Zoë and Ben’s wedding in the heart of Toronto was a captivating fusion of urban sophistication and vibrant, personal details. Against a backdrop of crisp autumn air and the city’s energy, they crafted a day that felt intimate yet full of life. With bold florals, stylish attire, and heartfelt moments shared with their closest loved ones, the celebration captured the couple’s modern yet playful spirit, making their wedding an unforgettable experience.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Style: Intimate, relaxed, colorful
Time of planning: 3,5 weeks
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Restaurant
Season: Fall
Zoë and Ben’s story is one of connection and adventure. They met while working at a record label in Toronto. After they both experienced difficult life transitions, the support they had for one another was what eventually drew them closer together. Ben proposed during a trip to Greece at a scenic spot overlooking the ocean, a memory Zoë describes as simple but flawless: “We were delirious from jetlag and still in our pajamas, but the moment was perfect.”
Their wedding wishes were to create a day that reflected both their personalities, balancing elegance with a laid-back atmosphere where their closest friends and family could come together and celebrate in a way that felt authentically them.
Bridal Morning
Zoë’s bridal look was a stunning mix of romantic elegance and contemporary flair. For the ceremony, she wore a chic Cult Gaia dress paired with Miu Miu platform heels from The RealReal, a Grace Loves Lace veil, and carried a delicate Vanina beaded purse.
Bride’s bouquet was an explosion of bright autumn hues, with vibrant orange anthuriums and soft pink roses bringing a playful touch to her overall look. Her jewelry held deep personal significance, with pearl earrings from Mejuri, earcuffs from Jenny Bird, and three gold rings passed down from her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A diamond tennis bracelet, gifted by Ben, added a sparkling touch. She completed the look with Loewe Aura Pink Magnolia Eau de Parfum.
Groom's Fashion
Ben’s look was a modern take on elegance, blending comfort with his personal style. He wore an Issey Miyake pleated suit paired with a crisp white Uniqlo button-up and Maison Margiela Replica sneakers, creating an upscale version of his everyday fashion. His accessories added sentimental value—a gold bracelet designed by his parents, a silver ID bracelet from his late father, and diamond huggie earrings. To complete his look, he wore Maison Louis Marie No.09 Vallée de Farney Eau de Parfum, a fragrance that felt just as unique as his non-traditional yet sophisticated ensemble.
First Look
Zoë and Ben’s first look was a moment that neither will ever forget. Set on the second-floor balcony of Peter Pan Bistro, the excitement and anticipation built all afternoon. “We both had butterflies all afternoon,” Zoë recalls, laughing about how she was running a bit behind schedule. But the moment Ben turned around and their eyes met, everything fell into place. Their photographer, Scarlet O’Neill, perfectly captured all their emotions and love.
"The moment Ben turned around and we locked eyes on one another, it was as if a wave of relief overtook us. All the planning and excitement lead up to this one beautiful moment. Years of friendship, kindness, and love brought us together in a small restaurant in downtown Toronto."
Ceremony
Zoë and Ben’s ceremony began with a deeply personal Bedeken ceremony, a Jewish tradition where the groom veils the bride, symbolizing respect and commitment. Held at Peter Pan Bistro, a place that holds sentimental value thanks to the owner’s close friendship with the groom, the event took on an even more intimate tone.
This was the first time their families had the opportunity to meet, making the moment even more emotional. “Emotions were high,” Zoë recalls. The ceremony concluded with the couple signing their marriage license and a celebratory champagne toast, marking the perfect beginning to their wedding day.
The main ceremony took place on the bistro’s private second floor, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Blending traditional Jewish elements with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Zoë and Ben’s wedding struck the perfect balance. “Initially, we had no expectations,” Zoë shared, but meeting Rabbi Floralove Katz changed everything. The rabbi’s thoughtful approach turned their simple plans into an hour-long ceremony that felt deeply personal.
"It struck the right balance between intimate, traditional, and communal. Our ceremony truly surpassed our expectations."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the couple took a moment to be alone, soaking in the joy of being newly married. These private moments were captured by the talented photographer Scarlet O’Neill, whose work highlighted the genuine emotions and warmth of the day. The photography throughout the wedding day felt like a fall in Toronto itself—full of rich colors, candid smiles, and natural light that bathed each image in a golden glow.
"Our photographer, Scarlet O'Neill, had suggested sneaking outside to take pictures. We’re so grateful to have taken her up on this suggestion!"
Decor & Setting
The reception space was just as carefully curated. Held in a charming venue with intimate booths and high ceilings, the decor focused on vibrant florals that matched Zoë’s bouquet. Each table was adorned with wild arrangements of roses and marigolds, with candles flickering softly between them. “We will never forget the feeling of walking into the room for the first time. Rachelle at Botany Floral Studio made our dreams come true,” shared Zoë.
"We wanted a mix of seasonal blooms and dried flowers in vibrant hues. We also wanted to repurpose the florals from the Chuppah into the dining area."
Reception
A heartfelt dinner filled with touching toasts and laughter. “We can not recommend enough taking that minute to be together and peering in at your guests. It made us appreciate in that moment our blessings and our loved ones,” Zoë advised.
The colorful, whimsical cake added a playful touch to the evening, topped with vibrant flowers that mirrored the joyful atmosphere. The night continued with their first dance upstairs, kicking off the evening’s festivities.
"The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate. We were thankful for stuff's attention and kindness to our guests. It felt like a large gathering at someone’s home."
As the evening progressed, Zoë slipped into a sleek ROTATE Birger Christensen dress with Prada satin mules, keeping her style effortlessly modern and very true to herself. Her makeup and hair followed the same ethos—simple, sleek, and timeless. Ben opted for a more relaxed look, swapping his suit for a black T-shirt.
The dance floor came alive as they shared their first dance, surrounded by cheering guests. The highlight of the night came with the traditional hora, where Zoë and Ben were lifted on chairs, laughing and holding on tight as their loved ones danced around them, filling the room with energy and joy.
Advice from the couple:
• It might not be a popular take, but working under a tight deadline actually made it less stressful for us. We had to plan our wedding quickly because of unexpected circumstances. However, we realized neither of us had the patience for a longer planning period. The beauty of a tight timeline? It left us with no room for indecision. It was either yes or no. Quickly, we became an efficient team.
• Trust each other, and remember this is meant to be fun. No matter how timeless you want your wedding to be, at the end of the day, what matters is your love and respect for one another and sharing it with the people who matter most.
PHOTOGRAPHER Scarlet O’Neill | VENUE Peter Pan Bistro | COORDINATOR Michelle Saabas at KaLy & Co Events | FLORALS Botany Floral Studio | MUAH Ashley Readings | RINGS Cuchara Jewelry | DJ Ryan Ally at Alley Entertainment | CHUPPAH Chuppah.ca
