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Sonia said it was likely the couple had been out shopping for gifts to spoil each other when they celebrated the next day.

Anderson, 40, and Sorena, 36, were an adventurous duo, travelling extensively together. They had explored Hawaii shortly before the pandemic and had viewed wedding venues to start planning their perfect ceremony.

Sorena was the most generous person, her sister said. While they were growing up, Sorena would spend her entire allowance on gifts for her family and friends, and she never grew out of her kindness toward others.

“Despite her having to adjust to a new life when we moved to Canada, a new culture, a new school and language, she did everything in her power to protect me, always,” Sonia said. “Right now, we all feel like we are sleepwalking through a nightmare — a nightmare that we’re all waiting, begging, pleading to wake up from.”

The loss for both families is inconceivable, Sonia said.

Anderson had played on a local hockey team — the Greengate Gargoyles — with two of his childhood best friends for more than 20 years.

“Dan was always a super likable guy. He worked at the City of Calgary for 14 years and I’m sure they’re devastated over this as well. He made a lot of friends wherever he went,” said Jonathan Graham, one of Anderson’s childhood friends.

Graham said Anderson was the happiest he had ever seen him when he was with Sorena.

This summer, the two friends golfed regularly and Graham will never forget their last game, when Anderson got four birdies in a row.