Our little wedding-loving hearts can’t help but pitter-patter when we look at photos of this stunningly classic and vintage-gorgeous Happily Ever After. One of the sweetest brides we’ve ever met married the love of her life surrounded by all-things-beautiful; from her army of bridesmaid angels in flowing ivory gowns, to the teeny-tiny flower girls dressed in teeny-tiny tutus complete with teeny-tiny little pink ballet slippers. Could it get any more picture-perfect than this?
Last week, we hooked up with Jennifer of mINK Creative for yet another fabulous downtown Toronto soiree. This time, we were guests at the Marché Restaurant VIP Corporate Diva gala. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this culinary gem, Marché is nestled in Brookfield Place at Yonge and Wellington, street level, in the heart of the finance district in downtown Toronto. It’s the biggest Swiss Moevenpick restuarant in the world, seating close to 600 guests. Complete with cosmopolitan MuvBar and chic MuvBox Patio for 143 guests, Marché can satisfy any scrumptious gourmet’s discerning tastebuds. The restaurant’s entire menu is prepared at food stations right before your eyes – with ingredients that you choose!
What caught this wedding planner’s attention? The Marché space can be used for anything from breakfasts + lunches + after-work drinks to romantic dinners, wedding receptions, bridal showers, corporate meetings, and everything in between. Beyond the walls of the market itself? They cater! Just the other day I was sitting with a bride at an urban downtown wedding venue, discussing the logistics of having a brunch catered to her hotel room the morning of her wedding. Marché is the perfectly fresh solution – with menu options for even your pickiest bridesmaid. (Oh, and don’t forget how amazingly convenient it is – with hours of operation from 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. every night of the week, and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!)
Here are a few shots from our evening toasting to women, business, and downtown swank ::
{ with special Thanks }
A heartfelt Thank You goes out to the beautiful Larysa of Marché for extending the Corporate Diva invite to us, to Michelle of Shoppers Drug Mart (and Clarins) for the cosmetic and fragrance samples we were lavished with all night long, and to Jennifer of mINK Creative for coming along to celebrate the corporate diva that she is, (and, ofcourse, to capture it all!). Judging by how the centrepieces turned out, it was definitely a hot night and we can’t wait to do it again!
Last week we had the opportunity to witness best friends Jenn and Ned exchange marriage vows at the brink of the majestic Niagara Falls, Ontario. Our bride and groom took centre stage inside romantic Rambler’s Rest for their wedding ceremony and it was nothing but blue skies and sunshine for this special WG couple. An intimate ceremony shared with only a handful of their closest loved ones was followed by a private photo session with Jennifer Hortin of mINK Creative Photographic, who managed to capture the elegance, beauty, and love that swirled about all day long. From their First Look over the fountains of the Fallsview Casino, to their loving embraces in the gardens of the Niagara Parks, Jenn and Ned were so obviously in love with one another that it was impossible not to be enraptured in the magic the two of them felt as they finally became husband and wife.
{Behind – The – Scenes }
All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a more loving couple, for more beautiful weather, or a more perfect day. Jenn and Ned – wishing you nothing but blue skies and sunshine along your journey through life. We love you both!
Last night, Jenn (the fab photog behind mINK Creative) and I cracked a bottle of Misterio Argentinian Malbec (it was AMAZING – definitely a must-try).
We caught up on life, chatted business for a bit, then donned some stilettos, and headed out on the town. Our destination? Industry Night at the Toronto Centre For The Arts (with a special Thanks going out to Derek for extending an invitation!) We were super excited to see what the Centre has to offer brides-to-be beyond its theatrical loveliness – and were so pleasantly surprised! First and foremost…. SO easy to get to + find parking (which, let’s face it, is a big deal in Toronto).
We were greeted by smiling faces and top-notch hospitality – particularly the glasses of wine poured and waiting in some couture stemware. The chard was a tad acidic for my palate, the red…. delish!
Everywhere we turned we bumped into fabulously hospitable industry pros, and even had a lovely staff member (Nancy, I believe?) offer to take a picture for us (even though she’d never used an iPhone) – how sweet! (the poor lighting was totally my fault).
We perused the gorgeous hors d’oeuvres displays, took in some classy little floral accents, and visited a few modern, carte-blanche event spaces perfect for some contemporary Happily Ever Afters. I’m dying to show this space to some of my real-world brides!
Most amazing gnocchi and my first time trying duck confit courtesy of Loic Gourmet…
Fabulous little chocolate + raspberry panna cotta treats from 10tation Catering…
Awesome chocolate mousse and rice pudding (to follow a wicked salmon + mango salsa + couscous treat) from A La Carte Kitchen Inc…
We also had the pleasure of meeting the lovelies (Anna and Mark) at Kostel Photo – wedding + lifestyle photographers from Port Credit.
Not sure who designed these beautiful little details – but the punch of colour was amazing! (and this is a super cost-efficient centrepiece alternative!)
Look at my lovely beauty — those eyelashes are do-die-for! Thanks for coming, Jenn!
The only shot of the two of us with relatively ambient lighting….. love this girl <3
{ Sponsor Shout-outs}
All in all, it was a fabulous night – with all kinds of Thanks for the yumminess, awesome service, and our fab Swag Bags delivered by….
This past summer, an amazing WG couple, Amrita and Darrel, tied the knot in Toronto.
Their Hindu ceremony took place on Saturday of the May long weekend, complete with the handsome groom arriving on horseback and the absolutely stunning bride carrying an elegant white bouquet of roses and orchids.
A Western wedding ceremony and reception followed on Sunday, with festivities set to take place at the gorgeous Toronto Botanical Gardens. Purples, whites, blacks and bling inspired this stunningly elegant celebration.
Mother Nature couldn’t quite decide what she wanted to do with the weather for Amrita and Darrel. Our day went from beautifully overcast to slightly spitting… and back and forth again. We tried to make a rain call earlier in the day, but had our hearts set on pulling off an outdoor ceremony if possible. Even though we initially set up our ceremony decor outdoors in the Botanical Gardens courtyard, we also had to consider the threat the weather posed to our live musician’s equipment, and ultimately opted for a chic indoor setup instead.
Following a beautifully personalized wedding ceremony, the Newlyweds and their wedding party traveled to Union Station for some downtown urban photos and rejoined their guests in the evening for dinner and dancing at Woodbine Banquet Hall.
Here are some of the Behind-The-Scenes photos I quickly snapped with my iPhone throughout the day….
* note how we opted to re-use the ceremony aisle decor in front of the head table! the extra bit of candlelight added some dimension and romantic ambiance to the head table display.
Last year, our WG team met an amazing couple – Bobbie and Dave, who wanted to plan an intimate autumn wedding. WG Planner, Catriona, was up for the challenge of helping Bobbie create a picture-perfect Happily Ever After on a budget… and the results were incredible!
Bobbie had a gorgeous Autumn Harvest-inspired, country-rustic wedding vision. She wanted her nearest and dearest to experience all things Fall-elegant, from mulled apple cider to Vintage + Harvest inspired decor in an intimate, welcoming venue. Catriona helped Bobbie find Navy Hall in Niagara On The Lake – a DIY wedding venue that boasts some serious charm on a budget.
From custom-designed Save-The-Date wedding maps (made by the super-talented NattyMichelle on Etsy)…..
… to hand-made itinerary chalkboards….
… Bobbie spared no decor detail (she even planned to burn down the gorgeous array of pillar candles in the Navy Hall fireplace so they looked more rustic and authentic!)
While we splurged on renting elegant chiavari chairs from Simply Beautiful Decor, money was saved by creating a DIY backdrop (using Ikea curtains), making DIY bunting banners, and providing the florist (super-talented Melanie from Lush) with mason jars and various country-inspired containers for her spectacular creations.
Bobbie and Dave opted for an indoor ceremony to avoid any weather complications (always a key factor in a Fall wedding!) and guests enjoyed a beautiful personalized ceremony delivered by Sheldon Kofsky of Niagara Region Weddings.
The stunning bride walked down the aisle on her own, meeting her handsome groom half-way down the aisle. The two walked to front of the ceremony together to symbolize the joint commitment they were making to enter into marriage.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed hot apple cider and hors d’oeuvres provided by the fabulous catering by David Glover – the Highland Chef. David also hand-crafted the evening’s dinner menu, complete with BBQ’d ribs, slow-roasted beef, and delicious fixings.
A DIY dessert table was a lovely treat following the succulent meal, and led guests into an early evening of dancing and celebration of love, laughter, and Happily Ever After.
Details of the wedding day were captured by Charity Swords Photography, and here are some of her favourites!
A HUGE thank-you goes out to WG planner + coordinator, Catriona, for being alongside Bobbie and Dave every step of the planning way. Here’s to wishing this fabulous bride and groom the picture-perfect ending to their beautiful beginning. Congratulations!!
Last week, we visited the magnificent and historical Scottish Rite Club of Hamilton – an exquisite combination of modern day amenities and classic elegance!
Located in the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, the Scottish Rite Club is a gorgeous setting for a truly unique event. With spaces to accommodate groups from 8 to 350, this hidden venue gem combines expert staff with a historic setting to create a truly memorable Ever After celebration!
{ the Ceremony}
The Scottish Rite offers various ceremony location options, from their beautifully manicured grounds enclosed in romantic black wrought-iron gates, intimate celebrations in the Round Room, to grand nuptial productions in the majestic Cathedral.
{ the Cathedral }
Ceremonies amidst the grandeur of the Cathedral at Scottish Rite boast rich upholstered seating, elegant lighting, soaring 50-foot ceilings, and a sophisticated, 4,000 pipe, 1922 Casavant Organ (with organist included).
Dozens of hand-painted backdrops are available to set the stage for your ceremony, whether you’re looking to create a romantic Renaissance Cathedral theme (pictured above) or an English Garden setting. No detail has been overlooked in the meticulous creation of these backdrops – right down to lights placed directly behind the Cathedral setting’s stained-glass windows to create the look of natural sunlight pouring through. You can collaborate between setting and music to create anything from a gothic, “Phantom Of The Opera” ceremony to a whimsical, airy, celebration of love.
{ the Photos }
Newlywed photos can be done right on site amongst the beautiful gardens, in the grand Cathedral, or throughout the various spaces inside the Scottish Rite building.
Located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, this venue is easily accessible from the QEW and offers your guests ample complimentary parking onsite, as well as various accommodation options in the immediate area.
{ the Reception – Round Room }
Reception options at the Scottish Rite are dependent on your guest count. Last January, we coordinated a beautifully intimate wedding celebration for a lovely couple who opted to host their reception (of about 80 guests) in the Round Room.
{ the Reception – Ballroom }
Coming up in the Fall of 2012 and the Summer of 2013, we are planning to host two larger weddings at the Scottish Rite, both set in the Ballroom – with its high ceilings and blank-slate decor that will allow us to create our brides’ unique, creative decor visions within the space.
{ an Inclusive venue }
The Scottish Rite is a full service catering venue. Its extensive menu options and beverage packages are remarkably affordable, complemented by professional catering and serving staff that will even-further accentuate your guests’ experience. You can choose to opt for an inclusive decor package provided by the venue, or take your Food + Beverage savings and use them to bring in your own decorator to transform the space into whatever your wedding heart desires!
{ a Real Wedding }
Just to show you some of the unique and creative ways we opted to use the Scottish Rite venue space at our last wedding….
We received guests in the main lobby…. (and gave them cute little DIY Ferrero Rocher escort cards)
… served cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the dining room….
… Offered drinks in both the Lounge and in the Rotunda….
… and served dinner in the Round Room.
(on a side note: the food was FANTASTIC and I’ll never forget how delicious the specialty Panna Cotta dessert was)
… and after dinner we treated guests to an Irish dancing performance courtesy of Reaney Academy.
Looking for additional information on Scottish Rite? Be sure to visit their website!
“You’ll hear it in the click of your heels on the Italian marble floors. You’ll see it in the towering walls of oak paneling. You’ll feel it in the billowing Versace™ draperies.” - with a description like THAT welcoming you to their website, how could you NOT want to visit LIUNA Station?
An acronym for The Laborers’ International Union of North America, LIUNA offers classic, timeless luxury. This architectural masterpiece is testimony to rail travel’s popularity and is reminiscent of the opulence of a golden era.
LIUNA Station has been lovingly and carefully restored to its original splendour. Complete with incredible Art Deco statues and paintings, Italian marble floors and ornate ceilings, this venue offers some of the most extraordinary detail available to brides in the Hamilton and surrounding areas.
{ the Grand Lobby }
LIUNA’s Grand Lobby, complete with original marble columns and a unique gold and copper ceiling, is formerly the concourse of the train station. This immense room also doubled as the general waiting room for passengers or eager relatives. The Grand Lobby can comfortably accommodate groups of 150 to 300 guests.
Whether you choose for the Grand Lobby to simply greet your guests, host your cocktail reception or even provide the backdrop for your ceremony, its towering ceilings and lavish furnishings, are bound to leave your guests in awe.
{ the Continental Express Ballroom }
LIUNA Station offers two elegant ballrooms to host your group. For smaller, more intimate events, the Continental Express Ballroom provides seating for 75-150 guests. This space was formerly the cafe for the train station and served to accommodate many travellers for a quick bite to eat!
{ the Grand Central Ballroom }
If your wedding guest list tilts the scales at 250-700, the immense structure known as LIUNA’s Grand Ballroom is one of the most lavish banquet halls you can choose. Formerly serving as the Station’s waiting area, this majestic ballroom now provides brides with a gorgeous space to host their majestic day!
{ the Grounds }
Pristinely manicured hedges surround colourful gardens and a classic water fountain directly outside LIUNA Station. This space offers Newlyweds and wedding parties a gorgeous photo location without additional travel.
Located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, this venue is easily accessible from the QEW and offers your guests ample complimentary parking onsite, as well as various accommodation options in the immediate area.
{ an Inclusive venue }
LIUNA Station is a full service catering venue, with service modeled after the world’s finest dining destinations. Comprehensive menu and beverage packages allow brides to know that no detail has been spared, with all catering logistics (i.e. linens, tables, chairs, tableware, and flatware) covered in an inclusive per person cost. You can work closely with the LIUNA team to custom-tailor your menu to reflect your culture, your personal tastes, and even create signature bar drinks that match your colour scheme!
Looking for additional information on LIUNA Station? Be sure to visit their website!
A popular wedding spot for both Niagara-area and GTA brides, Ball’s Falls offers natural beauty and wildlife at its best, spectacular vistas from the Niagara Escarpment, and the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara’s other falls. This showcase of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage offers you an eco-wedding experience like none other!
With a range of both heritage and conservation buildings and facilities, your wedding can be staged indoors, outdoors or perhaps even a bit of both! The Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, Ball’s Falls Historical Church and The Big Barn are the main facilities and offer a diversity of settings and experiences – and dozens of photo opportunities within steps of eachother!
{ the Ceremony – Balls Falls chapel }
Nestled on the scenic Niagara Escarpment at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, the Ball’s Falls historical church accommodates up to 110 guests. The interior of this restored chapel features warm wood-tones: both rustic and elegant. The chapel is heated to provide year-round access and the site has ample free parking for guests. Weddings can be accommodated at the Centre for Conservation or The Big Barn. With convenient highway access, this area is the perfect storybook setting for your special day!
A pump organ is available for your use at no extra cost. You must arrange your own organist (contacts are available). Other instruments may be used by your arrangement.
Chapel rentals are two hours long and can start at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. The church must be decorated during your rental time allotted, since other weddings may be booked before and after your wedding.
{ the Ceremony – Balls Falls Centre – Glen Elgin room patio }
Located directly outside the Glen Elgin reception room inside the Centre, this beautiful patio is a perfect place for a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony!
Ceremonies can also be held inside the Centre and inside the Big Barn (typically used as reception space, but a fabulous rain-plan alternative if needed!)
{ the Reception – Balls Falls Centre – Glen Elgin Room }
The Glen Elgin room seats 120 guests (including your wedding party) at round tables (which must be brought in) or 150 guests (including your wedding party) at rectangular tables (provided by the centre). Outside chairs, unfortunately, cannot be brought in.
{ the Reception – Balls Falls Centre – Big Barn }
The Big Barn provides a rustic + country backdrop for eco-inspired brides. Seating a maximum of 190 guests (including the wedding party), the Big Barn rental comes with wooden tables and white plastic chairs (that can be covered, but MUST be used – no outside chairs may be brought in).
{ a DIY venue }
As a wedding planner specializing in planning beautiful events on a budget, I’ve used the term “Do It Yourself” (or DIY) Venue to describe locations that allow brides and grooms to bring in their own caterer and alcohol. The savings that can be had as a result of this are often staggeringly high – but it does create some trickier planning logistics that brides need to be aware of. All catering and decorating arrangements at a DIY venue are the responsibility of the bride and groom. This includes bringing in your own tableware and flatware rentals – everything from cutlery and plates to glasses, salt and pepper shakers, and water jugs. If alcohol is being served, you must obtain a Special Occasion Permit, Party Alcohol Liability Insurance, and provide SmartServe certified bartenders. The hours of rental of Balls Falls venues are between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. – guests must depart and teardown must begin promptly (make sure to work this into your itinerary!) When planning a DIY venue wedding, make sure to consider things like locations of power outlets when seating your vendors. Think about DJ speaker placement in elation to elderly guests, and don’t forget to rent bread baskets! If you have specific DIY venue questions, or even questions about your wedding plans at Balls Falls – feel free to ask!
Our WG team loves it when our favourite Showcase Vendors do amazing work for their brides and grooms…. and here is a perfect example from the fabulous Gala Decor!
Gianna and Nick’s wedding reception was held at the stunningly historic Liuna Station in downtown Hamilton, Ontario.
(This gorgeous image was captured by Derek Purdy, a Hamilton-based travel photographer – featured on the JessGetsCreative blog!)
With visions of a soft colour palate to accentuate the character of the venue, the Gala team suggested Champagne Satin table linens, adorned with elegant Ivory Lace overlays and finished off with Champagne Satin chair covers. The romantically understated elegance lent itself well to both the contemporary and vintage elements of this wedding design. To add a hint of opulence, Gala Decor’s new steel gold charger plates and matching Champagne Satin napkins met each guest at their table place setting.
No beautiful wedding decor design is complete without the perfect amount of softness and sophistication brought by flowers. In this case, Antoneitta from Heavenly Creations added lush ivory and purple tones in the floral arrangements.
The head tables and cake table were draped with ivory and champagne fabrics accented with diamond embellishments, to captivate the guests from all angles of the venue. To complete the ambiance of the function space, the walls were washed with purple lighting.
A special thanks to Mark Anthony from Mark Anthony Studios for the featured wedding day photography, and Congratulations to Gianna and Nick from Gala Decor, Dynasty Limousine, and all of us at WeddingGirl.ca! May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future, together!
