This wedding effortlessly blended timeless elegance with modern romance, creating a celebration that was both classic and fresh. Set in the heart of Toronto, every detail reflected the couple’s sophisticated style and love for each other.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Style: Chic, Classic, Romantic, Elegant
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 86
Setting: Restaurant
Season: Fall
Renee and Matthew’s love story began on the long weekend in May 2021. After connecting on the dating app Hinge, they decided to meet up at Riverdale Park in Toronto. Their first date was casual but unforgettable—arriving by bike, with Matthew bringing beers and a blanket to sit on. They spent hours talking, watching fireworks, and feeling an undeniable connection. Their relationship blossomed over the summer of 2021, filled with bike rides and outdoor meals, as they fell in love.
In 2024, Matthew surprised Renee with a proposal during a casual walk to Riverdale Park. After the proposal, they began imagining a fall wedding—perhaps a simple civil ceremony followed by a cozy meal at a restaurant.
The Vision & Photography
From the very beginning, the bride knew she wanted her wedding day to have a timeless, classic vibe—something that wouldn’t feel dated or trendy over time. She envisioned a celebration that would still feel fresh and beautiful no matter how many years passed. Paula Visco was chosen to capture every moment to bring that vision to life. Known for her ability to beautifully showcase authentic emotions, Paula’s photos perfectly preserved the magic of the day, allowing the couple to relive those cherished moments forever.
"We wanted a wedding that felt like us, not too over the top, but elegant, classic and approachable."
Bridal Morning & Fashion
After visiting three bridal stores, Renee finally found her perfect dress at Bride to Be Boutique in Windsor, a decision that held special meaning. “It meant a lot to me to find a dress in Windsor so my mom could be part of the process.”
Initially, she envisioned a fitted and beaded gown, but everything changed when she tried on an A-line dress. That was when she truly felt the “bridal feeling” she’d been searching for. The Sophia Tolli “Pearl” was an elegant A-line gown with pockets perfect for holding a few tissues and lip gloss on the big day. The dress also came with a detachable pearl-embellished shawl, adding a timeless touch.
Renee’s makeup by Neo’s Beauty was fresh and natural, with the final touch being a carefully chosen lipstick shade. After trying several options, she settled on a daily lip gloss and added a lip liner for a more bridal look. For her hair, she went with a classic half-up, half-down style by Weekness 4Sweetnezz. As for the florals, they were one of her favorite details. Inspired by minimalist decor ideas from Pinterest, she decided on long-stem white roses for her bridal bouquet and her maid of honor’s.
Groom's Morning & Fashion
Matthew went with a custom blue suit from Harry Rosen, a color that always makes him look great and really brings out his eyes. Paired with a white shirt, French cuff sleeves, and a cigar bow tie, he was the definition of classic elegance. As a special touch, Renee gifted him a pair of round carbon gear cufflinks from Tateossian, adding a personal and stylish detail to his look.
First Look
The first look took place in Matthew’s parents’ backyard, making the moment even more special. It was intimate, personal, and the perfect setting to share that unforgettable moment before the big day truly started.
Ceremony
The couple tied the knot at Sassafraz in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood, a stunning venue that set the perfect tone for their intimate ceremony. Walking down the aisle was surreal, as the bride felt a wave of nervousness and pure excitement. “In a few moments, I would marry my best friend,” she shared.
The ceremony truly exceeded their expectations. Live music from a pianist and violinist set a romantic mood, while the unplugged ceremony kept guests focused and present in the moment. Their officiant, Tade, captivated everyone with his words, making the ceremony even more memorable. “Choosing music was one of my favorite parts of the planning process,” Renee reflected. “Now, every time I hear the songs, I’m transported back to that magical day.”
"Our ceremony was really moving, we both teared up, (Matt, more so than I), and many of our guests commented on how beautiful and personal our ceremony was."
Moment Alone
Aside from the ceremony itself, one of the most memorable moments of the day was taking their wedding portraits with the talented Paula Visco. Strolling along Bloor Street and through parts of the University of Toronto campus created the perfect setting for their photos. The couple loved how personal and unique the experience felt, capturing intimate moments in such an iconic and meaningful setting.
"We felt like celebrities walking down the street, so many people commented on how beautiful I looked. We loved having our wedding photos taken in an area we walk by on a regular basis."
Reception & Decor
The venue itself had so much natural beauty that the couple didn’t feel the need to create an entirely new atmosphere. Instead, they turned to Pinterest for minimalist decor ideas to complement the space. The tables were adorned with a soft mix of white roses, white ranunculus, and delicate votive candles, creating a serene and timeless vibe that perfectly suited the venue.
The reception was just as unforgettable, held at Sassafraz, where the newlyweds celebrated their big day with loved ones. The couple wanted to set the mood with live music during cocktail hour, choosing instrumental jazz to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The heartfelt wishes and overwhelming love from friends and family had everyone in tears, making the moment even more meaningful.
The first dance was one of the most memorable moments, with the couple choosing “Latch” by Sam Smith. “Practicing our wedding dance was really the first time we danced together,” shared the bride. She had taken inspiration from a few online wedding dance tutorials and choreographed some special moves to make the photos pop. Signature cocktails and mocktails added a personal touch to the evening.
It was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and memories they’ll cherish forever.
Advice from the couple:
• Keep wedding planning fun, the engagement period is such a happy time, and the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy.
• If you are a sentimentalist, definitely plan ahead to preserve your flowers! That is my only wedding regret!
PHOTOGRAPHY Paula Visco | VIDEOGRAPHER Gillie Bird | VENUE Sassafraz Restaurant | FLORIST Quince Flowers | MAKEUP ARTIST Neo’s Beauty | HAIR STYLIST Weakness For Sweet Beauty | CAKE Butter and Spice Bake Shop | WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE Bride to Be Boutique | WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER Sophia Tolli | GROOM’S SUIT Harry Rosen | OFFICIANT The Marrying Lady | BAND Ewen Farncombe , Will Lamoureux , Jordan
