Nothing about this wedding is cookie cutter. And I mean nothing. Rather than play into autumn cliches, Anna and David designed a contemporary affair with a sleek ballroom reception every style-loving bride should see. Tara O’Grady of Bliss Events planned, When He Found Her photographed, and the end result is a photo gallery we never want to leave.
From Tara O’Grady of Bliss Events… On a warm and sunny autumn afternoon, Anna and David celebrated their wedding on the shores of Lake Ontario atop of the famous Scarborough Bluffs at the Toronto Hunt Club. Anna wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown with Manolo Blahnik shoes and vintage art deco jewels. As a special touch to complete her look, Anna wore earrings from her mother which were passed on from her great grandmother.
Anna’s mother, a successful visual artist, conceptualized and hand drew the design featured on the invitations and wedding stationary. The design, which introduced the vibrant color and whimsical theme of cumquats, was carried throughout the wedding as a gentle nod to Canadian Thanksgiving and the colors of autumn. The delicate hand painted design was provided to local stationers, Paper & Poste who worked with the family to create the perfect invitation suite and day of stationary.
The ceremony was officiated by the Reverend of the bride’s family church and was delivered in a personal and friendly manner as he had known the bride since she was a little girl.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to the cobblestone terrace for cocktails and canapés featuring a raw bar and live jazz band to entertain the crowd. Guests were also greeted with a larger than life seating “script” that was hung in the trees. As with every detail of this wedding, the couple were eager to introduce an artistic alternative to the often seen placard or seating chart.
Guests were then introduced into the dining room where the character and style of the couple came to life. Contemporary, charcoal gray taffeta linens were softened by the rich greenery of the season and dotted with vibrant orange kumquats and distressed Chiavari chairs. Coordinating gray candlesticks and antique gold votives glowed offering a sleek and sophisticated look. The double sided head table placed in the middle of the room draped wth a fresh green garland and two dozen towering candlesticks served as the focal point of the room while surrounded by guest rounds. Seasonal flowers overflowing from antique urns flanked by slender candlesticks offered abundance and elegance to the surrounding guest tables. Guided by the seating scroll, guests were welcomed to their seats by personalized menus featuring the couple’s custom artwork.
Following dinner, the party was launched by the sought after, Dwayne Gretzky band. The 8-piece band kicked off the party with the couple’s first dance, a fast-paced, energizing rendition of “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Following the first dance, drinks flowed and revelers danced into the wee hours.
Anna and David’s wedding was a true testament to the art of the celebration!
Photography: Will Reid Photography | Event Planning: Tara O'Grady of Bliss Events | Floral Design: From The Potting Shed | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Rococoa Boutique | Stationery: Paper & Poste | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Catering: Toronto Hunt Club | Makeup: Wendy Rorong & Claudine Baltazar | Hair: Hair on the Avenue | Venue: Toronto Hunt Club | Chairs: Event Rental Group | Chargers & Votives: Plate Occasions | Linens: Around The Table | Taper Candles & Cylinders: Tara O'Grady of Bliss Events