Mix-ups and similarities are not uncommon occurrences. However, at a wedding in Vancouver Island this summer, guests found it challenging to distinguish between the bride, Felicia Harding, and her friend Brittany Delaney. Despite the bride donning a white dress, the two petite women with brown curly hair, bangs, and wide smiles were often mistaken for each other.
Even the groom, on multiple occasions, approached Delaney, who resides in St. Albert, Alta., assuming she was the bride. Harding mentioned that many friends later admitted they were aware of Delaney’s presence but mistakenly identified her as the bride.
This mix-up has become a familiar situation for these women, having initially met due to their uncanny resemblance. Delaney, the owner of Confections Cake Company in St. Albert, and Harding, a musician in Victoria, were introduced six years ago when Delaney’s former art teacher noticed their striking similarities during one of Harding’s concerts. This led to a social media post that sparked their connection.
Their online interactions over five years strengthened their bond, primarily based on their twin-like features. When Harding planned a trip to Edmonton, they decided to meet in person. Delaney’s mother and son picked up Harding, and during the encounter, Delaney’s son was momentarily confused by the resemblance until he saw his mother.
Apart from physical similarities, both women share West Coast roots, having grown up near each other on Vancouver Island. They discovered that their voices, mannerisms, and entrepreneurial spirit are also alike. Their bond deepened to the extent that Delaney even baked Harding’s wedding cake and delivered it to the island for the celebration.
Despite taking a DNA test that revealed no direct familial connection, they plan to explore further by obtaining more DNA from relatives on their father’s side. Their friendship has proven to be more significant than shared genetics, and they continue to be surprised by the resemblance they share.
Delaney’s son still mistakes photos and videos of Harding for his mother, while Harding admits to often doing a double-take when coming across images of Delaney online. The enduring friendship between these doppelgängers continues to be both fascinating and surreal to them.