Six weeks before her planned wedding, Hannah Carnat-Gronnerud faced unimaginable tragedy when her fiancé, Ian, died in a sudden workplace accident on July 17, 2025, at age 31. “I received a call that was the worst of my life—horrifying, absolutely horrifying,” Hannah shared. “You never imagine something like this happening to you.”
The Deep Bond and Lasting Memories
Hannah and Ian had shared nearly seven years together, capturing their journey through photos and videos on social media. “I feel so fortunate to have all those videos,” she reflected. “Even though revisiting those memories is painful, I’m grateful for the time we had.”
Rather than canceling their wedding plans entirely, Hannah gathered friends and family for a heartfelt weekend, donning her wedding dress to celebrate the love they built. Supporting her through this shift was close friend and wedding planner Nellie Horvat of Chamred Events. “One moment we’re discussing cake flavors, and the next, I hear about this devastating accident,” Nellie said. “My heart truly stopped.”
Embracing Grief Openly
As Hannah navigates life without Ian, she emphasizes the value of “grieving out loud” in her healing process. “Grief is a shared human experience, yet deeply personal, confusing, and overwhelming,” she explained. “It can feel debilitating, so trusting yourself and your support network is essential.”
Approaching Valentine’s Day, Hannah sought connection rather than solitude and wondered if other widows felt similarly. She posted a video online inviting women, especially widows, to join a communal gathering. “I simply asked when we should do this, and the outpouring of support has been overwhelming,” she noted. “People have stepped up both virtually and in person.”
A Collaborative Valentine’s Gathering
Responses flooded in from across Canada and the United States, inspiring Hannah and Nellie to organize a free event for women and widows. “Sharing vulnerabilities online isn’t for everyone, but expressing your needs to those nearby can lead to stronger support,” Hannah advised.
“I’m incredibly proud of Hannah,” Nellie added. “Pulling herself together to create something so meaningful—it’s not something just anyone could do.”
The event focuses on fostering a safe space amid loss, not replacing it. “I want attendees to feel safe, accepted, and supported, whether they’re grieving or simply seeking community,” Hannah said. “This should be a place to be authentic.”
Event Details
The Women and Widows’ Valentine’s Day gathering takes place in Calgary on February 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Interested participants can register via Hannah Carnat-Gronnerud’s Instagram page @thatgrlhannah.
