Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Style: Industrial, classic, garden feel
Number of guests: 120
Time of planning: 1 year
Setting: Brewery
Season: Summer
Rania and Darren’s love story began far from home, during dental school in Australia. Both from Canada, they became friends and grew closer over their first year. “Rania tried to kiss me on her birthday, and I said no, but she was very persistent,” Darren laughs. Their first official date happened back in Toronto during summer break and everything just clicked.
Years later, to celebrate his 30th birthday, Darren suggested a trip to New York City. Rania planned the whole weekend, except for one night, which Darren said was reserved for an art gallery show. That evening, after a quiet day in Soho, they arrived at what she thought was a rooftop party. Instead, she stepped into a romantic proposal setup, complete with music and photographers. “It was the most beautiful surprise and the best day of my life so far,” she says.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Rania described the day as pure magic, full of love, emotion, and non-stop energy. She says, “All the nerves melted away the moment I walked down the aisle.” The whole celebration was a perfect blend of joy and connection, surrounded by family and friends.
For her look, Rania chose a stunning minimalist gown by Kyha for the ceremony and later changed into a sleek dress by Khanum’s for the party. She finished her look with Jimmy Choo heels, a spritz of Dior J’adore, and a soft, glamorous makeup and hairstyle by Fancy Face. Her bouquet, designed by Zoeyleungkk, added an elegant, effortless touch.
Groom's Fashion
Darren wore a timeless look that perfectly matched the wedding’s elegant vibe: a classic white and black suit from SuitSupply, paired with Browns shoes and a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. The style tied in beautifully with the overall color palette and atmosphere of the day. The entire groom’s morning was filled with excitement and high energy.
First Looks
Besides her bridesmaids, Rania had two more special looks, one of which was shared with her beloved family. It was an incredibly meaningful and emotional moment, filled with love, warmth, and connection.
Then the couple shared a private first look, a moment that felt entirely their own. They exchanged vows while standing on either side of a door at Archive Studios, creating an intimate and unforgettable memory before the celebrations began.
Photography
Right after their first look, the couple spent quality time with their wedding party, enjoying the excitement and energy of the day. Before heading to the ceremony, they carved out a few quiet moments just for the two of them, a chance to pause, connect, and truly be present before saying “I do.”
Holiak Photography documented every moment with care, beautifully capturing the touching ceremony, quiet moments of love, golden hour glow, and the lively celebration that followed. Each photo told the story with warmth, emotion, and timeless detail.
Ceremony
Rania and Darren chose to have their ceremony outdoors, right in front of the historic locomotive that was retired in December 1985 and later donated to the City of Toronto. The space was beautifully transformed with lush greenery and white florals, creating a romantic and meaningful setting for their “I dos.”
The open-air setting created an intimate, romantic atmosphere filled with love, emotion, and joyful energy from their closest family and friends. Every tear, smile, and quiet glance added to the magic of the moment, making it a celebration to remember.
After Rania and Darren exchanged vows, guests tossed soft petals into the air, filling the space with movement and joy. It was a beautiful, open-air celebration of love that felt both meaningful and completely unforgettable.
Planning & Decor
Rania and Darren wanted their wedding day to feel easy, fun, and totally them. They wanted to create a laid-back atmosphere where guests could enjoy amazing food, great drinks, and have the best time. Just as important, they wanted to feel like they actually spent the day together, enjoying every moment. With the Devoted to You team on board, their vision came to life perfectly.
"We wanted the feel of our wedding to be very green with white florals and lots of candles throughout the venue. We wanted an exposed brick industrial vibe mixed with a more modern romantic feel."
Dinner & Party
The reception was full of energy, laughter, and non-stop celebration. Rania and Darren wanted a party, and they got exactly that. The night was a true reflection of their joy and the love surrounding them. Their first dance set the tone, and the vibe only went up from there.
To kick things off, Arabic drummers made an unforgettable entrance, bringing the crowd to their feet instantly. The rhythm and excitement they brought added a cultural touch that electrified the space and set the dance floor on fire, literally the perfect start to the party.
As the evening continued, the newlyweds were surrounded by a warm glow. The lights added romance and intimacy, making the whole space feel like a dream. Being surrounded by their closest people under that glow made the moment feel even more special.
Advice from the couple:
• Try to take it all in and live in the moment of the day. Things might not go the way you planned, but remember this day is meant for you and your partner to have the best time of your lives. Trust your vendor team to get everything done as planned and make your vision a reality.
PHOTOGRAPHER Holiak Photography | PLANNING Devoted To You Events | VIDEOGRAPHER Kismet Creative | VENUE Steamwhistle Brewery | GET READY LOCATION Archive Studio | FLORIST Zoey Leung KK Designs | HAIR & MAKEUP Fancy Face | DRESS Kyha Studios | PARTY DRESS Khanum’s | CATERING Food Dudes | RENTALS Element Event Solutions | OFFICIANT Ceremonies with Choice | GUITARIST & SINGER Tessah Dunn | DJ Alley Entertainment | DANCERS Sooriana Group | INVITATIONS & STATIONERY DESIGN Ivory & Twine | PHOTOBOOTH Portraits on White | LATE NIGHT FOOD Midnight Cookies & Happy Burgers
