Location: Toronto, Ontario
Setting: Mansion
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 95
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
Wedding theme/style: Elegant, classy, timeless, simplistic.
Celebrating over five years of love and companionship, Karlee and Brett crafted their dream wedding in just under a year, culminating in a spectacular day at the Harding Waterfront Estate in Toronto, Ontario. With cherished guests, their vision of elegance, simplicity, and timeless charm painted the canvas of their unforgettable day.
The couple’s wedding beautifully balanced tradition and modernity, echoing their shared appreciation for simplicity and timeless allure. Situated in Toronto, The Harding Waterfront Estate, adorned in opulent black and white aesthetics, provided an exclusive yet grand setting that seamlessly intertwined nature’s beauty with sophisticated design, creating an elegant backdrop tailored to their celebration. The estate’s graceful integration of natural splendor and refined architecture ensured a visually captivating and personal affair, perfectly aligning with the couple’s vision.
It was also exclusive to the couple that day, which was an important factor for them. They are sure it adds that level of intimacy and privacy and really makes your day solely about you and the people around you.
Karlee’s wedding attire epitomized a refinement that resonated with her vision for the day. Her gown was carefully selected from a boutique bridal store in Southwestern Ontario, showcasing a blend of purity and sophistication. A dress advice from the bride: “When you know, you know. I knew my vibe going in, which very much matched the vision of the wedding; timeless, elegant, less is more, simplistic. My dress was exactly that. I think your dress should match the overall vibe of your wedding to some extent.”
Embracing the “less is more” philosophy, Karlee’s makeup and hair were a testament to timeless beauty. With a focus on a natural look, her makeup artists and hairstylists crafted an exquisite style that flawlessly accentuated her features. Her hair, elegantly fashioned in a half-up, half-down style with a delicately curled front section, perfectly complemented her understated yet radiant look. The result was a stunning portrayal of effortless charm on her special day.
From the white rose boutonniere to the classic jacket with wide, glossy lapels and soft loafers, Brett’s look exuded chicness and elegance.
As the ceremony approached, a deeply emotional moment transpired when Karlee and Brett glimpsed each other in their wedding attire for the very first time. Overwhelmed with emotion, Brett was moved to tears upon seeing Karlee in her dress, a powerful expression of their shared anticipation and deep connection. It was a blend of emotions moment, combining love and excitement.
Ensuring the wedding would be a timeless memory, the couple curated every detail to evoke enduring beauty. Their ceremony, short and sweet, echoed their desire for a celebration that reflected them. Tradition was present but not overpowering, creating a perfect balance.
Karlee and Brett wanted their day to be as intimate as possible, keeping their guest count very reasonable. They found the amount of guests under 100 is perfect.
Their closest friends exuded an effortless aura of refined charm and grace at their wedding. Their attires showcased a tasteful and chic style, perfectly mirroring the couple’s desired ambiance.
Part of their vision was to ensure they had a vibey cocktail hour, great food, great music and a great bar. Guests were treated to a vibrant and energetic setting, where a saxophone player set the mood with melodic tunes. An oyster bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, coupled with a well-stocked bar, infused the hour with an air of excitement, setting the stage for an evening filled with vibrant conversations and joyous interactions.
While forgoing traditional guest favors, Karlee and Brett incorporated a photo booth that delighted and entertained guests, providing them with personalized memories to cherish.
With an artistic eye and a sensitive touch, the talented photographer Emily Li transformed candid moments into beautiful, enduring memories. Her ability to encapsulate emotions through her lens ensured that every cherished moment was preserved with grace and authenticity, creating a heartfelt reflection of the couple’s joyous celebration.
This wedding reflected the couple’s personalities – subtly traditional but not bound by convention. They opted for a brief yet intimate ceremony and an innovative dining experience. As true foodies, they opted for a stationed dinner offering diverse culinary delights from Mexican fish and chicken tacos to Asian fusion bao buns and noodles, fostering an engaging and interactive dining atmosphere. They also “did up” their open bar, ensuring they served top brands of alcohol, cocktails, martinis, imported beer, wine, etc – and all served in proper glasses. An enchanting chocolate fountain replaced the customary wedding cake for dessert, inviting lively interactions among the guests. greenery. Centerpieces uniquely comprised three vases holding distinct timeless white flower varieties, complemented by black and white linens and tall taper candles, making it unique from the usual one large centerpiece.
This wedding reflected the couple’s personalities – subtly traditional but not bound by convention. They opted for a brief yet intimate ceremony and an innovative dining experience. As true foodies, they opted for a stationed dinner offering diverse culinary delights from Mexican fish and chicken tacos to Asian fusion bao buns and noodles, fostering an engaging and interactive dining atmosphere. They also “did up” their open bar, ensuring they served top brands of alcohol, cocktails, martinis, imported beer, wine, etc – and all served in proper glasses. An enchanting chocolate fountain replaced the customary wedding cake for dessert, inviting lively interactions among the guests.
The celebrations continued into the night, brimming with laughter, dancing, and the shared jubilation of all in attendance.
As the wedding day drew to a close, the couple embarked on a journey reminiscent of their proposal, jetting off to Mexico for their mini-moon.
Karlee and Brett’s wedding stands as a testament to the timeless allure of elegant simplicity and the power of crafting a celebration that speaks to the unique essence of love shared between two individuals.
Advice from the couple:
• Make your wedding your own; there is no guideline or right and wrongs. You don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done in the past, but if you want to, go for it! My husband and I slept together the night before and it was a great decision.
• Consider a sweetheart table.
• Take the majority of your photos before the ceremony.
PHOTOGRAPHER Emily Li Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Lively Film Creations | VENUE Harding Waterfront Estate | WEDDING PLANNER Plan it Right Events | FLORIST Simply Elegant by Emma | MAKEUP Estelle Phillips, Jeigebeauty | HAIR STYLIST Heather Dee | OFFICIANT Shealyn Angus Wedding & Events | DJ DJ Rich Sweet | SIGNAGE Tavilifestyle, Queenb.designco | PHOTO BOOTH Booth Levels
