Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Sandra Adamson

A Halifax Wedding & A Love Story Across Two Continents….with…Rhonda & Ingo

The Love Story

Some love stories begin close to home. Others begin halfway around the world, with a chance meeting, a dance, and a promise to meet again.

For these two, it all started during March Break in 2019, at a beautiful resort in Samaná, Dominican Republic. Two groups of friends, two different countries, and two people who had no idea that a holiday encounter would eventually bring them together for a wedding day in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The bride and groom share laughter and a fun moment during their wedding photos in the Historic Properties, Halifax NS.

A Chance Meeting in the Dominican Republic

They were both travelling with friends, one group from Nova Scotia and the other from Germany. At a small resort, it wasn’t unusual to see familiar faces around the restaurant, but it wasn’t until one evening at the resort’s disco, about halfway through the trip, that they finally met.

The bride and groom share a quiet moment together in the bar at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

They danced together for a while before she headed back to her room for the night.

The following morning, Ingo made his way over to her breakfast table and reminded her that she’d promised him another dance before leaving the disco. And just like that, a simple promise became the beginning of something neither of them had imagined possible.

It wasn’t necessarily love at first sight. Instead, it was a gradual realization that they had found something special in one another. As they got to know each other, they began to discover that they had found their other half, even if that other half happened to live an ocean away.

The bride and groom share a quiet, fun moment together in the bar at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

Two Countries, One Growing Love Story

A relationship between Nova Scotia and Germany wasn’t exactly going to be straightforward. There were long stretches apart, particularly during the pandemic years, countless video calls, unreliable Wi-Fi, and more than a few frustrating moments of frozen screens and buffering conversations.

The groom having fun with his mother and a good friend from Germany during his wedding in the Historic Properties of Halifax NS.

There were also plenty of trips back and forth between Canada and Germany, making the distance a little easier to manage. But through it all, one thing remained constant: neither of them ever really questioned whether it would work. Friends and family understandably had questions about how a relationship spanning two continents would unfold. But rather than focusing on the obstacles, they focused on each other and how much they enjoyed simply spending time together.

The bride and groom pose for their wedding photos in orange chairs in the Historic Properties, Halifax NS before their Lower Deck wedding.

Looking back, they believe those many months of conversations, even when separated by a computer screen, gave them the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their relationship. And eventually, all those miles between them led to one very special day in Halifax.

A Halifax Wedding Filled With Family, Friends and So Much Joy

When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew exactly the kind of celebration they wanted. Nothing overly formal or structured. They envisioned a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a little bit of that traditional kitchen party feeling. A day where everyone could feel included, comfortable and completely at home celebrating together.

The bride and groom goofing around with the rings and the beverages during their wedding at the Lower Deck in Halifax, NS.

The Tap Room at the Lower Deck was the perfect fit. There was also a little sentimental connection to the location. During Ingo’s first visit to Halifax at the beginning of their relationship, the two had spent a Saturday afternoon at the Lower Deck. Having their wedding celebration there felt like a fitting way to bring another piece of their story full circle. With its waterfront setting, intimate atmosphere and welcoming feel, the Tap Room offered everything they had envisioned.

A wedding reception set up at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS.

The wedding reception table setup at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS.

The wedding reception head table setup at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS.

But what made the day truly special wasn’t just the setting. It was the people who filled it. With family and friends travelling from different parts of Canada and Germany to celebrate with them in Halifax, having everyone together in one place was something they didn’t take for granted. In fact, they knew it was likely a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of so many of their favourite people.

The bride and groom walk up the aisle together during their wedding ceremony at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

The bride and groom during their wedding ceremony at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS.

That sense of gratitude and excitement carried through every part of the celebration. There was laughter, connection, plenty of joy and exactly the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere they had hoped for. Afterwards, friends told them it was one of the best weddings they had ever attended. I’d say that’s a pretty wonderful reflection of the day they created!

The bride and groom seen from the balcony during their wedding ceremony at the Lower Deck in Halifax, NS.

The bride and groom exchange their wedding rings during their ceremony at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS.

The bride and groom tie the knot during their wedding ceremony at the Lower Deck Taproom in Halifax NS

The bride and groom tie the knot during their wedding ceremony at the Lower Deck in Taproom in Halifax NS.

The new Mr and Mrs Grella, newly weds at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

The first dance with guests blowing bubbles at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

The Best Part Was Having Everyone Together

When I asked them about their favourite wedding day moment, they found it difficult to choose just one. And really, that makes perfect sense. For them, the most meaningful part was looking around and seeing so many family members and friends who had travelled significant distances to be there. Having everyone together, celebrating their relationship and sharing in such an important milestone, was a gift in itself.

Sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t necessarily the big planned ones. They’re the conversations, the laughter, the hugs and those little moments when you look around and realize just how lucky you are to have everyone you love in one place. Their wedding was filled with those moments.

The bride and groom pose for a fun wedding photo with all of their guests on the Halifax waterfront.

A Little Advice for Couples Starting Their Own Love Story

When asked what advice they would offer couples just beginning their wedding planning journey, their answer was a lovely reminder that things don’t always have to unfold exactly as you expect.

Trust that you’ll land exactly where you’re meant to be. If they had spent all their time worrying about the apparent impossibility of a relationship between Canada and Germany, they might never have made it to their wedding day. Instead, they chose to enjoy getting to know one another, trust what they were building and take things one step at a time.

The bride and groom pose for wedding photos during their wedding at the Lower Deck in Halifax NS.

From a chance meeting on a beach holiday to months of video calls, international flights and finally bringing everyone together in Halifax, their story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you simply allow yourself to see where a connection takes you. And it all started with one dance, followed by a promise of another.