Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

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I first met the bride 26 years ago on my birthday, and there's been no going back since! I've heard all kinds of stories about Kyle's epic shenanigans, and can't wait to share them with you. Ask me about the pike story. I dare you.  I know the day is going to run a little behind (I adore Carlee but I know my sister's a talker) but whatever they say goes! It's going to be an awesome day! 

Teralyn Garieri

I met Kyle, September 2019 and then shortly after was graced to meet Carlee in November of the same year. Throughout our game nights and hiking adventures it became very clear from the beginning that not only were the two of them people I’d have in my life for the remainder of it, but that they were without a doubt meant to be together.  Carlee's unwavering compassion and Kyle's 2000's white girl energy is an unstoppable combination. I know with the team they have, their big day is going to go off without a hitch. 

Larissa Crowe

I met Carlee on the playground first day of grade 2, when she yelled at a bully on the playground who was picking on me. Been stuck with her ever since.
 I love Carlee deeply, but if she plays the Cha Cha Slide at the wedding like it is still an Holy Family school dance, I will pretend not to know her.

Claire Trush

Gabe Green

I met Kyle through his sister. I was invited to Christmas one year as my family is in Winnipeg and  I didn’t get to go home. Now I’m Brad and Debs favorite kid 😂 Soon after, I adopted Carlee as my sister and we've never looked back! I've got plenty of stories on both of them, and I know Kyle will keep us on all track for the wedding (mostly). I can't wait to be part of their big day, but if they start doing body shots at the wedding, I'm pretending I don't know them. 

Stacey Davidson

Kyle and I worked together and from the moment we connected with our random dark senses of humour, we knew we just became best friends.  We have way more inside jokes than brain cells between us, and that's just perfect. If they play country music at the wedding, he will be forever shunned. 

Tyler Sanwald

I've known Kyle since he was 9 and I started dating his brother. And I met Carlee when she started dating Kyle. If i had to summarize their vibe, I'd say Kyle is a houseplant (because when used to stay at our house I had to remind him to drink water and go to the bathroom) and Carley is a gnome (small and crafty). I love them deeply, but if they do play country music at the  wedding, I will leave.


Hannah Simpson

I've known him forever, my parent's just brought him home one day. Kyle's an ever present, unrelenting force in my life. I can't get rid of him. Work, he's there... family gatherings.... there he is. He's allowed to be a groom-zilla on his big day, but if he plays country music at the wedding, I'm out. 

Dane Simpson

Freya Simpson

Rian Kelly

Tova Simpson

Alina Kelly 

Isabelle Preston

Wedding Party

Travel

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

40 Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for September, October and November

40 Inexpensive Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code and Vibe

Dress Code

Things to Do

Will the ceremony or reception be indoors or outdoors?The ceremony is outdoors, however the reception is indoors! Seating provided for both. What is the dress code?Semi-Formal means different things to different people, so thanks for checking in. First of all.... always avoid all shades of white ladies, but we also ask no sky blue or plum (wedding colours).It's not quite as fancy as say, a prom... but it's one or two steps down. Think nice summer dresses, pant suits, dress shirts.... here's a yes and no list based on your gender/dress style.What to Wear (The "Yes" List)For Men: A suit (any color) or a smart blazer paired with dress pants. A tie is optional but adds a nice touch for evening events.For Women: A midi dress, knee-length cocktail dress, or an elegant jumpsuit.Footwear: Polished leather shoes, loafers, block heels, or dressy flats.What to Avoid (The "No" List)No Tuxedos or Floor-Length Gowns: These are usually too formal for this setting.No Jeans or T-shirts: Even "nice" denim is considered too casual.No Sneakers or Flip-flops: Stick to dressier shoes to honor the occasion. Will I get to make my speech? We love that you want to toast our big day, but in order to keep the timeline moving, we have already assigned friends and family with the toast-master role. Why not write us a note on the RSVP instead, or send us a lovely handwritten copy of your speech in a card for a keepsake? Can I bring a plus-one or my children?Well that depends, did your invitation say (YOUR NAME + ONE)?If THERE IS a plus one on your invitation, just let us know the name when you RSVP.If NOT then we're sorry, we can't wait to share our date with you but when we did the master head count we weren't able to squeeze extra places in.Same thing with the names of your littles, if their names appear on the invitations, we have them already accounted for in the seating! What food and drink will be served?We have a cash bar for those who drink and wonderful non-alcoholic beverages available as well. Something for everyone! Food will be buffet style. Please include any food allergies in your RSVP. How do I RSVP and by when?You're already in the right place! Click RSVP on this website and fill out the questionnaire. There is also a QR code on the invitations to scan with your phone. If tech isn't your thing, text or call the Bride-to-Be and she will get you RSVP'd.Deadline is April 15, 2026. Are there hotel blocks or accommodation recommendations?The ceremony and reception are both on-site, and we have booked a room block with a discount at the hotel. If you call the front desk and say you are with the Simpson/Garieri wedding block, they will get you the discount. Limited rooms available, first come first serve! Will there be transportation to and from the venue?We have not arranged for any; however, Thunder Bay has a cab service and a ride share app called Uride. Where are they registered? What can I buy?We have a registry for our bridal shower; however, if you are looking for a meaningful gift for our big day, we are appreciative of any monetary contributions towards our dream honeymoon.

Carlee & Kyle

Carlee & Kyle

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