Unlearn16: Class is in Session

Episode: "The One Where We Got Married"

Release Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Unlearn16 (Joanna)
Special Guest: Anna (Joanna’s partner and now wife)

Overview

This lively, heartfelt episode brings listeners into the behind-the-scenes journey of Unlearn16 (Joanna) and Anna’s wedding. Told with signature wit, warmth, and candid humor, the episode details how their unique, intimate wedding came together— from first inspiration to emotional ceremony— and offers a celebration of community, collaboration, and love. It’s a love letter to everyone who helped pull off the event, to each other, and to letting life take its own, beautifully unpredictable course.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Backstory: How the Wedding Came to Be

• Origin at the Chateau Laurier:

  • May 2025, Joanna took her students to Ottawa’s historic Chateau Laurier, where a chance encounter with event manager Catherine sparked the initial wedding idea.
  • Joanna (A): “We are in the biggest ballroom they have where they do events and weddings...and I jokingly say, maybe Ann and I should get married here.” (03:59)
  • Catherine instantly offered to make it happen, impressing both with her energy and passion from the start.

• Personal Wedding Visions

  • Anna never envisioned a traditional wedding and was content with a courthouse ceremony.
  • Joanna wanted something meaningful, but neither had a clear vision— until Catherine gently guided them through possibilities.
  • Joanna (A): “A wedding is...an endurance sport...don’t do it on your own.” (05:46)

2. Venue Selection & Early Planning Process

• Touring the Chateau (07:53)

  • The couple scouted numerous stately rooms, but ultimately fell in love with the Governor General’s entrance—a grand, open stairway with vaulted ceilings.
  • Catherine championed their dream, proposing “no one’s ever got married here before...but you two are going to.” (10:17)

• Reception Location: Zoe’s (14:02)

  • By chance, the colors in recently renovated Zoe’s restaurant matched their gold and pink theme— they became the first couple to hold a reception there.
  • Anna (B): “Everything in that room is gold and pink.” (15:15)
  • Catherine arranged for the restaurant to be closed, dance floor installed: “She’s on go mode.” (04:19)

3. The Expert Dream Team

• Lead Planner: Catherine

  • Lauded throughout for her relentless dedication and creativity (“She’s not even breaking right now...she was on go.” (04:19))

• Wedding Planner: Michael Donovan (Decor) (16:00)

  • Michael masterfully balanced the couple’s “we weren’t flower people or candle people—what does that even mean?” (17:21)
  • Developed a “circular stage” layout with love seats, living room vibes; the couple only saw the final design on their wedding day.
  • Joanna: “It was the most beautiful, so gorgeous, the most intimate… you felt like you were in somebody’s home.” (20:40)

• Photographers: Greyloft Studio (Bethany & Luke) (22:41)

  • Focused on capturing authentic, candid moments.
  • Engagement session built trust and comfort, leading to relaxed, unique wedding photos:
    • “If Bethany said…get up at 4am, you’re going to wear this outfit...carry a goat—the answer’s yes.” (24:15)

• Culinary Team: Chef David & Pastry Chef Jin (25:54, 29:51)

  • Personalized, innovative menus—not typical “wedding chicken.”
    • Anna: “We just said...This is a you thing, if you want to play around... We are totally cool with that.” (27:12)
  • Guests could choose their meal day-of; all dietary needs (gluten/dairy free, sugar-free with monk fruit) impeccably met.

• Dresses & Suits (32:00, 33:43)

  • Anna’s Dress: Rush order and custom alterations (including an enormous bow) by Rebel Bridal and Tennis Emmett Wedding Style.
  • Joanna’s Suit: Custom designed by Frank Zuko, including a secret tribute to her grandmother in the lining; Frank’s humor and attention to detail made him a highlight (35:58).
    • “If my grandma could have chosen an outfit, it would have had that in it.” (36:07)
    • Frank: “You have big hips, tiny waist, and then a big—whoa.” (37:22)

• Hair & Makeup (38:02)

  • Fiorella and Mina provided both wedding day and engagement shoot beauty, tailoring their work to each woman’s features and style.
    • Anna: “She somehow turns my hair into a paid actor every time.” (38:57)

4. Personal Touches & Surprises

• Swag & Gifts (46:23)

  • Canadian Tire provided personalized toolboxes, candy, and small games.
  • Tim Hortons contributed a “wall of hats” for seating assignments.
  • Custom tote bags with “26” (Unlearn16) branding by Catherine.

• The Cadillac Dream (49:49)

  • Joanna surprised Anna with a week’s use of her dream car, a Cadillac with blue leather.
  • “Everybody thinks everyone purchased it. I Did not purchase it. We just got it for the week.” (50:18)

5. Dancing & the Stress of Performance (51:07)

• Choreographing the First Dance — at the Last Minute!
  • Anna, a dance instructor, choreographed a 1-minute routine for them just days before the wedding.
  • Joanna struggled with nerves; Anna was calm (the opposite for vows).
  • Anna: “Ask me to dance...easy peasy. Talk, I was so worried.” (56:20)
  • Joanna: “I only had from December 29th.” (54:06)

6. Rings & Symbolism (62:03)

• Custom Rings by True Bijou
  • Joanna’s: Features six colored stones set flush in the band, inspired by Marvel’s Infinity Stones, along with a secret diamond for Anna.
  • Anna’s: Inspired by a Pandora ring with matching backward ‘N’ (a private reference to Toy Story’s Andy and a sweet detail from early in their relationship).

7. Ceremony & Reception Highlights

• Officiant: Ryan Sealey (68:37)

  • Chosen for personal connection; legal notary handled paperwork (which, despite ‘help’ from ChatGPT, proved annoyingly complex).
  • “I want somebody I know... not standing up with a stranger.” (68:57)

• Procession: Not Your Average Wedding

  • The couple and wedding party danced down the aisle—no one walked (“If you’re gonna do it, you’re dancing!” (72:39)).
  • Anna’s nephews nailed their dance, one moonwalking “like Michael Jackson.”
  • The flower girl, a scene-stealer, “twirled, footwork, the whole nine yards.” (74:03)

• Vows & Emotions

  • Anna got choked up trying to start her vows with, “This one time...”
  • Joanna: “She did way better in her vows than I did in the dance.” (56:43)
  • Anna: “I couldn’t deliver the line...I started crying.” (56:51)

• Reception: Food, Music, Laughter

  • DJ Jamie expertly shifted between wildly different musical requests (“My friends are real hard on DJs...they think they’re connoisseurs.” (59:17))
  • MDRN Photo Booth captured moments; custom labels commemorated the day.
  • Guests raved about food, and loved the relaxed, communal vibe.
  • Speeches included a Venn diagram of the couple (“I’m gonna need them to replicate it!” (77:00))
  • Michael, the planner, kept everything seamless—“Never felt an ounce of stress.” (78:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Catherine’s Dedication:

  • “This woman was on go mode since that day.” (04:12)

• On Not Doing It Alone:

  • “A wedding is...an endurance sport. So I need you to stretch, I need you to, you know, and then I need you to get...Catherine. Don’t do it on your own. It’s not. Okay.” (05:46)

• On Wedding Planning Cluelessness:

  • Michael’s question: “Are you flower people, or are you candle people?”
  • Anna: “What does that even mean?” (17:21)

• On Personal Touches:

  • “We wanted everything to be unique. I guess that would be just more authentic, just more so reactionary.” (23:36)

• On Facing Nerves/Dancing:

  • Joanna: “I thought I was gonna have a pass out.” (55:55)
  • Anna: “We’re completely opposite. Like, we’re different on everything...I’m panicking about the vows, and she’s panicking about the dance.” (56:13)

• Anna’s Vows:

  • “This one time, when I was little, I told my mom that I was gonna marry someone with spiky hair. And here you are with spiky hair. And it’s like I manifested you.” (57:13)

• On Social Media Origins:

  • “None of this...possible at all whatsoever if Charlie hadn’t put TikTok on Joe’s phone and if Nick hadn’t stolen my phone and put TikTok on my phone, because we would have never met.” (79:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:21–04:19: Meeting Catherine & the birth of the wedding plan
• 06:10–09:42: Venue exploration at Chateau Laurier
• 13:14–15:25: Choosing Zoe’s for the reception
• 16:00–21:22: Decor planning with Michael
• 22:41–25:33: Photography with Greyloft Studio
• 25:54–31:28: Custom wedding catering with Chef David
• 32:00–37:38: Dress and suit shopping/adventures
• 38:02–43:24: Hair & makeup trials and stories
• 46:23–49:13: Personal gifts, swag, and Cadillac surprise
• 51:07–55:55: Last-minute first dance, rehearsal nerves
• 62:03–68:18: Custom wedding rings and their backstories
• 68:37–77:00: Ceremony highlights, the “dance down the aisle,” emotional vows, and speeches
• 78:03–end: Reflections, gratitude for the team and community

Final Reflections & Gratitude

The episode closes with deep appreciation for everyone who made the wedding possible—especially the talented, passionate professionals who made them feel seen and supported at every step—and for all their friends and family who made the trip to Ottawa on New Year’s Day.

Anna: “I want everybody to know how thankful we are for not only the people that we work with and everybody who wanted to be part of our day on that end, but also the people who showed up for us for the wedding.” (78:40)

Joanna: “Nothing but love and support and just a great time. Oh, yes...None of this...possible at all whatsoever if Charlie hadn’t put TikTok on Joe’s phone and if Nick hadn’t stolen my phone and put TikTok on my phone, because we would have never met.” (79:16, 79:23)

Episode Takeaway

In classic Unlearn16 style—wry, candid, and warm—this episode is a testament to authenticity, trusting others, and the magic that happens when a community gathers around two people saying “I do.”

For all vendor attributions and contacts, check the episode description.

Want more?

• Follow Unlearn16 and Anna on TikTok and Instagram (official handles only—no Facebook!)
• Stay tuned for wedding videos and future collaborations with the Chateau Laurier