Natalie & Jon
Wedding Party
Natalie Cudrasov
Bride
Natalie is a born-and-raised Montrealer who moved to Ottawa 3 years ago. She loves to be surrounded by people and is always on the go. She loves bodies of water (beaches, lakes, ponds, doesn't matter), food of all kinds (especially dessert), comedy, painting, mental health, road trips, and vacations to anywhere and everywhere. Her favourite thing to make for dinner is reservations, and she is laughing 98% of the time (a feat that was actually a prerequisite to win the groom's heart). Natalie was raised to know that family is the most important thing in the world, and although Jon has been a part of her family for a long time now, she is so excited to officially welcome him into it (JMTL, always). She is overjoyed to have found her human, and can't wait to celebrate with all of you.
Jon Houldsworth
Groom
It's unknown whether you will hear or see the groom first. Loud, boisterous, proud, unapologetic. He loves like he's never been hurt, he protects those around him, he demands a smile and will reciprocate with nothing less. It's with shock, admiration and a small dose of reality he has met someone who is equally dependant as independent, equally strong as he is vulnerable, equally smart as he is stupid, nevertheless saying you will always be her number 1 out of 436. Life shows everyone the good, the bad, the ugly, and sometimes a ray of sunshine breaks through the clouds. It's jagged and unfinished but its still perfect to someone. To many more evenings looking up at the clouds and to every day waking up in my dreams, JMTL.
Joanne Haswell Cudrasov
Mother of the Bride
There is not a day that goes by that the bride doesn't know just how lucky she is to have this woman for a mother. Joanne is the definition of the word "real," the kind of person who makes everyone feel comfortable; sit and be yourself: no need to pretend or to impress; she will see right into your heart and soul and know who you are regardless. A free spirit and the queen of spontaneity, she gives, cares, and feels, and her kindness is matched by her strength and perseverance. To the lady who taught me that you are not "supposed to be" anything but happy, and that you can't see beauty with your eyes, you tucked me in every night of my childhood with the words, "I love you to Pluto and back times infinity," and I can't find a better combination of words to tell you how I feel about you <3
John Cudrasov
Father of the Bride
In some other lifetime we will share the father-daughter dance and you will walk me down the aisle, but not this one. On the day I marry the first man I know you would have smiled at with your blessing, you will be the sunshine on our faces and the breeze on our skin, the frosting on the cakes, the laughter and the tears, and all the stars that we will dance beneath as the sun finally goes to sleep. I will love you and miss you for always. - Daddy's Girl
Karen Houldsworth
Mother of the Groom
Matriarch - A woman who is the head of a family or tribe Class, Elegance, Beautiful, Intimating, Powerful The Mother of the Groom wears too many hats to count. For a man that has a rough and tumble, protective exterior it's inevitable he would be the biggest Mama's boy out there. It was never easy introducing a girl of interest to Karen, until Natalie met her. There was a sense of ease and a sense of comfort which had truly never happened before. She has been the Groom's rock since day one, his best friend, his banker, his therapist, his voice of reason, his drill sergeant, his biggest fan but most important she's been his Mom.
Bill Houldsworth
Father of the Groom
It's easy to sit back, reminisce over a simpler time when you are you're father's son, when all you know is the projection of how a man is supposed to act. Carry yourself with strength, with class, be unapologetic, be strong, be a family man, most importantly be a father. Dad to one, William to most, his energy is infectious, his zest for life is one of a kind. His son knows nothing more or less than to follow in his footsteps, his son wants more than anything to make him proud. He's a teacher, a strong voice, a mentor but out of it all he is always a father. The Groom might be a Mama's boy at heart but there has only been one constant throughout life, a father is a superhero to his son, it doesn't matter how hard headed or big that child will ever be, he will always look up to his hero.
Melissa Pharand
Maid of Honor
Melissa and Natalie met through their fathers when they were little girls; they have been getting in trouble together ever since. As playdates over Barbies turned to shopping days, nights out, vacations away, Russian alter-egos, and everything in between, it is still the reality that not too many people can make the bride laugh or think things through like this stunning maid of honour. <3 To the lady who has walked through life with me, experiencing its challenges together, you will always be the Pina to my Paula, and I the Paula to your Pina (or Tatianna to Olga, depends who's asking).
Jesse Barr
Best Man
Jon and Jesse met in the 80's... From play dates at the park to cruising around Greely to find the hottest candy spots to growing up together in hockey arena's, these two have been inseparable since they were 3. It's evident that there are only two people in this world that can keep the Groom in check through every situation, Jesse and the Bride. Jesse has been by Jon's side through thick and thin, from trips to PEI, to yearly Halifax ventures while Jon was away at University, although they have been dubbed somewhat opposites Jesse has always been Jon's levelling voice, someone who is always there for business advise, personal advise or just to let off steam via a video game session. Throughout their 30 years together he's always been the best man, which is fitting on such a special day
Audrey Brunet
Bridesmaid
The first day Natalie met Audrey, she knew this lady was just the right fit for her kid brother. Smart, sassy, beautiful, funny, and patient enough to put up with Mike, it was a no-brainer that this was a match made in Heaven and he was batting out of his league. (His mother and sister will never let him forget it). She is the first organized person to ever join the Cudrasov clan, and will forever be tasked with planning vacations, researching everything, and figuring things out for both bride and groom. Thank you for keeping everything together, thank you for being such a seamless and easy addition, and thank you for becoming my sister. <3
Mike
Groomsman
There is no bond closer than family and there was no task greater than Jon trying to impress Michael in the beginning of their relationship. Within the first five minutes Jon and Michael knew this was a union that would stand the test of time. Michael's patience, dedication and selflessness for the Bride and Groom goes beyond words. Family is key and it's been a surreal experience for the Groom to have a true brother, one he has always wanted, to call his own. The bond between brother and sister will never be broken, even though the Bride may test that with many hurdles. We are honoured, privileged and thrilled that OUR brother will share our special day with us.
Louise Theriault
Bridesmaid
Nat and Lou met over a competitive game of hopscotch in elementary school. Despite the two foot height discrepancy and a significant language barrier, they both marched to the beat of their own drums, were covered in an equally obscene amount of freckles, and found they shared a love for and bonded over bike rides and kites and long nights on swings at the park. They made fast friends and were soon inseparable. Over the years Lou became part of the family, and you could rarely find one without the other. Their friendship has stood through the test of time and battled through thick and thin. "Some souls just understand each other upon meeting." and these souls both understand. Lylas, forevs and evs. <3
Brendan Kelly
Groomsman
Jon and Brendan were not only High School friends but teammates on the basketball court. Their friendship blossomed in their final year of high school and in to post secondary as Brendan decided to go out East. From trips back and forth between Fredericton and Halifax, they were never far apart and kept in touch which was important to both gentlemen. Brendan is regarded as the catalyst of a fun, care free attitude that he has brought to every day life. His dedication to friendship, regardless of separation is commendable and necessary for the Groom based on their bond and understanding of one another. He is well regarded as most similar to the Groom, no social situation will ever be dull when they are together and someone will inevitably tell the both of them to stop being so loud.
Chiara Cambiotti
Bridesmaid
Chiara and Natalie met through the maid of honour. The bride effectively horrified Chiara upon their first encounter with what she should expect for laser eye surgery, and then the two moved on to talk about happier and brighter things and never stopped talking. Chiara and Nat share a love for big get-togethers, spontaneity, chalets, burning the candle at both ends, deals of any kind, and last-minute escapes to the oceans that won't stop calling their names. They like to dance, they like to stay up late, and they like to do it all over again tomorrow. Thank you for the laughs, the adventures, for all the positive energy and fun that inevitably accompany you everywhere you go. Thank you for being a part of my special day, one of my girls, and present in this crazy thing we call life. <3
Phil Lamothe
Groomsman
Jon & Phil met as competitive, wannabe professional athletes at Carleton University Sports Camp. To this day Phil will remind the Groom of the only game of squash that he has ever lost. Little did these two know they would meet in a far away land which has forever connected them through life. Unbeknown to either one they ended up at Dalhousie University, a simple invite on South street to join a party turned in to roommates, best friends and loyal teammates for life. Phil is so passionate about life and loves fiercely, its no wonder he and the Groom have stayed friends so long. We are honoured to have such a driving, positive and boisterous force on our side at all times. For nights that will always be remembered and evenings that have yet to be remembered, you're one in a million!
Sabrina Jendrasiak
Bridesmaid
Sab and Nat met in the 7th grade, a couple moons ago. In recent conversation they discovered that they both have no hobbies, and respond to the "what do you like to do?" with "um . . . Shop? Vacation? Eat?" Their similarities go far beyond their apathetic demeanor towards leisurely activities, and their friendship has endured over 2 decades of chats, get-togethers, heart-to-hearts, and laughs. Sabrina is the type of person who makes one feel at ease: a sincere, solid provider of much-needed advice, who can make you feel like "you've got this" or have you laughing at yourself when you clearly don't. Although the bride has NEVER laughed so hard as when her front yard swallowed Sabrina whole, that is but one story in the book of the bride & this easy-going, down-to-earth beauty bridesmaid.
Tim Lamothe
Groomsman
There is no bond greater and no relationship stronger than between Jon and Tim. They met in their teen years at Carleton University Sports Camp and continued their strong foundation as roommates and friends at University and forevermore. Tim is always willing to lend a helping hand, his light hearted demeanour coupled with his unwavering support of Jon through everything life has thrown at him makes their relationship truly special. Tim has embraced Natalie in his selfless fashion, always willing to include, learn and support both Bride and Groom in togetherness and separate capacities. His unwavering love and understanding is a true testament to his valued friendship. Tim's commitment, patience and admiration never goes unnoticed, however, it is never understated and always appreciated.
Carol Van Rijn
Bridesmaid
Carol and Natalie met through work. One night, Natalie got an invite to a bbq. She assumed it was a work thing, and when she realized it wasn’t, she whispered excitedly to Jon, “I think I made an Ottawa friend.” <3 Natalie and Carol have since their beginning kept each other sane both in and out of work, exploring new places, trying to experience all the Works burgers, and concurrently being each others’ biggest exercise fans to make up for that other past-time. Carol wears her heart on her sleeve and is one of the kindest, most sincere souls Natalie has ever met. She’s that person everyone likes on first encounter, & Nat is ridiculously grateful to have her in her life, for the heart-to-hearts, the laughs, the advice and support, and for always having this lovely person to turn to.
Matt Lajeunesse
Groomsman
The Grooms ties to the Lajeunesse family go way back, an adopted son of Joan & George. Jon and Matt became close on the basketball court in high school. Their relationship blossomed through Casino nights, Pong Du Biere and Pool Hall nights. Matt made is annual visit to Halifax, sleeping bare chested on a leather couch, enduring Split Crow afternoons and being wined and dined at the local steakhouse where Jon worked. Matt and Jon have always maintained a long distance relationship throughout the past 10 years but as soon as they get together they pick up right where they left off. Matt and his wife have always been a relationship that Jon has relied heavily on throughout difficult times and he is forever grateful for their presence whether it is hundreds of miles away or in the same city.
Erika Lalonde
Bridesmaid
Natalie met this ray of sunshine on the first evening that she met the majority of Jon's friends, at his 30th birthday. Natalie walked into the room, knowing no one but Jon, and was instantly put at ease as Jeff's beautiful wife swept right in with hugs, big smiles, alcohol, tacos, and poutine. Nat immediately recognized this kindred spirit and together they ate and drank and talked all night. Nat and Erika enjoy trying any and every food on the menu, and frequently fall asleep together snuggled on the couch while they should be watching UFC with their other halves. They also spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to force cuddle each others' pets (we love you Nells and Teeks, when will you love us back?) The bride is oh so grateful to have this lady in her life. <3
Jeff Elliot
Groomsman
Jeff and Jon met later in life... for some. Jeff's life experience, selfless personality and infectious laugh draws everyone in from the moment they meet him. Through their love of Mexican beer, UFC, exceptional choices in life partners and a go with the flow mentality, Jeff and Jon have seen their friendship grow over the 8 years they have known one another. Whether it is a casual Tuesday night watching the Habs vs Sens or the planning of a tough ask Bachelor Party, or off the cuff last minute get togethers, Jeff is concise, organized and always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone is comfortable. Here's to the big brother the Groom never had and an unwavering force that we are all lucky to have the pleasure to be around.
Tiki
Ring Bearer
We regret to inform our guests that due to multiple incidents of jewelry theft, Tequila-Sunrise Houldsworth will no longer be flying in with the rings. He has a difficult time controlling himself around anything that sparkles, and he has not been able to contract with his human parents that he will not in fact eat the rings. As Jon and Nat's first beloved joint fur(feather)-baby, his picture will be on the back of the vows, so that he can also take part in this day.