Keep Calm and Marry On! What a witty decor element for Catherine + Michael’s Distillery District wedding in downtown Toronto. This historic concrete cellar venue mixed with glowing high drama chandeliers makes for a really stunning and elegant reception focused event. I love that guests had a drink in hand as the bride and groom tied the knot, allowing the ceremony to move seamlessly into the dinner party and reception. Other great details not to miss: playful military figurines amidst pretty and plush peony arrangements, burlap table runners with a rosette detail…and my favorite, Catherine’s beautiful Vera Wang gown, Gabriela, made from stretch charmeuse with tulle and horsehair overlay. Enjoy!
Catherine + Michael | June 2, 2012 | Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario | Dress Listing: Vera Wang, Gabriela
The Ceremony + Reception
We got married on June 2, 2012 at the Fermenting Cellar located in the Distillery District in
Toronto. We both wanted a huge party with a casual, vintage feel, but no fuss or muss. Michael comes from a Jewish background so we decided to incorporate a few traditions, such as the breaking of the wine glass and dancing the Hora, but other than that we envisioned a very non-traditional celebration. We exchanged our vows under a chuppah, which we handcrafted from Michael’s grandfather’s old prayer shawl along with dark brown bamboo poles we found in Chinatown. Our guests stood around us for the short ceremony, and were ready with a drink to kick off the reception. In terms of decor, we kept it simple and elegant. We created a dinner party feel with long tables that were draped in white linens and burlap runners that had a rosette detail. The chandeliers and the lighting added a real element of drama. The flowers were all peonies (the bride’s favorite!) and were set up down the center of the tables and throughout the reception.
Catherine’s Dress Search
I knew that I wanted a Vera Wang dress – I have always loved her romantic aesthetic! I had a few of her styles that I was planning on trying on, but the one I ended up buying was not included in that list at all. The stylist encouraged me to try it at the end of my appointment, and I ended up loving it more than all the others. The modified mermaid silhouette and romantic tulle rosettes are stunning, and made me feel so beautiful.
How Catherine Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, Romantic, Elegant
Why Catherine Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I decided to sell my wedding dress because the thought of it sitting in a closet for years makes me sad! I hope that another woman will get as much joy as I did out of it!
