Location: Toronto, Canada
Setting: The Art Gallery
Season: Winter
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 165
Wedding theme/style: Black-tie, art-inspired, modern.
Peter and Ashley’s story began in their first year of law school. Although they were both otherwise committed, they became fast friends and bonded over their political interests, bad reality television, and the local Korean ramen spot. After years of friendship, they decided not to let something unique pass them by and found love in one another. On their first date, Peter pulled out all the stops. He hired a private driver to take them over the border to Detroit, where he ordered a bottle of fine wine and macaroni and cheese. Building on the foundation of their strong friendship, Peter and Ashley became inseparable. They moved to their cozy first home, where many happy memories with friends and family were made.
Three years later, Peter brought Ashley back to the place where their journey began—their law school. There, in a heartfelt moment, he got down on one knee and proposed, asking Ashley to be his partner for life. The couple consider themselves lucky to be two friends in love.
The couple’s appreciation for art and culture inspired them to choose the Art Gallery of Ontario as their wedding venue. The AGO, with its elegant canvases and sculptures, provided a stunning backdrop for their special day. The wedding’s concept and vision were brought to life through meticulous collaborations. Paper & Poste designed the custom wedding invitations for Ashley and Peter, featuring licensed artwork from the AGO, including pieces by Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Pegi Nichol McLeod, and Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer.
The photographer, Ha Nguyen, played an essential role in capturing the essence of the lovebirds’ wedding day. Her ability to capture the “big” moments and the “little” ones, like soft touches and spontaneous smiles, resulted in a wedding album that Ashley and Peter will cherish forever.
Ha is the perfect choice if you are looking for documentary-style photos that capture unseen, intimate moments. We wanted a wedding photographer who would go beyond getting the standard portraits and catch the genuine emotion of the day. After meeting several photographers recommended by our planner and through my Instagram research, we knew Ha's unique style was just what we were looking for. She asks thoughtful questions of her clients and cares deeply about her business and the people she gets to work with. She made it a truly bespoke experience.
Ashley is an unapologetic fan of Sex and the City and was inspired by Carrie’s iconic wedding look. Dramatic, romantic, and elegant, she wanted a dress that would live up to her wedding venue. Ashley worked closely with Toronto designer Ines Di Santo to create a custom Amandine gown. It features a two-toned sweetheart neckline, a stunning trumpet silhouette, and a dramatic circular layered skirt. The gown has an off-white jacquard peplum and waistband in petal pink, adding an extra touch of elegance.
The day was filled with emotional details and moments. Ashley had her mother’s oft-repeated saying embroidered into her dress as a personal touch: “I’m in your pocket.” Before the ceremony, she cherished time with her parents, sharing heartfelt conversations and loving embraces. Adding to the poignancy of the morning, Ashley and Peter wrote letters to each other, expressing their deepest feelings and excitement for the day ahead. These personal notes made the morning even more special.
Peter’s tuxedo was an excellent example of quiet beauty typical of Sydney’s bespoke garments. It is exceptional because it had custom details such as a rounded peak lapel, wide extended waistband, and hand-bound button holes. The fabric was woven from Reda’s Maior Super 150 collection in Italy. It had a silky luster and was structured enough to hold its shape. Altogether, it was a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
The groom and his friends added a sprinkle of fun and lightheartedness to the wedding day with their playful and relaxed photos. Ha captured Peter’s fun-loving personality and his ability to enjoy every moment of the day. Such images serve as a delightful reminder that even on a day filled with elegance and sophistication, there’s always room for a bit of fun and spontaneity.
“Ha and her team took exceptional care to capture one of our favorite photos of the entire day – our first look,” Ashley said. It was a moment of pure adornment between masterpieces.
The ceremony took place amidst the captivating beauty of The AGO’s iconic Frank Gehry-designed spiral staircase—one of the most distinctive architectural features in Toronto. The venue was designed with a contemporary styling of florals and foliage in creme, nude, and dark purple tones.
The air was filled with hushed excitement as the guests settled into their seats. Family and friends exchanged smiles and whispers, eagerly awaiting the moment when Ashley would make her entrance. The soft murmur of conversations blended with the ambient sounds of classical music, creating a serene yet anticipatory atmosphere.
Ashley & Peter wrote their vows, highlighting their years of friendship and excitement about getting married. Despite having the most fantastic wedding planners, more than one time during the lead-up to their wedding, they questioned if they should have just gone simple. However, standing together before their friends and family, where they had always dreamed of getting married, was the most profound moment of their lives.
Guests then moved to cocktails in Galleria Italia, a space where art and architecture meet. “We were so happy to see at least one photo of each guest in the album we were provided. It was obvious to all who attended that Ha takes great pride in her work, and we are so grateful to have worked with her,” – mentioned the couple.
When guests entered the reception space, they were immediately enveloped in an ambiance of elegance and enchantment. Heavy burgundy curtains draped dramatically from the ceiling, creating an intimate and luxurious atmosphere. The decor was meticulously crafted by MUSE Event Co. and Stemz Florals, transforming Ballie Court into a breathtaking blend of art and nature. The room’s centerpiece was a life-size 20ft olive tree, its branches reaching up to the ceiling, creating a stunning focal point. Beneath the tree, tables were elegantly set with a curated mix of ceramic vessels holding abstract floral arrangements in creme, nude, and dark purple tones.
Special touches were evident throughout the reception, reflecting Ashley and Peter’s personalities and shared history. Signature cocktails, named after their beloved Pomeranians Nixon and Kennedy, were a hit among guests. The Culinary Team at the AGO designed a French-inspired menu that delighted guests with its exquisite flavors and presentation. The meal began with a fresh salad, followed by Ashley’s favorite pasta dish recreated from their trip to Burgundy, France. Guests had a choice of main courses, including beef tenderloin, duck confit, and herb-roasted fennel, each paired with perfectly selected French wines.
The speeches were one of the most heartwarming moments of the evening. The toast to Peter’s 99-year-old grandmother stood out as a truly special highlight. Guests raised their glasses to honor her incredible milestone and her presence at the wedding.
The band Sole Power kept the energy high, with every guest on their feet, celebrating the newlyweds. One of the memorable moments was Ashley’s dance with her father, which seamlessly transitioned into her dance with Peter. The couple chose Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” song. Peter, a fan of old James Bond movies, felt it perfectly encapsulated their relationship. The lyrics spoke to their admiration for one another and the profound sense of luck they gathered in finding each other.
The grand finale of gastronomic delights was an oversized croquembouche wedding cake in a candy veil, a fittingly magnificent conclusion to a sumptuous dinner.
Advice from the couple:
• Even if you can only hire a planner for the day, do it. It allowed us to truly enjoy the experience without having to worry about the execution of the event at all.
• We would highly recommend booking an engagement shoot with your photographer. It allowed us to get to know Ha, get comfortable in front of the camera, and better understand how to be good photography subjects. Ha’s gentle directions and suggestions on where to look, how to hold each other, etc., made us even more comfortable and better prepared for our wedding shoot.
• Try to be mentally present for each part of the day; it goes by quickly!
PHOTOGRAPHER Ha Nguyen Photo | VIDEOGRAPHER Outside In Studios | PLANNER MUSE Event Co. | VENUE Art Gallery of Ontario | FLORALS Stemz Floral | FURNITURE RENTALS Detailz Event Rentals, Contemporary Rentals, Divine Rentals | VINYL & SEATING CHART PRINT Event Graffiti | NAPKINS & LINENS & CHARGERS Simply Beautiful Decor | FLATWARE Splendid Settings | MUAH Jess Wolfert, Shannon Petrolito Hair | DRESS Ines Di Santo | SUIT Sydney’s Toronto | OFFICIANT Jeremy Citron | BAND & DJ Sole Power Live | PIANO RENTAL Steinway | CAKE Nadia & Co | STATIONERY Paper & Poste | DRAPING Eventure Draping | TRANSPORTATION Luxury TO
