While the jarring image of a three-year-old Syrian boy, who was found out washed up on a beach in Turkey in September, struck a chord with the vast majority of the public, one couple from Canada were so moved by the heartbreaking photograph they chose to reconsider a significant moment in their relationship.

Like many couples set to tie the knot, Samantha Jackson and Farzin Yousef had put a huge amount of time and effort into planning their big day, but it appears recent global events changed their perspective and forced them to reconsider their plans.
 


Drawing a line through their guest list and cancelling their venue, the couple, who got engaged in 2014, chose to exchange vows in Toronto's City Hall so that they would be in a position to donate the money saved to help the plight of Syrian refugees settling in Canada.

Commenting on their decision, newlywed, Samantha, told ABC News that the image of Aylan, who lost his life fleeing his native country, moved the couple to such an extent they were no longer comfortable spending vast amounts of money on their wedding ceremony.

"Like so many other people, we became acutely aware of how bad the situation was getting and how important it was to act and do something positive, so we cancelled the wedding and redirected the funds," she explained.
 


Enthused by the couple's decision, friends and family members joined their efforts, with Samantha revealing: "Our family and friends were absolutely thrilled and supportive… and rather than giving the traditional gift, they made donations to help fund our sponsorship of a Syrian refugee family."

Buoyed by their change of plans and proud of their efforts, the newly-married Samantha reflected on her and her husband's touching decision before asserting: "It was definitely the perfect way to start our marriage."

What a truly wonderful gesture.

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