Last February, right as Toronto was hit with a full-on snowstorm, Julianna and Reid leaned into the moment instead of fighting with it. Flights were cancelled, plans were tested, and somehow that only made the day feel more intentional. Planned by Nicole Blair this wedding was a classic city celebration with serious old-world energy, wrapped in black-and-white, soft candlelight and live music.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Style: Glam, Romantic, Old-world
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 250
Setting: Ballroom
Season: Winter
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Julianna’s bridal look was straight-up Hollywood glam. She wore a sleek, sculpted gown by Corston Couture, sourced from Estelle Bridal, and it hit that perfect balance between timeless and quietly confident.
She kept accessories classic and intentional. A pearl necklace added that old-school moment, and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle was her fragrance of choice, because some icons really never fail. Hair and makeup leaned fully into that 90s Kate Moss glam energy: effortless, a little undone, but still polished. The whole look was created by Angela Lee, and it translated flawlessly from the early morning through to the dance floor.
Reid gifted Julianna a Tiffany & Co. bracelet, a piece that fit into the overall aesthetic and became one of those keepsakes tied forever to the day. One of the most personal details was Julianna’s bouquet, handmade by her aunt, as a family tradition.
Groom’s Fashion
Reid kept things classic with a black tuxedo with a clean cut, and a simple boutonniere that tied perfectly into the florals. He and his groomsmen looked sharp, cohesive, and completely in sync with the day’s overall vibe.
Ceremony
Julianna and Reid are the kind of couple who know exactly what they want and are not interested in anything extra. They planned their wedding over ten months with a clear mindset: keep it intentional, keep it timeless, and make sure every decision actually matters. Despite the winter storm and last-minute travel cancellations, the room was full.
The ceremony took place in the ballroom at the historic Omni King Edward Hotel. With its grand proportions, chandeliers, and old-world architecture, the space set the tone instantly. It was a modern, non-religious ceremony, focused entirely on the couple and those around them.
The inspiration pulled from a mix of Jane Austen romance, vintage French château aesthetics, and classic Hollywood glamour, all translated into something clean, modern, and effortless. The color palette stayed grounded in white, black, and soft cream tones, layered with mixed metals and subtle jewel accents. Soft white florals, candlelight, and a thoughtful layout made the room feel intimate despite its scale.
Moments Together
Some of the most effortless moments of the day happened in between, when the newlyweds stepped away together and let the space do its thing. Captured by Erin Leydon, these portraits leaned into a very fashion-forward feel. Flash photography, sharp contrasts, candid movement.
The black-and-white story ran consistently throughout the day and showed up everywhere. One of the standout choices was the wedding party look. Instead of the expected soft tones, the bridesmaids wore black-and-white dresses. It a bold move that worked perfectly with the overall palette.
The setting only made it better. The couple moved through the hotel’s foyer and halls, stopping on the iconic checkered floor, which quickly became one of the most photographed backdrops of the day. Shot with flash, it felt modern, cinematic, and just the right amount of cool.
Reception
The reception stayed in the Crystal Ballroom, but the energy shifted almost immediately. Long tables, candlelight everywhere, a black-and-white checkered floor underfoot, and a live band playing classic 50s, 60s, and big band tracks set the tone for the night. The space felt glamorous and cinematic, but never stiff.
Signature drinks added a personal layer right away. A Comogli Negroni for the groom, bold and timeless, and a cherry Diet Coke for the bride, playful, personal, and very on brand. Their first dance to Let’s Stay Together by Al Green followed, and it landed effortlessly. Emotional without being overdone, intimate without feeling staged. Family toasts came next, bringing the room to tears more than once and grounding the celebration in something deeply heartfelt.
Before the party fully took over, there were a few unforgettable surprises. The planner Nicole Blair arranged a video message from a Real Housewife of Salt Lake City, instantly shifting the mood and bringing a playful, unexpected moment into the night. Shortly after, Julianna shared a deeply emotional dance with her dad, one of those quiet highlights that stayed with everyone long after.
“For me, the most memorable moment was watching the cake cutting and then seeing the groom pick up the bride and carry her onto the dance floor. That’s when the most epic dance party began. Everyone surrounded them, celebrating and showering them with love. It was the end of the day, and I couldn’t help but ugly cry with joy. It was the perfect ending for Julianna and Reid.”
Then came the moment that changed everything. After the cake cutting, Reid picked Julianna up and carried her straight onto the dance floor. From there, it was nonstop. Guests closed in around the couple, the band kept playing, and the ballroom turned into one big, joyful blur.
PLANNER Nicole Blair Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Erin Leydon | VIDEOGRAPHER Modern Frame Media | FLORALS Precious Flowers | MUAH Angela Lee | DRESS Corston Couture | RENTALS Table Tales | STATIONERY Paper Palette | DRAPING Eventure Design | CHAIRS Detailz Furniture Rentals | OFFICIANT Ceremonies with Choice | BAND Main Event Music
