Tell us a little about yourselves!
We’re a Toronto based couple who recently got married in August of 2024 at Toronto City Hall. We met at work in 2019 selling photocopiers - super sexy! We were immediately drawn to one another. For him, it was probably because I was the only female in the office. For me, he had a grounded and warm energy that you didn’t typically come across in our industry. He would eventually become the calm to my storm. What started as a forbidden romance of sorts turned into an unconditional love story.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
It was important for us to share this sacred day with our immediate families in a more intimate setting. This eliminated any of the pressures of entertaining a large guest list and we could focus on what matters most. The day was absolute perfection from beginning to end.
We are in the midst of planning our big fat Greek wedding at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Yorkville, where we will celebrate with our 160 guests next August.
How many guests did you have?
We hosted both of our parents, siblings and my grandparents at City Hall, followed by a cocktail hour and family style dinner on the east end of the city. My mom wore the same ensemble that her mother wore to her wedding in 1992. It was such an emotional surprise, bringing me some comfort that she was also there in spirit.
What was your budget?
What’s a budget….
Tell us about your outfits.
I’m not going to lie, after the marriage itself, the fits were the second most important thing to me. My dream was to emulate Carrie Bradshaw and wear a suit to get married. After extensive search I found the Nana Jacqueline ‘Alia’ dress that gave me boss babe energy but make it feminine. I paired the dress with Alaïa heels and a few statement jewellery pieces. My most favourite being my previously loved Vivienne Westwood Choker. After completely blowing the budget on the outfit I settled for an Amazon purse.
Brandon had a suit custom tailored for the special day paired with suspenders, a Hugo Boss dress shirt and Steve Madden velvet loafers. His inspiration was timeless, classic. He looked so handsome!
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
The most important element of the day was keeping it simple and celebrating our unity with our loved ones. We are saving the extravagant details for our larger wedding next summer.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
We chose to get married on the date that is exactly one year before our wedding next August, so that we can celebrate a single anniversary date.
Any tips for couples getting married?
I think the key to planning a successful event is to prioritize communication and collaboration. Not only listening but respecting each other’s opinion through the decision-making process goes a long way. Also, the day goes by way too quickly so unplug and enjoy every minute!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our one and only vendor of the day was our lovely and talented photographer, Kaela Leone. There really are not enough words but to say Kaela is a dream to work with is an understatement. She has a way of creating such a comfortable environment for those in front of the camera which translates in her work. We are so blessed to have an archive of our most special day yet.
Photographer: Kaela Leone @kaelaleoneweddings | Flora: Jong Young Flower Market @jongyoungflowers | Ceremony Location: Toronto City Hall | Reception Location:
‘Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice’ Restaurant @thenosegios | Makeup: by Sierra | Hair:
Blo Blow Dry Bar Yorkville @blotoronto | Dress: Nana Jacqueline @nanajacqueline_ |
Suit: Custom with Hugo Boss @hugoboss Shirt | Purse: Amazon @amazon | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Custom | Shoes: Alaïa (Sierra) @maisonalaia & Steve Madden (Brandon) @stevemadden | Choker: Second hand Vivienne Westwood @viviennewestwood from MyTheresa @mytheresa.com | Bangle: Khanum's @khanums
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