Location: Toronto, Canada
Setting: Estate
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Classic, laid-back, effortless, vintage glam.
Laura and Taylor’s love story traces back to their university days in Ottawa, where their connection sparked instantly. Surprisingly, they discovered they had gone to preschool together and even had photos of their younger selves at 3 years old. It made their reunion at 19 feel like destiny. The couple says, “We’re lucky that we got the chance to meet for the first time twice; once when we were little kids, and then again when we were 19.”
Moving to Toronto for post-graduation, they navigated the ups and downs of a semi-long-distance relationship, always knowing that marriage was on the horizon. After 12 years together, their wedding day was not just a beginning but a celebration of the life they had already built.
The bride, recalling how their wedding vision took shape, says, “We love our city, and we were super excited at the idea of hosting our wedding in the iconic Queen West neighborhood. We always knew we’d be going for more of a timeless, minimal aesthetic, but things really came together once we found our venue and built our details around the gorgeous vintage feel.”
For their wedding venue, the couple decided on The Great Hall, a Toronto heritage property that effortlessly combines Victorian charm with modern elegance. This historic venue has been enchanting guests for over 125 years.
Laura wanted a dress that felt romantic and timeless without being too overwhelming. Her journey to finding her dream dress was nothing short of serendipitous. After trying on gowns in Toronto, Vancouver, and New York City, without finding “the one,” she accidentally found a bride selling a custom-made gown from her Italian wedding. And they had the exact measurements.
From the bride: “The dress was with her in Dublin, but she happened to be flying to Canada, so I had a friend meet her in Calgary and do the exchange. The dress made its way to me here in Toronto, and I tried it on for the first time at home with my parents on Facetime. Although the dress was technically custom-made for someone else, I can’t help but feel like it was made for me too! The draped silk was so stunning and elegant while still feeling true to my more relaxed personal style.”
The sentimental side of Laura’s bridal look didn’t end there. With the help of a friend, she transformed her mother’s wedding dress into a tie-front top, which she wore while preparing for her own wedding. This act deeply touched her mother, who saw her dress being used again after 35 years.
The bride adds, “Along with my wedding band set, I had my grandmother’s engagement ring re-set into a signet ring to wear on my right hand, preserving her engraved band that reads, “Forget me not.” I loved curating my wedding wardrobe to include so many meaningful pieces that brides had already loved before me.”
Laura’s dark hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup emphasized her fair skin, creating a snow-white glow that complemented the overall look. To add a touch of classic glamour, the bride incorporated pearl elements into her ensemble, such as pearl earrings and clutch. Low-heeled mules adorned with bows completed her look, adding charm. Her veil, with its short front, added a vintage feel to her overall look, perfectly complementing the timeless elegance of her dress.
Taylor, accustomed to wearing suits daily for work, wanted something special for his wedding attire. Drawing inspiration from Frank Ocean’s 2014 Met Gala look, he opted for a custom-made ivory jacket in Toronto. His wedding band, crafted in a subtle signet style, and a vintage 1960s Timex Marlin watch with a champagne dial completed his look.
The bride and groom’s first meeting took place on the grand and luxurious red-carpeted staircases of the Great Hall. Their candid moments were beautifully captured by talented photographer Liza Litvinovich, ensuring every unique angle was preserved for eternity.
Laura and Taylor envisioned their wedding party to exude effortless chic. The bridesmaids all chose their own black ankle-length dresses and heels, allowing them to express their individual styles. To bring everything together, they chose subtle bouquets and matching hair ribbons, ensuring a cohesive yet personalized look for the celebration.
The ceremony took place in the Main Hall, a space that evoked the ambiance of a classic period film. String lights added a romantic glow, enveloping the space in a magical atmosphere. The stage, adorned with red velvet curtains, lent a retro cinema vibe to the setting, adding a touch of nostalgia to the ceremony.
The couple swapped around the traditional placement of the wedding party, so the bridesmaids stood behind Taylor, and the groomsmen stood behind Laura. This way, they could see their friends during the ceremony.
Laura and Taylor’s wedding day was centered around their loved ones and wanted their ceremony to reflect that sentiment. They asked their dear friend Sarah to officiate the ceremony since she knew them personally and could customize it to honor their special bond.
The lovebirds chose to have an evening ceremony starting at 7 PM. This later start allowed them to spend the day together getting ready with their loved ones, soaking in every moment leading up to the ceremony.
After the heartfelt ceremony, guests headed to the balconies for cocktail hour. “The day-of preparation and decoration was a true collaboration between our wedding party, family, and friends; everyone was helping to get set up,” Laura says. “Taylor and I both reflect on this as one of our favorite parts of the day.”
The couple tried to keep things simple regarding decor, as the venue itself was so beautiful and charming. They ended up bringing in about 200 pillar candles for the altar and to sprinkle around the venue. They also included personal touches like their photos, including their first photo together from 1994. Vintage movie-like posters added to the charm, creating a romantic atmosphere as guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers.
During cocktail hour, Laura and Taylor took a stroll around Toronto, enjoying each other’s company and the sights of their favorite city. It was a cherished moment for the couple to share before rejoining their guests at the celebration.
Liza Litvinovich captured stunning photos of the couple, perfectly capturing their emotions and the ambiance of the evening in a modern style. The combination of luxurious red velvet and the couple’s classic looks created a beautiful interplay of colors in the photos. Liza added a polaroid-like effect to the images using flash, making the photographs outstanding and special.
An intriguing choice was made to infuse the atmosphere of a nighttime talk show during the speeches given by family and friends. This creative decision delighted the guests, adding an element of entertainment and excitement to the celebration.
Laura had secretly arranged for two of their closest friends to surprise Taylor with a speech at the end of the scheduled program. In 2022, Taylor selflessly donated his kidney via a “paired exchange” so their friend Bob could receive the kidney he needed. Taylor was unaware that Bob and his wife Suzan, who were part of their wedding party, would deliver the speech. It turned out to be one of the evening’s most touching and emotional moments.
By their wedding day, it had been a year since both Taylor and Bob underwent successful surgeries. Having everyone healthy and celebrating together on their special night held immense significance and meaning for Laura and Taylor.
Liza also captured atmospheric photos on film, which stood out for their vividness during the nighttime festivities.
Laura’s maid of honor took charge of the floral arrangements, embracing an easy-going approach to florals for the wedding. With Toronto’s amazing flower markets nearby, they scoped out options a few weeks ahead. On the big day, the maid of honor surprised them with beautifully crafted arrangements. Additionally, she used the flowers to adorn their cake, sourced from a local bakery, adding a personal and delightful touch to the celebrations.
Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, the couple decided on a more casual cocktail-style reception, elevated with a pizza party vibe. They wanted their reception to feel like a big, lavish house party where everyone could relax, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate their love in a laid-back atmosphere. It was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories shared with their closest friends and family.
‘We invited everyone to join us on the dancefloor for the last little bit of our first dance under the string lights, and we adore the photos captured of this moment! Thank you, Liza!”
After the first dance, the real party began in full swing. The dancefloor was alive with energy as guests grooved to the music, enjoying delicious cocktails and creating unforgettable memories.
For the dancing, Laura made a stylish change into a cocktail dress. The top of the dress featured a corset with wide straps adorned with black velvet inserts, adding a touch of elegance. The bottom of the dress boasted a lush tulle skirt, completing her chic and sophisticated look for the festivities.
As the night drew to a close, Laura and Taylor found themselves filled with contentment and excitement for the future. Reflecting on their unforgettable day, they felt grateful for the love and support of their friends and family.
Advice from the couple:
• Do whatever feels authentic to you as a couple, and everything will fall into place!
PHOTOGRAPHER Liza Litvinovich | VENUE The Great Hall Toronto | MUAH Beauty by Celina, Glamour by Kristina | DRESS Still White | SUIT Surmesur | BRIDE’S BANDS Melanie Casey | RINGS Posy, Carey Pearson
