans an impressive 25 years. Over the decades, they've bonded over a massive shared love for house music and have traveled the world together, including a legendary trek to Munich for Oktoberfest last year.
James is the ultimate definition of reliability; a patient, kind, and steady presence who is always the first to show up exactly when he is needed.
When he isn’t out conquering outdoor trails on his mountain bike (a hobby he mostly uses to offset an unmatched, lifelong devotion to McDonald’s), he is channeling that same dedication into being an incredibly proud dad to his daughter, Tamya. Having a legendary, lifelong friend like James in the lineup means the world to Daven.
