Melissa L

ABOUT ME..

I’m a bit of a numbers nerd with a creative heart. Professionally, I’m a bank manager and property manager, and I genuinely love anything to do with finance, real estate, and problem-solving. I manage rental properties, run an Airbnb, and am always working on a renovation or dreaming up the next project... think HGTV, just without the cameras!

I grew up in Richmond, BC, in a family where dogs were basically siblings. I’m an only child due to my parents’ secondary infertility, but my life has always been full of family, cousins, and connection. After moving through Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, and eventually Toronto, I found my home here. I studied Sociology and Psychology at Brock University and managed a student housing rental for ten years.

I was always busy growing up, competitive dance, sports, gymnastics, crafts, and that creative energy is still a big part of who I am. I’ve always loved capturing memories through photos and scrapbooks, hosting gatherings, and creating meaningful moments.

These days, I love cooking (chicken schnitzel, paprikash, soups, and baking), experimenting with healthier versions of comfort food, staying active with gym and bootcamp workouts, and spending time on home projects. Travel is a big passion too, Disney is my happy place, Europe holds a special place in my heart, and Ireland is at the top of my bucket list.

At my core, I’m family-oriented, grounded, and intentional, and I’m so excited about growing our family with love, care, and gratitude.

BRIAN THROUGH MY EYES...

Brian is truly a miracle worker. Even while he is balancing a hundred different things, he shows up with calm, steadiness, and reassurance. Our life together is full and vibrant- two businesses, shared dreams, family, Mia and Phoebe, and all the moments that weave a story. Through every season, Brian has been my constant, the quiet strength and love at the heart of it all.

When I feel overwhelmed, sad, or full of doubt, he is the one who holds my hand, looks me in the eye, and reminds me that we will get through anything together. He is my rock, the reason I keep pushing forward and persevering, even when things feel heavy.

Brian is incredibly hardworking, compassionate, kind, empathetic, and selfless. He always thinks about how to make others happy before himself. He’s also wildly sarcastic in the best way, always quick with a comment, directly or indirectly, that catches me off guard and keeps us laughing. Even when moments begin seriously, they almost always end with us laughing together.

While he’s amazing at multitasking and big-picture thinking, he’s admittedly terrible with admin and paperwork, often handing me crumpled receipts pulled from a bag like it’s totally normal. It’s part of his charm. He’s spontaneous, go-with-the-flow, and brings lightness to our life.

As a dad, Brian is deeply loving and attentive. The same goes for me and Phoebe. When Brian is present, he is fully present, no phone, no TV, no sports, just his full attention. Family always comes first, and everything in our life is built around being a true family unit.

Because Brian didn’t get to experience full-time parenting with Mia in the traditional sense, he is especially excited to raise another child together, to give Mia a sibling, to share our values, and to experience parenting as a complete family. Our shared commitment to family, love, and togetherness is at the core of everything we do.

ABOUT ME..

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind and love turning ideas into something real. I’m a general contractor and run two companies, and I genuinely enjoy building, fixing, and improving things. I stay busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Some of my favourite ideas arrive when I least expect them- sparked by a joke, a late-night conversation, or a problem no one else has quite solved yet. I love creativity, problem – solving, and the thrill of making something out of nothing. I was born and raised in Toronto in a very close family. My mom is Irish, my dad is French, and family time has always been a priority. I grew up building things from a young age, helping neighbours with projects, taking things apart and rebuilding them, and finding ways to earn a few dollars along the way. That hands-on mindset has never left me.

Outside of work, I play baseball, bowl in a league, and enjoy staying active. I also love creating experiences for others through our properties and Airbnbs.

My girls are the light of my life. I look forward to every day we have together, especially our nightly movie tradition. No matter what’s happening in life or work, quality time with family always comes first.

Melissa THROUGH MY EYES..

Melissa is one of the most selfless people I know. She is always there to help, always thinking of others, and consistently puts everyone else’s needs before her own. Her capacity to care is something I admire deeply.

As a stepmom, she treats Mia as if she were her own in every way. No matter the circumstances, Melissa will drop everything to make sure Mia feels safe, supported, and endlessly loved. She’s incredibly in tune with Mia’s needs and emotions, and she brings out parts of her I’ve never seen before. They truly are best friends, and Melissa is always making sure Mia has everything she needs to thrive.

The same goes for Phoebe, she is very much Melissa’s baby. Our plans often revolve around what’s best for her, and Melissa always prioritizes helping her adapt, feel secure, and be happy. Watching her care so deeply makes me even more excited to see her as a mom to our future child. She’s already an incredible parent, and I can’t wait to see her love a child we share together.

Melissa is thoughtful, caring, and deeply intuitive, but she’s also always in motion. She can’t sit still, starts one thing and moves effortlessly into the next, bringing depth and reflection to everything she does, while I’m more inclined to leap first. That balance is exactly why we work so well together.

She’s also the keeper of our memories. Melissa is always capturing moments, especially the small, meaningful ones. She notices the beauty in the everyday moments we spend together. What once felt unfamiliar to me has become something I deeply treasure. There’s one road we drive where she takes a photo every single time. I used to laugh, tease her, and wonder why- now I understand. One day, those memories will mean everything. Pieces we’ll look back on and cherish as part of our love story. Above all, Melissa is the strongest woman I know. I don’t think I could have endured what she’s faced through her cancer and fertility journey with the same grace and perseverance. She continues to move forward with strength, love, and determination, and I’m endlessly proud of her.