Here’s a stunning DIY wedding loaded with all those little details that make a wedding special. Longtime sweethearts Domico and Ray achieved their goal of a relaxed, but elegant, celebration with tons of style and lots of heart. Friends and family chipped in to help create amazing DIY projects, like the sweet fabric banner lining the processional aisle, the charming reception table centerpieces and the “Recipe for Love” guest book. If your’e looking for the perfect recipe for DIY wedding success, this is it!
Domico + Ray | September, 2010 | Toronto, Canada
How they met
We met when we were still attending high school and have been dating for many years. While we went to different high school, one at the east end, and the other at the west end, we ultimately went to the same University studying different programs. For this, Ray is very proud of telling others we were high school sweethearts.
The ceremony
We wanted to have a wedding that truly reflects who we are – simple and natural. We spent some time considering where to have the wedding. Our maid of honour even created an in-depth cost/benefit analysis for hosting our wedding in Hong Kong (our hometown), Bali (for destination wedding) and Toronto (our adopted hometown)! After some careful deliberation, we finally settled on having an outdoor wedding at the Miller Lash House in Toronto. The venue itself was so breathtaking to begin with that we were able to keep everything simple, yet elegant.
The reception
Shortly after the ceremony, we had our dinner reception at the tented patio next to our ceremony site. With lots of help from my bridesmaid, Leanne, we decorated the reception area with a vintage, homey feeling with lots of DIY items. Our friends made us a 4ft x 4ft blackboard as our seating plan while my father-in-law found us some tree stumps to crate two rustic cake stands. In addition, each table has a fabric wrapped letter as the “table number” along with tea cups that filled with flowers arranged by our friends! Each guest has a homemade jam made by me and Ray to take home at the end of the night with six different flavours to choose from.
The moment Domico will never forget
While the gorgeous venue, delicious food, beautiful Erin from Vera Wang, and stylish Chucks, as well as the many DIY projects we took on are all elements of our unforgettable wedding, the defining moment lies when I walk down the aisle with my Dad and saw Ray waiting for me there with some of our most important and dearest friends and family in attendance, and when we sat with our dearest friends at the head table.
How Domico knew that wedding dress was “The One”
Before going into the first dress fitting, I knew I wanted a mermaid dress with heart shape neckline and lots of lace. I had been to so many places trying on lots of dresses, yet, I still failed to find the “one”. I didn’t get that “Oh My Goodness” feeling until I met “Erin” at Vera Wang. Even though designer gowns were not in my budget, when I put on Erin, I loved it! Even though it had none of the characteristics I thought I wanted (its a strapless ball gown with many layers of organza). Erin is flowy, soft, fun, whimsical, yet, elegant!
Why Domico decided to sell her wedding dress
Erin was part of my unforgettable wedding and I wish Erin could bring another bride as much happiness as she has given me. I would love to see another bride wearing Erin happily!
