Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Setting: Mansion estate on the water
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 165
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Classic, white, and pink.
Leslie and Julian’s story began in a bustling bar in Toronto, where mutual friends brought them together. From that serendipitous encounter, their love blossomed, and they embarked on a remarkable journey of beautufil moments.
Their relationship was challenged by Julian’s demanding hockey career that kept him away during the season. Nevertheless, their love thrived despite the distances, with Leslie frequently visiting Julian during his hockey stints. And they spent every cherished summer together in their beloved Toronto. After five years of support and profound connection, Julian decided to take the plunge and proposed. One year later, they celebrated their love with a beautiful wedding in Toronto.
The couple’s decision to hold their wedding in Toronto was a sentimental one. As they were away for most of the year, they longed for a summer wedding close to home, surrounded by their family and friends. The choice of location couldn’t have been more perfect, as they decided to tie the knot at the Harding Waterfront Estate in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, a magnificent mansion estate overlooking the serene waters.
Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of their wedding was the choice of the date, July 1st – Canada Day. Unintentionally, the couple realized the significance of this date, as they had previously hosted Canada Day beach parties every summer with friends. It was an obvious choice that ensured their anniversary would forever be an unforgettable celebration.
On the wedding day, Leslie’s morning was filled with tenderness and joyful conversations with her closest friends. Over a glass of champagne, they discussed the pleasant excitement of the day ahead and relished each other’s company.
The bride’s wedding attire exuded timeless beauty. She donned a Beloved by Casablanca wedding dress, featuring an intricate corset bodice adorned with 3D embroidered flowers. Leslie opted for minimalistic hair, makeup, and jewelry to complement her detailed gown. Her hairstyle featured a classic side part with vintage curls, emphasizing her natural beauty. For the reception, she chose a stunning Camila Coelho dress to dance the night away.
In an amusing twist, Leslie experienced a moment of doubt about her wedding dress choice almost a year later. On the day of her final fitting, sweltering in the heat, she panic-bought a new dress online. However, when Leslie tries on her original clothing at the fitting, her love for it is reaffirmed, and she decides to keep both dresses for different moments during the celebration.
Genuine delight lit up the faces of the bride’s maids as they saw Leslie radiant in her wedding attire. She looked stunning and incredibly elegant, evoking admiration.
Julian prepared for the wedding alongside his friends, who helped him put on his suit and provided support throughout the morning. Charming heart-shaped cufflinks added a personal touch to his ensemble. Each of the groom’s friends, including Julian, had a rose in their lapel that resembled the roses in the bride’s bouquet, creating a beautifully harmonious look.
The heartfelt moment was the first look between Leslie and Julian. Before this, they hadn’t seen each other in their wedding attire. When Julian caught sight of his beautiful bride, he couldn’t contain his excitement. It was evident how perfectly their wedding outfits complemented each other—stylish and elegant choices harmonizing beautifully.
Their first look offered a tranquil pause amidst the bustling preparations, allowing Leslie and Julian to share a heartfelt moment. Julian wrote a special note, which he handed to Leslie during the photo shoot, a touching gesture that left a lasting impression.
On this joyous day, the photographer who captured all the most important moments at Julian and Leslie’s wedding was Emily Li. She skillfully preserved all the significant moments of that day, the emotions and tears of joy, and created timeless portraits of the couple. Her photography style reflected the couple’s elegance and the classic theme they had chosen for their wedding. Her creative vision and experience ensured she didn’t miss any touching moments. Thanks to her, as the lovebirds revisit these memorable photos, they can relive that day repeatedly.
The different segments of their celebration were held in unique spaces, adding a special touch to their day. The ceremony took place on the field behind the mansion, offering a breathtaking view of the water.
Leslie walked down the aisle, scattered with white rose petals, towards Julian, who gazed at her with a look of profound love. Her father walked beside her, holding her hand and brimming with happiness for his beloved daughter. The bridesmaids couldn’t hold back their emotional tears. This entire moment, captured by Emily Li, was incredibly touching and beautiful.
In a moment filled with love and promises, Leslie and Julian exchanged their vows during the wedding ceremony. The couple expressed their deepest feelings and lifelong commitments to one another. The words, spoken before their dearest family and friends, resonated with a genuine and enduring love. A new chapter of their beautiful love story began as they promised to last a lifetime.
The concept and vision of their wedding were intricately planned. Leslie had a few key decor elements she insisted on, including a delicate baby’s breath ceremony, mirror-top dinner tables, and single rose bud vases adorning the center of each table. On the other hand, Julian had a non-negotiable requirement: the inclusion of pink cherry blossom trees. The challenge was to integrate these elements while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic seamlessly. Leslie planned the entire wedding from Germany and personally designed all the signage, showcasing her impressive organizational and creative skills. The result was nothing short of breathtaking, and the couple was delighted with how it all came together.
The cocktail hour was an upbeat party held at the front of the mansion, with a saxophone and flute duo serenading guests over dance music.
Julian and Leslie opened their wedding reception with their first dance as a married couple. It was a beautiful moment, as they had officially become husband and wife, and this dance symbolized their wonderful and infinite love.
The couple also shared a unique tradition with their family. Leslie’s sister found two old champagne flutes at their grandpa’s house, which they decided to polish up for a bar cart. Unbeknownst to them, a photo of Leslie’s parents using those very flutes at their own wedding emerged. This discovery initiated a beautiful tradition, with Leslie and Julian using the flutes at their wedding, followed by Leslie’s brother and his fiancée, who will continue the tradition at their upcoming wedding.
That’s a lovely addition to the wedding! A hockey puck engraved with their wedding date is a thoughtful and personalized keepsake. It’s a unique souvenir that captures a special moment on their big day.
As the evening approached, Leslie changed out of her wedding gown into a second outfit, equally as luxurious as the first. Her elegant silk dress by Camila Coelho added a delicate charm and a sense of lightness to Leslie’s overall look.
The cake was a standout feature of their wedding – a delectable combination of vanilla bean and salted caramel, which quickly became a crowd favorite.
The beautiful wedding reception came to a close with touching words from Julian and Leslie. Their speech was brimming with love for each other and for all those who shared the joy of their special day.
Advice from the couple:
- Neither of us is a huge dancer, and we didn’t think about how we would do our grand entrance. When we entered the tent, we passed through our guests, got to the dance floor, and realized we didn’t have anything planned. It was awkward and funny. So many details go into wedding planning that it totally slipped our minds. Definitely think about that detail!
PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Li Photography | VENUE Harding Waterfront Estate | MUAH JN Artistry | FLORIST Flowers by Liza | RENTALS Detailz Furniture Rentals, Toronto Event Rentals | DRESS Beloved by Casablanca Camila Coelho | BRIDE Leslie Marie | GROOM Julian Melchiori
