Toronto became the setting for Charis and Jamie’s unforgettable wedding, a day full of personality, intimacy, and warm moments. Every detail was captured beautifully by Frances Beatty Photography, from their private escape through the city streets before saying “I do,” to the candlelit reception where friends and family celebrated their love. The day perfectly combined minimalist elegance with personal touches, reflecting Charis and Jamie’s vision for a celebration that was uniquely theirs.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Style: Garden party, DIY, classic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 40
Setting: Rooftop garden & restaurant
Season: Summer
Charis and Jamie’s love story began, like many modern romances, on a dating app. They met in February 2020, just as the world was entering the pandemic, and their relationship quickly deepened in the quiet intimacy of lockdown. After only four months, they decided to move in together, their bond growing stronger with each day.
That Christmas, in the comfort of their apartment, Jamie proposed to Charis. Though Charis had never been fond of the holiday before, Jamie’s enthusiasm for it had changed her perspective, making the moment more meaningful. Charis quickly said yes, and in a sweet twist of fate, she had already been planning to propose to Jamie as well, finally doing so in front of their families at their engagement party.
Bridal Morning & Fashion
Charis and Jamie decided to get ready together on the morning of their wedding. Their styles couldn’t have been more different, yet both were true to their personalities. Charis had always imagined herself in a backless satin dress, and she found her dream gown at Grace Loves Lace. To make it uniquely hers, she crafted a stunning pearl back piece, adding a touch of vintage-inspired glamour to her look. Her gold, sparkly low heels were a less traditional choice, carrying her comfortably (and stylishly) through a night full of dancing.
Jamie’s search for the perfect outfit took a little longer. While tradition often leans toward a bridal gown, that was never something she felt connected to or would wear in her everyday life. After some time, she found a look that truly reflected her style – a stunning mix of masculine and feminine. She chose wide-leg satin trousers with a chic corset top, creating an modern bridal ensemble. Jamie started the day in sage green pointed-toe heels but later swapped them for classic white Converse, the perfect choice for dancing the night away.
Pre-Ceremony
Frances Beatty Photography wonderfully captured the couple’s love as they wandered the streets of Toronto, stealing a private moment together just before saying “I do.” The photographer beautifully captured every kiss, laugh, and emotion, turning those intimate moments into timeless memories.
Ceremony
Planning a wedding as a same-sex couple came with unique challenges, as many traditional roles and expectations didn’t quite fit. Questions like “Who walks down the aisle first?” or “Who waits for whom?” made them rethink the day entirely. Instead, they focused on what truly mattered: celebrating their love together. They chose to walk each other down the aisle, creating the most meaningful and unforgettable moment of their wedding.
The ceremony began with cheers for each of the brides, setting a joyful tone for the day. Officiant Martin introduced himself and invited the guests to pass around the wedding rings, offering their blessings, a heartfelt way for everyone to transfer their love onto a symbol of the couple’s union. Then, Jamie and Charis walked each other down the aisle, turning to face their guests as Martin continued with his introduction.
Taking a moment to look at everyone who had gathered for them, to wave and see the guests’ reactions, was incredibly special, and it’s something Charis and Jamie say they’d recommend to every couple. They then exchanged their almost identical vows and danced their way back down the aisle, radiating joy.
The couple also spoke warmly about their officiant, Martin Frith, whom they met unexpectedly while BBQing on their condo rooftop. A chance encounter revealed that Martin, who lived just upstairs with his husband, was a licensed officiant and relationship therapist. At the time, Charis and Jamie hadn’t yet found someone to marry them, and it felt like fate. Funny, engaging, and thoughtful, Martin brought a personal touch to their ceremony, making it feel perfectly “them.”
Reception Decor
The wedding, planned by Open Sky Weddings, reflected Charis and Jamie’s vision of a minimalist yet deeply intimate celebration. One of the most memorable details, and something guests still talk about, was the handmade wedding menus. Inspired by the elegant arches of the ceremony pergola and reception venue, the couple designed, cut, and crafted each menu themselves. On the back, they added personalized thank-you notes to loved ones for traveling near and far to share in their day. This thoughtful gesture touched everyone deeply, so much so that Charis’ dad still keeps his menu on his bedside table back in the UK.
Reception
Guests were welcomed with refreshing, fruity, and boozy cocktails, setting a relaxed and joyful tone for the evening. The newlyweds chose to begin with a few quick speeches before dinner. The celebration then moved into the back room, which had been transformed into an intimate dining space. Candlelight flickered across the room, while white flowers in delicate vintage vases adorned the tables, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
During dinner, a local piano player, Felix Fox, was playing their favorite songs, everything from iconic romcom classics to Abba and even Childish Gambino, striking a balance between romance and fun that perfectly reflected Charis and Jamie’s personalities. The entire day felt perfectly personal, filled with love, laughter, and thoughtful touches that truly reflected Charis and Jamie’s love.
Advice from the couple:
• Keep numbers low
• Try and take every moment in and not rush through things
• Regularly check in with each other, even if you’re pulled away by people and things, take time for yourselves
PHOTOGRAPHY Frances Beatty Photography | OFFICIANT Martin Frith | PLANNING Open Sky Weddings | CATERING Bar St Lo | ENTERTAINMENT Jayemkayem | HAIR & MAKEUP Corrie Elle Artistry
