A Design-Forward Harding Waterfront Estate Wedding

There’s something especially meaningful about planning a wedding for a couple who first experienced your work as guests. Rebecca and Tim attended a Harding Waterfront Estate wedding I planned the year prior, so when they reached out to plan their own wedding at the same venue, it felt like a full-circle moment, and truly such an honour.

Their October 24, 2025 wedding at Harding Waterfront Estate was a masterclass in thoughtful restraint, layered pattern, and intentional colour. From the moment they shared their initial vision of soft blue and white, they were completely open to my guidance on expanding the palette and pushing the design just enough to feel elevated, unique and unexpected.

Expanding the Colour Palette with Intention

While light blue and white formed the foundation, we built depth by introducing cappuccino brown, teal, terracotta, and subtle hints of dark green. The result was a palette that felt warm and autumnal without leaning too seasonal - perfect for a late October wedding on the waterfront.

Rather than overwhelming the space, each colour had a role. Teal anchored the graphic elements, terracotta warmed the stationery details, and cappuccino brown grounded the overall design, allowing the softer blues to feel intentional rather than overly sweet.

Pattern Mixing Done Thoughtfully

Rebecca and Tim were completely open to pattern which is a dream for any designer. We layered soft stripes, organic florals, and geometric squares, using teal tones throughout to maintain cohesion and ensure a seamless visual transition between elements.

The custom geometric dance floor vinyl became the anchor of the reception space, visually grounding the room and setting the tone for the entire design. Pattern mixing can easily feel chaotic, but when done thoughtfully, it creates rhythm and movement, especially in a space as naturally elegant as Harding Waterfront Estate.

I was ridiculously excited to see all of the patterns come together, particularly once the room was fully set. This is where I always come back to my design philosophy: it’s not about more being more - it’s about doing things exceptionally well. When design elements are executed at a high level, they create impact without visual clutter.

Florals as Art at Harding Waterfront Estate

Toronto wedding florist Rosalie Villanueva took our design direction and elevated it beyond expectation. Each floral arrangement felt like a sculptural piece of art—intentional, organic, and beautifully composed.

The ceremony at Harding Waterfront Estate requires very little enhancement. The grounds feel tucked away from the world, offering a quiet, almost secret-garden quality that’s rare for a Toronto waterfront wedding venue. We allowed the setting to speak for itself, framing the ceremony with florals that enhanced rather than competed with the natural surroundings.

To maximize impact, ceremony arrangements were repurposed for the ends of the VIP tables during the reception. Repurposing ceremony florals in a way that feels natural is a strategy I often use to create cohesion while being mindful of both budget and sustainability.

Stationery That Subtly Set the Tone

Amber from All That’s Lovely ran with our inspiration beautifully. The invitation suite featured soft blue envelopes, ivory paper, and a mix of teal and terracotta inks, creating a subtle colour-blocked effect that hinted at the design story without revealing everything at once.

While bows and ribbons have been trending, I always prefer a more nuanced approach. We incorporated a romantic bow line drawing throughout the stationery, from invitations to wedding day paper goods, as a gentle nod to the trend rather than an overt statement. The result felt timeless, refined, and perfectly aligned with Rebecca and Tim’s aesthetic.

A Reception Layout with Impact

Instead of a traditional head table, Rebecca and Tim opted for two long VIP tables flanking the dance floor. This layout choice made a huge visual statement, especially against the bold geometry of the dance floor vinyl, and encouraged a more communal, celebratory atmosphere.

The symmetry of the tables, paired with layered patterns and sculptural florals, created a reception design that felt intentional from every angle, one of the many reasons Harding Waterfront Estate weddings photograph so beautifully.

Why Harding Waterfront Estate Is One of Toronto’s Most Unique Wedding Venues

Harding Waterfront Estate remains one of the most distinctive wedding venues in the Toronto area. With its lakefront views, lush grounds, and on-site tent, it offers couples the rare combination of privacy, flexibility, and natural beauty.

For Rebecca and Tim, it was the perfect canvas for a wedding that balanced softness with structure, tradition with creativity, and design-forward thinking with genuine warmth.

This wedding will stay with me for a long time. Not just because of the design, but because of the trust Rebecca and Tim placed in the process. When couples are open, collaborative, and excited to explore ideas together, the result is always something truly special.

With that, I invite you to experience their Harding Waterfront Estate wedding below, beautifully captured by Alix Gould.

Alix Gould Photography, RZY by Rosalie Villanueva, Harding Waterfront Estate, All You Need is Love (officiant), ES Bridal, Simply Beautiful Decor, All That’s Lovely, Dance Floor Graphics, and Parkside Drive.

Rebecca and Tim’s Reception Layout at Harding Waterfront Estate

A Candlelit Celebration at Ricarda’s: A Romantic Downtown Toronto Wedding

Julianne and Mitchell’s November 2024 wedding at Ricarda’s Restaurant in Toronto was the perfect blend of simplicity, romance, and heartfelt celebration. They began their day at the iconic Fairmont Royal York, where they got ready surrounded by their closest people, before heading to the University of Toronto for portraits among the historic architecture and fall foliage - a timeless backdrop that perfectly matched their elegant yet laid-back style.

Their ceremony took place beneath the soaring arches of Ricarda’s stunning glass Atrium, a space that felt both grand and intimate for their 90 guests. After exchanging vows, everyone moved into the restaurant for cocktails, dinner, and dancing, a seamless flow that highlighted Ricarda’s versatility as a downtown Toronto wedding venue.

Julianne and Mitchell kept the décor simple and meaningful: DIY florals, loads of candlelight, and an atmosphere focused on love and connection. The result was a warm, inviting evening filled with laughter, happy tears, and celebration - proof that beautiful things happen when you let love lead.

Vendors: Sarah Stevenson Photo, Anne Houston Wedding Officiant, Toronto Wedding Strings, Jeige Beauty Inc., Harrison Luey, Scottify

A Stylish Toronto Brunch Wedding at Cluny Bistro in the Distillery District

By now, you know that we love a restaurant wedding, and this one reinforces all of our reasons for why couples should host a wedding at a restaurant.

If you're searching for a romantic and unique Toronto wedding venue, look no further than Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie in the historic Distillery District. This chic French-inspired restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind setting for couples looking to host a stylish, intimate celebration in the heart of the city.

For Simone and Andrew, a traditional wedding never felt quite right. Instead, they reimagined their day into a relaxed and elegant brunch wedding at Cluny, blending thoughtful design with the natural charm of one of Toronto’s most iconic restaurant wedding venues.

Ceremony, Cocktails, and Brunch All in One Space

The day began with a short, heartfelt ceremony inside Cluny Bistro. Guests remained seated at their tables while Simone and Andrew exchanged vows at the front of the room, a format that felt natural and organic within the space. With its sun-drenched interior, Cluny offered the perfect backdrop for a ceremony that was both beautiful and understated.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests stayed inside the restaurant for cocktail hour. Guests then sat down for a leisurely brunch, a signature feature of this Toronto restaurant wedding. By 3 p.m., the formal portion of the celebration had wrapped, allowing everyone to head out feeling full and connected.

Simone and Andrew then took advantage of the Distillery District’s cobblestone streets and heritage architecture for portraits before joining family later that evening for a private dinner, rounding out a wedding day that was beautifully personalized from start to finish.

Why Choose Cluny Bistro for Your Toronto Wedding?

If you're dreaming of a restaurant wedding in Toronto that’s equal parts elegant and effortless, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie is one of Toronto’s best restaurant wedding venues for couples looking for style, charm, and personality.

Service: Event Management

Wedding Getting Ready Location: The Ace Hotel
Wedding: Cluny Bistro
Photography: Mango Studios
Florals: 2 Peonies
Planning: Heather Salema of Laura Olsen Events
Hair and Makeup: Presley Foskett
Cake: Sugar Suite

Romantic Vintage Wedding at Lincoln Hall, Broadview Hotel | Toronto Wedding Venue Spotlight

Eryn and Jesse were married in November of 2024 at The Lincoln Hall and Terrace in The Broadview Hotel in downtown Toronto. Eryn wanted a wedding that blended the building’s historic charm with modern sophistication. Located in the heart of Riverside, this beautifully restored 19th-century landmark offers a one-of-a-kind setting for couples searching for a romantic and stylish wedding venue in the city.

Eryn and Jesse’s vintage-inspired celebration brought soft blush florals, brass accents, and classic elegance to life in the most stunning way. With its rich textures, original brick walls, and soaring windows, Lincoln Hall at The Broadview Hotel served as the perfect backdrop for a wedding filled with warmth, charm, and timeless romance.

A neutral-toned fabric offered a clean backdrop for their ceremony, allowing the black cane-back chairs and floor arrangements of blush, ivory, and peach-toned blooms to stand out. Tall floral pillars framed the altar, evoking the feeling of a secret garden indoors. The setup was both simple and sophisticated, ideal for couples who want a modern-meets-vintage ceremony in a historic venue. Guests were then invited to the rooftop patio for cocktail hour while the ceremony space was transitioned to dinner.

For the reception, long tables were dressed in linen-toned cloths and accented with brass cutlery, soft candlelight, and delicate floral centrepieces in ceramic compotes. The floral design leaned into a blush and brass colour palette, combining roses, ranunculus, and lisianthus for a look that was effortlessly elegant. We chose the black cane-back chairs to complement the brick walls, while then bending the two with the biscotti coloured tablecloths for a subtle flow and added texture.

It was a masterclass in elevated minimalism with vintage flair — perfect for couples who want a romantic yet refined setting.

This romantic downtown Toronto wedding at the historic Broadview Hotel came together thanks to a talented team of creative professionals. If you're planning a wedding in Toronto and looking for trusted vendors, here’s who made the magic happen:

• Wedding Planner – Laura Olsen Events | A luxury Toronto wedding planner known for timeless, elegant events.

• Wedding Venue – The Broadview Hotel | A boutique historic wedding venue in downtown Toronto with modern charm and rooftop views.

• Photographer – Hugh Whitaker Photography
  A fine art Toronto wedding photographer who beautifully captures emotion and editorial elegance.

• Florist – Bellwood Blooms for Tonic Blooms | Elegant and organic floral designs for weddings in Toronto.

• Stationery – Statue Rue | Custom wedding stationery and paper goods for design-focused couples.

• Rentals – Simply Beautiful Decor | Specialty event rentals for elegant Toronto weddings, including chairs, linens, and tabletop.

• Wedding Cake | Fine Spun Cakes Couture Toronto wedding cakes with artistic design and refined flavour.

• DJ – Sean Caff | High-energy, personalized wedding DJ in Toronto with a modern vibe.

• Beauty – ES Bridal | Professional hair and makeup services for Toronto brides.

Three Feathers Terrace | Wedding Venue in Innisfil

Jamie and Ryan were married at Three Feathers Terrace, a relatively new wedding venue just north of Toronto in Innisfil. It made quite a splash on Instagram throughout its build, with couples and vendors thrilled to see something new! Heather, our Senior Planner, supported them with Event Management, helping them transition away from the planning over the last few weeks and on the wedding day.

It’s always fun when couples have a strong vision of their design and how they want the day to feel. The striking black and white vibe feels modern but classic at the same time. A bonus of Three Feathers is that they have already thought carefully through the pieces they would include in their inventory for couples (table numbers, linens, napkins, etc.) making the experience less stressful for couples.

Catering was taken care of by L-Eat, an incredible Toronto caterer. What we love about L’Eat is that they take an environmentally friendly approach, and whenever possible, use local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. They also have their own urban garden, producing fruits, vegetables and herbs! Something we rarely hear in weddings, L’Eat makes sure to recycle and compost and makes every effort to be green!

More of the vendor team includes Purple Tree Photography, Bloomberry & Co, Polka Dot Paper Shop, Enduring Promises, DJ Markus, Kroma Salon, Cake Creations by Michelle, and Made with Love from The Modern Bride.

A Romantic Harding Waterfront Estate Wedding

Harding Waterfront Estate has flown a bit under the radar until the last few years when it’s making a name for itself as a great Toronto wedding venue. It’s one of only a few wedding venues with tent reception options on site which makes it an incredibly unique option.

It’s located a short drive from Toronto right on the Mississauga - Oakville border. It features a gorgeous 50 ft x 70 ft glass pavilion (3500 sq. ft) which can accommodate up to 240 guests for a seated wedding reception and a standing capacity of 500. The vaulted ceilings are a soaring 18’ high, draped in sheer fabric and adorned with 6 dimmable crystal chandeliers. Air conditioning and heating are available seasonally which is rare to find in these types of event spaces.

The grounds are immaculate with lush gardens all around. The outdoor ceremony space overlooks Joshua’s Creek and Lake Ontario is visible from the rear terrace of the estate’s main building, Bell-Gairdner House.

The flexibility within the rental period of the wedding day also lends itself well to getting ready on-site and photos on the property.

Have a scroll through the beautiful photos captured by Cleland Photographs. Florals were designed by Fable Floral Design, stationery by All That’s Lovely and linens, chairs and tabletop pieces by Simply Beautiful Decor.

A Colorful and Intimate Same-Sex Gardiner Museum Wedding, a Downtown Toronto Wedding Venue

Mitchell and Scott had been dreaming of a Gardiner Museum wedding when they reached out for wedding planning help in the fall of 2022, yet they were still open to exploring other venues just to make sure their decision was the right one. I sure am glad we made it back to hosting their wedding at Gardiner Museum because it truly is one of my favourite downtown Toronto wedding venues.

From there, we got to dive further into their wedding colour palette and we had so much fun! This was their second must-have - a colour palette that was broad and colourful, fun but classic, without being too literal with the Pride Rainbow. We leaned into green as our lead colour since it felt masculine but inviting. It also allowed us to use the fun, modern, pistachio coloured dining chairs the venue had on hand. The florals allowed us to expand the palette to include purples, blues, pinks and white sparingly just as a backdrop to let the other pieces pop.

The third must-have item on the list was to incorporate their dog, Chester, not only in their ceremony, but also throughout their wedding day stationery. They actually found me on Instagram from a post I had shared of Emilie and Leo’s wedding, where we featured their beautiful doggo, Maple, right through from their wedding invitations to their sweets table cookies! All That’s Lovely, a local Hamilton wedding invitation designer, embraced their vision and created a suite that felt elegant but fun using colour blocking as an economical design element to increase the overall richness using Racing Stripe Green invitation paper with white ink, a Pistachio envelope and a Powder Green details card.

Fable Floral Design, an incredible Toronto wedding florist, was given creative liberty to take our ideas and bring them to life. We dreamed up a unique wedding ceremony floral design using florals and candles on pedestals varying in height. Once the ceremony was complete, this piece was transitioned into a unique seating chart idea. While some florals were transitioned to guest centerpieces, others remained in place, simply replaced with four seating chart signs.

Having the opportunity to work with Daniel et Daniel, easily the best Toronto wedding caterer was a real treat. They handled all venue communication and food and beverage. Their food was incredible and we preset the first course of a watermelon salad which only added to the guest experience as guests entered the Gardiner Museum’s Terrace Room that was transitioned from wedding ceremony to wedding reception.

The full team who brought this downtown Toronto Gardiner Museum wedding venue to life includes Christine Lim Photography, Fable Floral Design, Daniel et Daniel, Element Events, All You Need is Love Weddings, All That’s Lovely Paper Co., ES Bridal, Castle and Cole, Evolved Entertainment and The Food Dudes.