Today’s Real Wedding comes to us from downtown Toronto at the chic and modern Thompson Hotel. Complete with an elegant rooftop ceremony, romantic chuppah draped in white sheer organza, modern blown glass chandeliers throughout the reception and Stephanie + Charles as an absolutely fabulous looking couple (like a page taken out of an old Hollywood glam magazine, no?!). I love that the bride and groom wanted a statement wedding to match their “lavish” sensibilities…their day is luxurious, yet tasteful. Simple, yet very much a black tie affair. Just gorgeous!
Stephanie + Charles | July 14, 2012 | The Thompson Hotel Toronto
The Ceremony
For the ceremony, we wanted something simple, and at the same time, we wanted a statement to match our lavish personalities. The aisle was lined with silk white rose balls, hanging on silver chiavari chairs; which lead to two stunning flower arrangements of hydrangeas, cymbidium orchids, white roses and birch branches. To honor my husband’s Jewish heritage, we chose a breathtaking chuppah draped with white sheer organza, and an elegant crystal chandelier hanging in the center. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the Beatles, “All You Need is Love”, looking spectacular in their Vera Wang dresses, and carrying white rose bouquets. I walked down to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, holding a jewel-encrusted bouquet of white calla lilies and white roses. When I saw Charles walk out with his parents (I was behind a window where he could not see me), all I could say with tears in my eyes, “He looks so handsome!” And that he did!
The Reception
Our cocktail hour was in the sexy 1812 room, with passed hors d’oeuvres and two Jazz guitarists. We didn’t want our reception space to look like your traditional wedding. We decided to fill half the tables with 3 short arrangements of white tulips, roses and hydrangea, and the other half with tall modern crystal lamps. There were candles everywhere to give the room a luxurious and romantic feel. Our head table was filled with flowers, candles, and the skirt on the table even matched the poof of my dress! Our theme was black, white and silver, with pops of Kelly green. I became absolutely obsessed with finding flowers, jewels, and just about anything that fit our theme! Our vision really came together with the help of our decor company Decor with Grandeur Inc., as well as endless support from our wedding planner Diane England.
Stephanie’s Dress Search
A week prior to heading out with my ladies, my mom and I decided to go to the same boutique where she had recently gotten her own wedding dress. Originally, I thought I wanted a dress that was form fitting, with a black belt. When we got to the store, I randomly picked up two dresses (both of which were completely different from what I wanted). The first one I tried on had a drop waist and fit perfectly…but just wasn’t the one. The second was a beautiful tulle dress with a full skirt, sweetheart neckline and fabulous jewel encrusted belt. When I walked out, looked in the mirror, I just knew…this was the dress that I was going to walk down the aisle in! I felt like a princess bride and didn’t want to take it off.
How Stephanie Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Elegant, Breathtaking, Sexy
Why Stephanie Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the same feeling I had on my wedding day. Keeping it in my closet would be such a shame. Something that amazing should be shared!
