Weddings never fail to make me gush (obviously), but every so often I come across a day so special I can feel the love through the computer screen. This wedding from Meghan Andrews Photography is just such a fête. Romantic and timeless, yet personal and sweet – this gallery if gush-worthy to say the least.
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It took us a little while to decide what wedding style would suit us best. With so many beautiful examples and inspirations out there, it was easy to get confused. Luckily, after scouting out many types of venues, we discovered The Toronto Hunt which immediately felt like the perfect place for us. We fell in love with the building’s classical elegance and absolutely breathtaking views of Lake Ontario; specifically the outdoor ceremony location, which is situated right on the Scarborough bluffs. The location was a perfect complement to our underlying theme “It’s a Shore thing”, which is a nod to Adam’s last name. From the moment we first walked through the archway, to the wrought iron altar with the lake behind us and the sun peeking through the trees, we knew this was where we had to get married. Not only was the venue beautiful but the food and service were amazing! The general manager wowed the crowd with his sabering technique and added a unique touch that got everyone in the mood to celebrate!
I really enjoyed putting together the special touches for our day, from sewing table runners, crafting up a storm for our birdcage inspired card box and other décor items, ordering custom made invitations with lace accents, to slowly collecting vintage side plates from family and antique shops to be used as table numbers. We had vintage chalkboards painted in pale orchid and ivory on which my mom handcrafted beautiful chalk-art messages like “Happily Ever After Begins Here”. I also wanted guests to understand the importance of certain details to us, so I included hand written notes and chalkboard messages throughout the venue asking them to blow bubbles as we walked down the aisle, enjoy our favourite cocktail (a spicy Caesar), or to put on a party hat and let loose (a Grant family tradition). Of course I also couldn’t resist hanging a handmade “Match Maker” sign on our friend’s chair!
Although we had many light-hearted elements peppered throughout the day, the most fun had to be the midnight buffet which was themed as “Shore’s Poutinerie”, a cheeky parody of my husband’s all-time favourite Poutinerie in Toronto. Our paper boxes were lined with red-checkered wax paper and featured his face on a custom logo. We also hired a Slo Mo video booth to entertain our guests and act as a hilarious keepsake!
We made sure to include many other special touches like the vows we wrote for one another and my “something blue” which was a butterfly brooch my grandma had given me when I was young, nestled into the stem of my bouquet which was also wrapped in lace from my mother’s wedding gown. We had personal notes to our parents embroidered on handkerchiefs for their happy tears, our parents’ wedding photos displayed by our guestbook, and had a lovely toast dedicated to Adam’s father who passed only a few short months before the wedding.
For a girl who never fantasized about her wedding day as a child, I certainly lucked out because our wedding day was an absolute fairy tale from start to finish. Adam and his groomsmen started off their day with brunch at a local hotspot and toasted their way through getting dressed. While the girls and I leisurely got ready upstairs in our silk robes, taking funny selfies along the way. I remember seeing Adam from the window and saying “I’m so ready to marry that guy!” I walked down the aisle with my father to “Here comes the sun” played by a solo guitarist as butterflies circled us all. My bridesmaids wore soft orchid, floor-length dresses and the men wore charcoal grey Vera Wang tuxes with polkadot pocket squares. We had stunning bouquets of soft white hydrangeas, garden and kiera roses, ranunculus and baby’s breath. The altar was swathed in a sheer and flowing white fabric; and the aisle was lined with small white hydrangea arrangements. The ceremony was personal and private; we had time to look around at all of our wonderful guests who surrounded us, as our friends read passages we selected. Adam and I walked back down the aisle together to “We’re here for a good time” by Trooper (played again on the guitar) as our family and friends blew bubbles and cheered.
Photography: Meghan Andrews Photography | Videography: Slo Mo Booth | Wedding Dress: L & J Bridal | Wedding Cake: Fabulous Cakes | Stationery: Paper Damsels | Reception Venue: Toronto Hunt Club | Shoes: Browns | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jealous Bridesmaids | Groom's Attire: Moore's Clothing | Florist & Décor: Cool, Green & Shady | Wedding Jewelry: Creme De Luxe by Amy's Bridal Accessories