Alicia Shonuga

Wedding & Events Planner

Hi there! I’m Alicia, lead planner and co-founder of truejoyweddings. While my path to wedding planning is a little unconventional, it’s one rooted in both heart and precision.

After earning my B.Sc in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo in 2015, I stepped into the world of weddings in early 2016 as an Assistant Wedding & Events Coordinator with Annie Melissa Events in Toronto, Canada. That same year, I found myself joyfully planning weddings for friends—unintentionally planting the seeds for what would become truejoyweddings.

By 2019, I officially launched the business, serving couples across the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Toronto regions. That same season, I met and married the one whom my soul loves and we planned our own intimate elopement at Toronto City Hall in 2018. After a year and a half of long-distance marriage during the visa process, I joined my Chicago-native husband in early 2020. Soon after, truejoyweddings found its new home in Chicago, as well.

With nearly a decade of experience and a deep love for the planning process, I’ve had the joy of guiding couples through weddings of all styles, cultures, and sizes. My scientific background has sharpened my attention to detail—an instinct developed in labs where precision was everything. Today, I bring that same care and intentionality to every timeline, layout, and vendor relationship.

At truejoyweddings, we’re committed to creating seamless, joy-filled celebrations that reflect your story in every detail—so you can fully savor the beginning of your next chapter.

Deric Shonuga

Wedding & Events Planner

Hey! I’m Deric—husband to Alicia, day-of assistant, and the other half of truejoyweddings.

I officially joined the team in 2021 after witnessing firsthand the joy and passion that radiated from Alicia as she planned weddings and connected with her couples. It was clear this work was more than a job for her—it was a calling. I knew I wanted to be part of it.

While my role is often behind the scenes, it’s deeply rooted in presence and care. On wedding days, I’m there to ensure everything and everyone flows with ease—offering calming pep talks, tracking down last-minute items, helping guests with accessibility needs, and stepping in wherever needed to keep things moving smoothly.

My goal is to make sure each person involved in your day feels seen, heard, and supported—from the vendors to the VIP guests to the couple themselves. I bring a steady, thoughtful perspective to complement Alicia’s meticulous planning, and together, we work in harmony to ensure your wedding day is not only seamless—but filled with warmth, ease, and joy.