Halle and Michael’s wedding in Toronto was a stunning celebration of timeless elegance filled with heartfelt moments, family, and love. With a vision of creating a day they would cherish forever, the couple carefully created an event that blended classic sophistication with personal touches, making it a true reflection of their journey together. From the beautiful ceremony at Hotel X to the lively reception, every detail was thoughtfully designed to create a memorable experience for everyone.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Style: Classic, modern, timeless, elegant
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 235
Setting: Hotel
Season: Summer
Halle and Michael’s story began on the rooftop of the SoHo Hotel in downtown Toronto, where a mutual friend introduced them. Both living in the city at the time, their connection was instant—and it didn’t take long before they were sharing a unit together!
Vision & Photography
The couple envisioned a timeless wedding that would remain as beautiful in photos as it felt in the moment. To bring their dream to life, they chose photographer Paula Visco, who captured every meaningful detail of their day. Paula’s told their unique love story, from the warm, intimate moments of the morning to the heartfelt ceremony and the joy-filled celebration. With a mix of digital and film photography, she immortalized their portraits, the laughter, and even their beloved dog, creating memories they’ll treasure forever.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
The bride’s look was a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity. She wore a custom French lace gown designed by Lee Petra Grebenau at Powder Bridal that was truly one-of-a-kind. Her classic Romy pumps by Jimmy Choo added a touch of timeless elegance, while her long, simple veil and pearl earrings completed the look. Her hair flowed in soft, loose waves, and her makeup was fresh and elegant, enhancing her natural beauty.
With the wedding’s neutral color palette in mind, Halle chose a bouquet of white peonies that beautifully complemented the overall theme. She looked absolutely stunning, radiating excitement and love before saying “I do” and celebrating this unforgettable moment with Michael and their guests.
Michael wore a custom black tuxedo from Empire Customs, complete with a personal touch—he had “Mr. & Mrs. Graham” embroidered on the inside of the jacket. Surrounded by his closest family and friends, his wedding morning was filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.
Ceremony
The couple chose to have their ceremony at Hotel X in the stunning glass solarium, perfectly capturing their vision of a classic yet modern wedding. They kept the ceremony simple and traditional, choosing not to do a first look. For Michael, the first time he saw Halle was the moment she walked down the aisle, which made their ceremony even more emotional and heartfelt.
"We didn’t do a first look! I think deciding not to do this created a very special, emotional, and authentic setting for our ceremony, which was felt by all guests."
One of the most special moments of the ceremony was having their beloved English Bulldog, Gunnar, join the celebration. The couple and their guests absolutely loved having him around, adding warmth and joy to an already unforgettable day.
Moments Alone
Before the reception, the newlyweds enjoyed a quiet moment alone, with the photographer Paula Visco capturing their love in the most beautiful way. She expertly caught candid moments that showcased their connection, making the most of the stunning surroundings.
Reception Decor
The reception took place in the grand ballroom at the hotel, offering a seamless transition from the ceremony to the celebration. The couple chose a neutral color palette—white, beige, and nude—to create a timeless, modern, and elegant atmosphere. The tables were beautifully adorned with a mix of white flowers, including peonies, roses, and hydrangeas, all surrounded by soft candlelight, adding a warm, romantic glow to the room.
Reception
The evening was filled with great music, with a live band playing throughout the night and a DJ keeping the energy high. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, with the groom’s choice being an Espresso Martini and the bride’s a Lychee Martini. For the newlyweds, the most meaningful moment was seeing all their friends and family, many who had traveled very far, come together to celebrate their love.
The celebration continued with the couple cutting a beautiful cake adorned with “Just Married” in elegant writing. The live band was a major highlight, keeping the dance floor packed all night long and ensuring the energy never dipped. The night was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Be present and don’t sweat the small stuff! Things will always go wrong during the planning process and on the day of the wedding no matter what – at the end of the day you’ll be married to love of your life so just be happy.
PHOTOGRAPHY Paula Visco | VIDEO Malvita Media | VENUE Hotel X Toronto | PLANNER The Avent Agency | FLORALS Jackie O. Events | HAIR Shannon Petrolito Artistry | MAKEUP Jeige Beauty | DRESS Lee Petra Grebenau | WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE Powder Bride | SUIT Empire Customs | STATIONERY Polka Dot Paper Shop | TABLEWARE Splendid Settings | FURNITURE RENTALS Detailz Furniture Rentals | BAND Main Event Music | CAKE Mons Supply | OFFICIANT XO Life Celebrations | CATERING Food Dudes
