Naly and Ben met eight years ago at the Davenport Public Library, where Naly was working. Early on in their relationship, they just knew they would spend the rest of their lives together, but being only 20 and 22 at the time, Naly and Ben decided to wait a bit to actually get married.
Once they did begin to plan their celebration, they found the planning process overwhelming and realized that a big wedding wasn’t for them. Instead, the couple planned a simple elopement in their own city – the only goal was for it to be as happy as possible. If something was too much work, they simply didn’t do it!
Wanting to elope, meant not telling anyone that they were getting married, except it was important to Naly that her sisters, Sachie and Brenna, were there. (Ben was instrumental in raising Brenna, as she was only eight years old when they first met.)
Looking for a unique location to get married, Naly and Ben had always chuckled at the bookstore named, “Ben McNally Books” (because it incorporates both their names). They were inspired by the space and when they asked about having their ceremony there, owner Ben McNally loved the idea.
So, with Naly’s sisters as their witnesses (her youngest is only 16 so the videographer had to sign), the couple were married under the beautiful wooded arch in the middle of the bookstore.
They did a few photos with photographer Alex Lee of Young Hearts Photography and then hopped on their motorcycle to drive to La Société Bistro, where her sisters joined them for a lovely dinner.
Ben and Naly’s wedding day was everything they hoped it would be – emotional, exciting, fun, and happy – but when one of their favourite artists, Leonard Cohen, stepped out of his car at the Trump Hotel and told them they looked great and wished them all the best, well, that was the icing on the cake!
Photography: Young Hearts Photography
Venue: Ben McNally Books
Officiant: Enduring Promises
Dress: Bought online at Light In The Box
Suit: Zara
Hair & Make-up by Maggie Ng
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