Location: Toronto, Canada
Setting: Garden
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Classic, timeless, sophisticated.
Taylor and Rachel’s love story began in Kingston, Ontario, where they met during a summer while Taylor was home between NHL seasons. Rachel was a student at Queens University at the time, and Taylor dated for five years across various cities, including New Jersey, Arizona, Buffalo, Toronto, and finally Boston, where Taylor proposed on Nantucket Island. Their journey together led them to choose Toronto for their wedding, a ideal location.
We wanted to get married in the Toronto area so all our friends and family could be there since I am from Oakville, Ontario and Taylor is from Kingston, Ontario it was the perfect location for us.
THE VENUE
The couple wanted a venue that all their friends and family could easily attend, and Graydon Hall in Toronto offered just that. They fell in love with the venue’s enchanting, almost French-like ambiance and the speakeasy-style bar area downstairs. With the date set for August, they invited around 150 guests to join in the celebration, making sure everyone would have a fantastic time.
It looked like we were in France! It was an easy decision and we were able to get the last date available.
THE BRIDE'S MORNING
On the morning of the wedding, Rachel got ready in a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown from White Toronto, complemented by Gianvito Rossi heels. She later changed into a House of CB mermaid-style dress for dinner and a Retrofete set for the after-party. Her jewelry included delicate pearl earrings and a necklace from her late grandmother.
Rachel’s makeup, done by the talented Allyssa Helm, was natural, focusing on light eye makeup. Allyssa’s skillful work on Rachel’s makeup was nothing short of perfect. She ensured a long-lasting look that would suit the wedding theme and all three of Rachel’s dresses—a smart and thoughtful choice.
I always knew I wanted a half up, half down so it was out of my face but still had those face framing pieces.
While I got ready for the big day and was waiting to get hair and makeup done by Allyssa Helm I wrote a letter to each of my bridesmaids and had them all read them before we began taking photos and it was a really special moment.
THE FIRST LOOK
The couple decided to have a traditional first look, and it was a cherished moment. They exchanged heartfelt letters before the ceremony as private and meaningful gesture that set the tone for the day.
The photographer, 515 Photo Co., captured gentle photos with lush greenery as a backdrop, where the bride looked radiant with her veil and total look.
Taylor and I loved reading each other’s letters before seeing each other for our first look. It was such a special way to begin the wedding festivities and really focus on what truly mattered that day.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place under a beautifully decorated floral arch with subtle blue flowers, adding a pop of color to the classic and timeless theme.
The bridesmaids looked radiant in sleek, champagne-colored dresses that complemented the sophisticated theme of the wedding. Their bouquets were filled with a stunning mix of soft pink, white, and blush flowers, accented with touches of greenery and subtle blue blooms.
Taylor and his groomsmen wore custom-made suits by Gents Playbook, who also designs Taylor’s suits for his hockey season. Taylor opted for a navy suit, while his groomsmen donned classic black, providing a timeless look that could be worn again. “He felt the navy was more his style and would be better for his groomsmen to be in black and have a more classic suit they could wear again,” Rachel noted.
For the ceremony we knew we wanted to keep it short. We received many compliments on the ceremony being sweet and simple.
THE COCKTAIL HOUR
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed his-and-hers cocktails by the fountain, adding to the relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The cold beverages were perfect for this warm summer day. A cellist played softly in the background, making the cocktail hour a delightful start to the evening’s festivities.
Taylor’s choice was a Paper Plane, and mine was a spicy passion fruit Margarita.
THE MOMENT ALONE
For their moment alone, Rachel changed into her second dress. Her makeup and hair, done by Allyssa Helm, stayed perfect since the morning and matched her new look.
Taylor and his bride shared an intimate dance, twirling and laughing together in the courtyard. The beautiful setting provided a serene backdrop as Taylor spun Rachel, her dress flowing gracefully and her radiant smile capturing the joy of the day.
Our favorite memory was when we had a moment to ourselves.
DECOR & SETTING
The reception setting was elegantly arranged under a transparent tent adorned with chandeliers and lush florals. Each table featured stunning floral centerpieces with soft pastel colors, creating a romantic and timeless ambiance. The place settings were sophisticated with gold-rimmed plates and sleek flatware, complemented by detailed stationery by Paper & Poste. The custom cake by Nadia & Co. perfectly matched the floral theme, adding a sweet touch to the beautiful decor.
We didn't have a specific theme or color palette, just something that complemented the venue and was classic and timeless–not too neutral but also not bold. We added subtle blue flowers into the florals as a "something blue" and light pop of color which turned out great.
THE RECEPTION
During the dinner, an acoustic guitarist played, creating an intimate and lively atmosphere. Speeches from the maid of honor, best man, mother of the groom, and father of the bride added emotional touches to the evening. The couple’s first dance was to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” followed by the cutting of a custom cake.
The night ended with a magical sparkler send-off, as friends and family lit up the night, celebrating Taylor and Rachel’s new beginning under the stars.
We really appreciated everyone we love most being in the same place all together to celebrate us and just take in that special moment.
Advice from the couple:
•Enjoy every moment because it will go by in a blink and will be the best day of your life you will wish you could relive over and over again!
MUAH Allyssa Helm | PLANNING & DESIGN Muse Event Co. | VENUE Graydon Hall Manor | PHOTOGRAPHER 515 Photo Co. | VIDEOGRAPHER Corinne McDonald Films | FLORIST & RENTALS Hunt and Gather Floral | CAKE Nadia & Co. | STATIONERY Paper & Poste | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE White Toronto | CEREMONY DRESS Monique Lhuillier | GROOM’S ATTIRE Gents Playbook | SUIT Gents Playbook | RECEPTION DRESS House of CB | EVENING DRESS Retrofete | SHOES Gianvito Rossi
