It all started with a swipe right.

Noah Johnston and Mykaila Symes met on Hinge, a modern love story that began between two cities. At the time, Mykaila was living in Toronto but visiting her family in Stittsville. One great first date at a Greek restaurant turned into countless travel back and forth between Ottawa and Toronto, and for over a year the two managed a long-distance relationship, rarely going more than two weekends apart.

From a young age, Mykaila lived and breathed dance. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Stittsville, she pursued her passion all the way to New York City, training at the world-renowned Alvin Ailey School of Dance for three years. Her dedication led her to dance professionally for Royal Caribbean in the musical CATS performing on the Oasis of the Seas.

After her time at sea, Mykaila settled in Toronto, where she got her Bachelor's Degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, worked as a personal trainer and worked in restaurant operations for a healthy food chain, a role that perfectly suited her love for wellness, nutrition and business. Over time, she found herself craving a slower pace of life and fell for the charming town of Metcalfe, where she made Noah's house into a home (and where Noah officially became “dog dad” to Moose, the miniature dachshund who quickly stole his heart). Now, she’s thriving in a career in People Operations within the cybersecurity industry, while also teaching Dance and Pilates.

Noah is incredibly proud of the family and friends who have surrounded him throughout his life and of the strong sense of community that defines Metcalfe, a place that continues to shape his values and relationships. Growing up, he had a great hockey career, playing for teams across Ottawa and forming friendships that have lasted to this day.

Deeply connected to his roots, Noah takes pride in giving back by serving on the Metcalfe Fair Board, helping to support the community that means so much to him. Beyond sports and community, Noah loves hunting and recently experienced a trip of a lifetime big-game hunting in Colorado with three of his closest buddies an adventure that perfectly reflects his love of the outdoors, camaraderie, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Noah has had an entrepreneurial spark for as long as he can remember. After selling his first business while still in university, he joined the family business, where he continues to work today all while pursuing new business ventures and growing his leadership experience. Noah has always valued balance: hard work, good health, time with loved ones, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

Together, Noah and Mykaila love soaking up life’s simple joys and shared adventures. They’re passionate travellers — especially fond of Costa Rica and can’t wait to continue to explore the world. Whether they’re trying new restaurants, discovering creative workouts, wandering through local markets, or cooking healthy meals together at home, they find joy in every shared experience. They love taking walks with Moose, hosting friends for cozy dinners and lively parties, dreaming and planning future adventures, sneaking in kisses, and most of all, laughing together until their bellies hurt.

From the beginning, Noah and Mykaila bonded over their shared values: a love for healthy living, staying active, and constantly working toward becoming the best versions of themselves. Their relationship has always been rooted in balance: friends, family, professional growth, health, and financial freedom.

They are endlessly grateful for the strong examples set by their families and are excited to one day start a family of their own, one built on love, laughter and living fully in every moment.

And of course, Moose will be right there with them, wagging his tail every step of the way.

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