Location: Toronto, Canada
Setting: Castle
The number of guests: 120
Wedding Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: About 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, luxurious, romantic and elegant.
Matt, a real estate developer, and Hannah, who works in brand partnerships for content creators, met through mutual friends who thought they would be a perfect match due to their shared sense of humor, love of art, and love for Stan Smith sneakers. Initially skeptical, they both tried to bail on their first date but ended up inseparable after that evening. Hannah, who usually took things extremely slow in the relationships, moved in with Matt after just a few weeks, feeling more certain about it than anything else. Her intuition proved right when Matt proposed on a beach in the Bahamas eight months later. They initially planned to get married as soon as possible, but COVID delayed their plans until the following October.
The couple wanted their wedding to embody a timeless and romantic feel, blending refined luxury with elegance and minimalism. With the help of the planners at Nicole Blair Events, their dream wedding became a stunning reality. The planners went above and beyond to meticulously handle every detail, ensuring a flawless day. The newlyweds shared, “They also made the day-of go as smoothly as possible, which allowed us to actually enjoy the wedding instead of stressing about the small details.”
Matt was the one who chose Casa Loma for their wedding venue. Initially, Hannah was considering more modern and minimalistic options, but after weeks of “No’s” from Matt, he finally admitted that the only place he truly wanted to get married was Casa Loma in Toronto. This choice wasn’t just because the venue is stunning but also because Matt has a personal connection to it. As a child, he used to bike there to hang out, and as an adult, he drove by it every day on his way home from work. The idea of being able to relive the memory of their wedding daily felt special to him.
It was a beautiful fall morning as Hannah prepared for her special day with her loved ones. Her dress, a simple yet elegant design by Pnina Tornai, featured a backless, form-fitting lace silhouette with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, and a 3-inch train. She wore Dior kitten heels and diamond jewelry, a mix of her own pieces and her mother-in-law’s. Hannah wanted her makeup to be an elevated version of her everyday look, achieved with individual lashes and a slightly rosier lip color, Rosewood by Dior. Her hair was styled in long, soft, loose waves. Hannah’s bouquet was an assortment of white florals with black accents and a black velvet bow to match Matt’s tuxedo.
Matt’s tuxedo was from Gucci, paired with a Tom Ford bowtie. His shirt and pants were custom-made by a Toronto tailor, and he completed the look with patent Christian Louboutin loafers featuring “subtle spike” detailing. Matt wore a sentimental Rolex watch, a gift from his parents on his 21st birthday. His cologne, “Between Two Trees” by Floraiku, was a pre-wedding gift from Hannah.
Hannah and Matt’s first look was a truly unique and emotional moment. The joy and love in their eyes were tangible as they hugged, and it was filled with love and excitement. Matt’s expression showed how deeply moved he was when he saw his Hannah. The first look perfectly set the tone for their romantic and magical day, making it a moment they will cherish forever.
The ceremony was truly special and heartwarming. Hannah and Matt’s wedding was officiated by Hannah’s grandfather, adding a deeply personal touch to their vows. The ceremony took place in a stunning venue with high-arched windows and elegant floral arrangements that perfectly framed the couple as they exchanged their vows. The guests looked on with smiles and tears, clearly moved by the love and emotion in the room. The intimate setting and personal connections made the ceremony an unforgettable experience for every guest.
The overall vibe of the wedding was quiet elegance with a touch of drama brought in through black accents. Set in a castle, the newlyweds aimed to highlight the architecture and drama of the space without going overboard. They desired a tasteful amount of florals, opting for a unique selection that strayed from traditional styles, maintaining a neutral color palette focused on vintage whites and black accents. The wedding palette incorporated black, white, and blush pink tones, complemented by baby’s breath, which made the space radiate timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.
The reception was heartwarming and filled with memorable moments. One of the highlights was the touching speeches given by their parents. The library setting, adorned with books and elegant decor, added a cozy and intimate atmosphere to the celebration. Hannah and Matt were beaming with joy, sharing laughter and special moments with their guests.
Other highlights of the evening included the stunning wedding cake and the unforgettable first dance. The cake inspired the overall wedding design and vibe—sophisticated and refined in every detail. It featured a two-tier all-white design, crafted with a large statement bow that added a touch of whimsy and grandeur. The intricate loops and tails of the bow drew the eye, inviting admiration from both the eyes and the stomach.
What truly stood out was the secretly choreographed first dance. It started as a slow dance to Ella Fitzgerald’s “At Last” and transitioned into a Bee Gees disco number. This was Matt’s idea, as he found traditional first dances painfully boring for guests and wanted something more fun. Despite initially feeling wildly uncomfortable dancing in front of 120 people, Hannah went along with it. Though she still felt some embarrassment during their performance, almost everyone assured her they loved it, making it one of the night’s highlights.
The planning process was an incredibly positive and collaborative partnership between myself and my bride - filled with creativity and joy.
Advice from the couple:
• Our advice is to hire a wedding planner! We hired Nicole Blair Events in Toronto, and it was the best decision we could have made because it allowed us to share our creative vision and then have an expert execute it without us having to do hours of research.
• Do a staycation afterward. We were lucky enough to stay at the Four Seasons in Toronto the night of the wedding and the following day, and I can’t express enough how nice it was to be able to relax together and reminisce on the night prior in a hotel bed with an ungodly amount of room service.
• After the ceremony, taking time to spend just bride and groom before going down and greeting guests, having that quiet moment together is so romantic and lovely and helps you ground yourself before the night ahead!
PLANNING & DESIGN Nicole Blair Events | VENUE Casa Loma | PHOTO Sarah Bo Studio | HAIR Virasack | MAKE-UP Willow Harley | DRESS Pnina Tornai | STATIONERY Ella Rose Paperie | TABLESCAPE RENTALS Simply Beautiful Decor | BAND LMT Connections | DJ Magen Boys Entertainment | CAKE Cakestar
