A summer evening in Toronto set the stage for Kennedy and Michael’s intimate and elegantly designed wedding. Held at two iconic locations—the grand Trinity College Chapel for the ceremony and the serene Toronto Hunt overlooking Lake Ontario for the reception—the day blended historic architecture with natural beauty. Thoughtful details were woven throughout, from seasonal florals to carefully curated design elements that reflected the couple’s passion for aesthetics. Guests experienced a seamless journey from the heart of the city to a lakeside celebration, where candlelit tables, a fresh summer menu, and a dance floor filled with energy brought the evening to life.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Style: Elegant garden party
Time of planning: 14 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – country club
Season: Summer
Kennedy and Michael’s story began at the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in Brooklyn, where their shared passion for design brought them together. As architects, their love for aesthetics played a central role in their relationship, shaping not only their careers but also their approach to wedding planning. In the summer of 2023, during a family trip to Italy, Michael proposed to Kennedy in an olive grove in Puglia with their families secretly watching from a distance, ready to celebrate over an unforgettable Italian dinner. Wanting to keep their wedding intimate, they envisioned a day that felt both personal and beautifully designed—a reflection of their meticulous attention to detail and their love for experiencing the world together.
Bridal Look
Kennedy chose a fitted lace gown with a V waist and visible corset by FLORA Bridal House (via Alexia’s Bridal Boutique NYC), which she paired with a delicate lace bolero for the ceremony. Her Italian tulle veil, also from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique NYC, was a standout piece, flowing effortlessly behind her as she walked down the aisle. For footwear, she opted for ivory lace-up kitten heels by Larroude X Favourite Daughter, a choice that balanced style and comfort, especially as she transitioned into her second look—a sleek, feathered mini dress by Staud for the reception.
Kennedy kept her makeup natural and fresh, complementing her soft French twist hairstyle, ensuring the delicate details of her dress remained the focus. Her jewelry carried deep sentimental value—gold and diamond earrings borrowed from her mother and a floating pearl necklace from her grandmother, adding a meaningful, heirloom touch. At the last minute, she selected Diptyque Philosykos as her wedding fragrance, embracing its fresh, green notes. Hidden within the hem of her dress was a Turkish evil eye charm gifted by her NYC seamstress, pinned alongside lace from her mother’s wedding gown for a heartfelt “something blue.”
Her bridesmaids wore a mix of green hues, creating a visually cohesive yet unique aesthetic that tied seamlessly into the wedding’s natural palette. The dresses, ranging from deep emerald to soft sage, featured flowing silhouettes and satin textures, striking the perfect balance between elegance and individuality.
Their bouquets, crafted by August Tree Flower Farm, were filled with white seasonal blooms accented by subtle hints of golden yellow, echoing the organic beauty of the day. The mismatched gowns allowed each bridesmaid to express her style while maintaining harmony with the overall design. The choice of green not only complemented the lush floral arrangements but also enhanced the timeless and sophisticated feel of the celebration.
Groom's Fashion
Michael opted for a classic and refined look, wearing a custom black tuxedo with peak lapels by Enzo Custom in Soho, NY, paired with a black silk bow tie from Todd Snyder and black velvet slippers by To Boot New York. A special detail was the Swiss watch gifted by his identical twin brother and best man, which he wore alongside his wedding band. His groomsmen complemented his look in matching black tuxedos, white shirts, and black bow ties, creating a cohesive and timeless aesthetic that fit seamlessly into the day’s elegant atmosphere.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the breathtaking Trinity College Chapel, a space defined by its grand Gothic architecture, soaring vaulted ceilings, and intricate stained glass windows that cast soft, natural light across the aisle. Lush floral arrangements adorned the altar and the base of the chancel, featuring seasonal white blooms accented with greenery, creating an organic and romantic atmosphere. The wooden pews were subtly decorated with delicate vines and floral accents, seamlessly blending with the chapel’s historic beauty while allowing the venue’s architectural details to remain the focal point.
As guests settled into their seats, a live string ensemble filled the chapel with soft, melodic harmonies, setting the tone for an emotional and intimate exchange of vows. The flower girl and ring bearer made their way down the aisle before Kennedy entered, her veil trailing behind her, as the sunlight illuminated the intricate lace of her gown.
The ceremony was led by Father Daniel Graves, who brought a meaningful yet personal touch to the proceedings. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family and friends, with heartfelt readings from loved ones adding an extra layer of depth. As they were pronounced husband and wife, a wave of joy spread through the chapel, with beaming smiles, quiet tears, and an undeniable feeling of love filling the space. “Huge smiles and also some tears–the overwhelming love and support from all of our closest people,” shared the bride.
"The way the sunlight comes into the space in the afternoons is so magical and we were hoping that it would come through on our day–luckily it did!"
Private Moment
Before heading to their reception, Kennedy and Michael took a quiet walk through the historic grounds surrounding the chapel, savoring a few peaceful moments together. With Everglow Photography capturing each frame, the couple strolled hand in hand, framed by ivy-covered stone buildings and soft golden light filtering through the trees. Their chemistry felt effortless, and the photographer masterfully documented not just their elegance, but the unspoken emotions in each glance and touch.
The images reflected the intimacy of the moment—Kennedy’s veil catching the breeze, Michael’s hand firmly in hers, their smiles filled with the weight of the day’s joy. Soon, they made their way to the reception venue, where their guests eagerly awaited them for a relaxed cocktail hour by the lake.
"Our photographer really made our couples sessions feel like natural, quiet moments with each other where we could enjoy just being in each other's company."
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour unfolded on the lush green lawn of The Toronto Hunt, offering sweeping views of Lake Ontario as guests mingled under the golden summer light. A relaxed yet elegant atmosphere set the tone, with guests savoring oysters on ice and refreshing signature cocktails, including “The Rosie-Mary Fizz,” a gin-based creation named after the couple’s terrier-mix, Rosie.
The live music and easy conversations flowed as friends and family gathered in small groups, laughing, toasting, and soaking in the waterfront setting. Kennedy and Michael, now officially married, arrived to warm applause, seamlessly blending into the celebration, sharing hugs, and taking in the joyful energy before the evening’s festivities continued inside.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Kennedy and Michael stepped away from the reception for a quiet walk by the lake, allowing Everglow Photography to capture their first moments as newlyweds against the fading twilight. The soft evening light reflected off the water, creating a dreamlike setting as they embraced, their silhouettes framed by the gentle waves and the vast open sky. Kennedy’s veil caught the breeze, adding movement to the intimate portraits, while Michael held her close, their quiet laughter and lingering glances telling the story of the day. These stunning images, taken in the stillness of the lakefront, preserved the emotion and beauty of the moment before they returned to the celebration.
"The waterfront atmosphere of Lake Ontario really defines Toronto as a city, and we wanted a balance of urban and nature, which is something that we as a couple really love as a lifestyle."
Reception
The reception space was transformed into an elegant garden-inspired setting that reflected Kennedy and Michael’s thoughtful design vision. Long tables draped in soft ivory linens were adorned with floral arrangements by August Tree Flower Farm, featuring lush white blooms, delicate Queen Anne’s lace, and soft greenery with subtle golden yellow accents. Candlelight flickered from glass votives, casting a warm glow over the intimate gathering.
The place settings were carefully curated, with each guest’s name written on deep green escort cards, complementing the bridesmaids’ dresses and the organic color palette. Thoughtful handmade details, including satin ribbon accents and a custom seating chart crafted by Kennedy, made the space feel even more personal.
As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a beautifully prepared dinner while laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the room. The speeches were a highlight of the night, with the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, maid of honor, and best man each delivering heartfelt and humorous toasts that had the entire room alternating between tears and laughter. Kennedy and Michael soaked in every word, their hands clasped together as they listened.
To cap off the official part, the couple cut into their dark chocolate cake with white icing by Black Honey Bakery, a simple and refined design accented with fresh flowers from the wedding’s floral arrangements. The moment was filled with laughter as they shared the first bite, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
When it was time for the first dance, they stepped onto the floor as “Lift You Up” by LEON played, swaying in a moment that felt both intimate and cinematic. Soon after, the dance floor came alive, with guests joining in to celebrate, keeping the energy high as the night continued.
"We're generally very private about our relationship, so we wanted to keep our wedding relatively small and intimate so that we could relish in the day and enjoy time together with our closest people."
Advice from the couple:
• Work together and focus on the things that are most important to you both. When the wedding weekend finally arrives, make a pact with yourselves that you will sign off on all the planning and just enjoy!
PHOTOGRAPHER Everglow Photography | PLANNER Karina Lemke | MUAH Sky Shapiro | FLORALS August Tree Flower Farm | CAKE Black Honey Bakery | DJ Impact DJ
