Silvia + Michael's University of Toronto wedding
Photos by Alix Gould
My very first wedding feature on the blog definitely had to be Silvia + Michael’s wedding.
This one was extra special - After knowing Silvia my entire life and going on road trips with these two along the South of France and the Californian coast, I was thrilled when I was asked to be their bridesmaid. At this wedding, I was a bridesmaid, stationer/calligrapher and a little bit of a wedding planner.
THE INVITATION
I knew that their invitations would have to be a mixture of Silvia’s eclectic style and Michael’s more traditional style. I also wanted to celebrate the geography and architecture of the area; they were getting married at the University of Toronto where they met. Their vows were exchanged at St. Basil’s Parish, a little cathedral nestled at St. Michael’s College, which they were both members of. The reception followed at Hart House, where the stone walls, old windows and wood panelling made a picture-perfect backdrop for the celebration.
The main invitation included an illustration of St. Basil’s and was letterpress printed in grey on an off-white card-stock. Their names were written in a loose monoline script that gave this very traditional invitation the slightly eclectic look that I was going for. The RSVP card was printed to match, with a hand-drawn leafy monogram that made multiple appearances on their day-of stationery. I also included a small map - printed on pink card stock - of the university campus and surrounding buildings that populated the campus.
The invitation suite was then brought together with a vellum wrap featuring white printing of foliage branches, a navy blue wax seal and hand-drawn foliage envelope liners.
THE MORNING
It’s not often that I make an appearance for the weddings of my clients, so it was wonderful to take part in the morning’s festivities at the Airbnb that the bride had rented out for us in Rosedale, Toronto.
THE CEREMONY
After an early morning, the couple was finally married at St. Basil’s Parish, surrounded by friends and family.
I had grown up attending this beautiful little church as a high school student and had always loved the stained glass windows and the brightness inside. Watching these two exchange their vows while an organist organ played in the background was utter perfection.
After the vows were exchanged and the ceremony was complete, the bridal party went off to walk through the University of Toronto Campus. We were greeted by honks and cheers as we walked around.
THE RECEPTION
When we finally got to the reception, I couldn’t take a moment to rest. Everything looked so beautiful that I had to keep walking around to take everything in.
Their hand-designed mirror welcome sign featuring their monogram.
Small Anelo Calligraphy touches were made around the venue, including this glass guestbook sign, created just for this wedding.
The couple had two large mirror seating charts sorted alphabetically with the head tables appearing at the very top.
The table runners, florals and candelabras complimented the wood panelling, high ceilings and stained-glass windows beautifully. The modern and bright decor looked seamless against the old architecture.
Their cake was the perfect mixture of classic and eclectic, featuring handmade sugar flowers, bass relief and a marbled base.
(By Rossana Mazzuca)
The tables were adorned with tall candle votives, low flower arrangements, single flower vases and a white table runner.
Each place setting was decorated with a personalized menu, a tassel bookmark-inspired place card and chocolate sweets.
Cocktail hour took place outside on the quad, where lawn games were set up and cocktails were served.
After making their big entrance, the couple completed a Polish bread, salt and vodka tradition before gracing their guests with the most lovely first dance that I have ever seen. After incredible food, the best cake that I’ve ever eaten and a long night of dancing outside in perfect summer weather, the day was over. This wedding was an absolute dream and I’m so lucky that I was part of it!
