Six weeks before her planned wedding, Hannah Carnat-Gronnerud faced unimaginable loss when her fiancé, Ian, died in a sudden workplace accident on July 17, 2025. He was just 31 years old.
A Devastating Turn
Hannah received the devastating news via a phone call she describes as the worst of her life. “It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying,” she recalls. “You never think this could happen to you.”
The couple had shared nearly seven years together, capturing their journey through photos and videos on social media. “I feel so lucky to have all those videos,” Hannah says. “No matter how difficult the memories are, I feel incredibly lucky that I got to be with him.”
Honoring Their Love
Rather than cancel their wedding plans, Hannah gathered friends and family for the planned weekend. She wore her wedding dress to celebrate and honor the love they shared.
Supporting her was Nellie Horvat, a close friend and wedding planner with Chamred Events. The sudden shift from joy to tragedy left Horvat reeling. “One day we’re talking about cake, and the next I get a phone call that this tragedy happened,” Horvat explains. “I think my heart stopped.”
Grieving Openly and Building Connections
As Hannah navigates life without Ian, she emphasizes the value of “grieving out loud” in her healing process. “Although it’s one of the most shared experiences, it’s also so personal, confusing, all-encompassing, and can feel incredibly debilitating,” she notes. “Learning to trust yourself and those around you is so vital.”
Approaching Valentine’s Day, Hannah sought companionship and wondered if other widows felt isolated too. She posted a video online inviting women and widows to connect instead of facing the day alone. The response overwhelmed her, with support coming from across Canada and the United States.
“I really just put out a video saying when are we doing this, and that this is happening, and the response has been incredible,” Hannah shares. “Both online and offline, people have absolutely showed up.”
This outpouring inspired Hannah and Horvat to co-organize a free Valentine’s Day gathering for women and widows. Hannah encourages open communication about emotions. “I know being vulnerable online is so difficult for so many people,” she advises. “I’m not suggesting anybody does that, but I am suggesting people really try to communicate what they’re feeling with those around them so they can get better support.”
Horvat praises Hannah’s resilience. “It makes me really proud of her,” Horvat says. “The fact that she was able to pull herself up and use her voice for something so beautiful. Not just anybody could do that.”
A Space for Healing
The event focuses on creating a supportive environment rather than replacing lost love. “I hope they feel safe, accepted, and held, whether they’re grieving or not,” Hannah hopes. “I hope this space is for them to be themselves, to show up as they are.”
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 at @thatgrlhannah.
