Wedding Party
Alex Hornby
Best Man
Alex is Rory’s identical twin brother, although they may not look that similar now, growing up they were each other’s shadows. Life as a twin is unique, and Rory is forever grateful for the lifelong closeness. Growing up Alex had a saying, that “two is just right”. This is as true for being brothers as it is for being in love. Through each chapter of life, Alex has been there for Rory, and no matter how much distance or time passes, whenever they are in the same room it is as if nothing has ever changed. Slotting back together as they always have. When Rory asked Alex to be his best man, they were standing next to the Daymark on St Martins in the Isles of Scilly. A place that has almost been the Hornby Family’s growth wall, annual photos of Rory & Alex, each year getting closer to the next striped line. You can see one of these photos here. Rory is not only grateful for that moment, or the countless ones that came before, but most importantly the many many more yet to come. Thank you Alex.
Chris Regimbal
Best Man
Meet Gary's Best Man – Chris Chris and Gary go way back — all the way to Grade 7, when Gary moved to Caledon, Ontario. As the new kid in town, Gary quickly found a friend in Chris, known for his quick wit and legendary one-liners that kept everyone laughing. But Chris's friendship ran much deeper than humour: during a very difficult time for Gary's family, he and his parents quietly stepped in with unwavering support while Gary’s mum was in hospital. After she passed, Chris became like a brother — looking out for Gary through high school, college, university, and well beyond. Over the years, their friendship has taken them on countless adventures: annual camping trips, yurt stays, houseboats, and most recently, international holidays to the Dominican Republic, Nashville, Florida, and Puerto Rico. When Gary moved to the UK, Chris didn’t miss a beat — visiting Meadow Barn in the first year and getting to know Rory. He’s been a constant, loyal, hilarious presence through it all — so naturally, he’s the best man!
Luke Young
Groomsman
Luke & Rory met whilst studying at University. We all have those small moments in life that end up changing so much and this is one of those. Rory, forgetting a pen went back into the lab lockers, in doing so meeting Becky, a mutual friend who ended up introducing him to Luke later that week. Fast forwarding a couple of years Luke presented Rory with a crazy idea of a start-up that would come to be known as Alora. Founding this company has been a lifetime of adventure for them both, now celebrating it’s 6th anniversary. A journey starting in the hills of Yorkshire, to the chaos of San Francisco, the openness of Canada and now finally back to the UK again. It was during this journey that Rory met Gary and the rest is history. So many life changing stories, all started with a forgotten pen. Although Rory may not have that pen anymore, he does have a lifelong friendship.
Rachel Pellett
Best Woman
Meet Rachel – Gary’s Best Woman Rachel has been there from the very beginning — Gary’s oldest and dearest friend. Their mums were best friends, and over the years they’ve shared countless memories: growing up side by side, living together as families, and later as roommates. No matter where Gary’s adventures took him, he always returned to Rachel’s to feel at home. Through all of life’s milestones, Rachel has been there to listen, laugh, and, of course, share thousands of delicious meals. Gary has always looked up to Rachel, and her sister Rebecca, as the sisters he never had — a constant source of support, love, and family.
Callum Batten
Groomsperson
There are some people who instantly fill a room with care and warmth. Callum is one of those people, and when Rory first met them fresh off the plane in Canada they had an instant connection. Bonding over the ups and downs of life they have shared many beautiful moments. It is this friendship that made Rory’s new life and routine in Canada a home, and not just when Cal opened their house for Rory to live in for a few months. Trading this kindness by cooking sausages for Cal’s non-vegan dog, Charlie Brown. Charlie may not have always enjoyed the food as much as Rory enjoyed the company, but this was one of many shared beautiful moments, where Cal being Cal, opened up their world to share joy.
Dan Shantz
Groomsman
Meet Groomsman Dan Gary first met Dan through Dan’s wife, Ashleigh, shortly after college. At the time, Gary had given his mum’s horse to Ashleigh on the condition he could visit now and then — what he didn’t know was that Ash and Dan would soon become lifelong friends. Dan and Ash have always been welcoming, generous, and supportive — from trail rides through the countryside to relaxing at family cottages, from lending Gary vehicles between his travels to selling him the best SUV deal he’ll ever get. Over the years, Gary has watched them build a beautiful life together and become wonderful parents. When Rory came into the picture, they embraced him without hesitation, folding him into all their adventures as though he’d always been there.
Heather Mee
Groomswoman
Meet Groomswoman Heather Heather is the East Coast family friend everyone needs! Gary met her through her best friend Rachel, and together the unstoppable duo went on to open their beloved brunch spot, Emma’s Country Kitchen, in Toronto. Over the years, Gary has cheered them on as they built a thriving business and beautiful families. Whether popping in for a meal at the restaurant, crashing in the spare room, or catching up over the phone, Heather’s warmth, humour, and down-to-earth nature have always made Gary feel right at home. When Rory came into Gary’s life, he quickly appreciated Heather’s charm — and together, we’re so grateful to have her by our side on our wedding day.