The Spoke Club Toronto Wedding

Erin and Sean's intimate The Spoke Club Toronto wedding started on the rooftop patio, surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and family. Wild North Flowers created a stunning arch in front of which Erin and Sean were wed by their sisters acting as officiants. They took the time to do all of their family and couples portraits before the ceremony at Osgoode Hall, allowing them to join the cocktail reception and catch up with their guests. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail reception on the rooftop with unobstructed views of the famous CN Tower. Guests were then invited downstairs for dinner in the gorgeous main dining room adorned with chandeliers, wood dining tables and plush fabric dining chairs in a mixture of fabrics. Erin's parents beautifully crafted the carved wood ring box, acrylic and wood table numbers, and place cards. What gorgeous takeaways for their guests! Peruse the gorgeousness below, all so carefully captured by Johnny Lam Photography.

Photography Johnny Lam Photography
Florals Wild North Flowers
Venue The Spoke Club Toronto
DJ We Are House Party
Cake Le Dolci

Hair Bridal Hair Collective
Makeup Colourations
Month-of Coordination Wedding Planner Laura Olsen Events

Formal Bohemian Wedding at Airship 37

Amanda and Jordan's wedding at Airship 37 was an extra special day for me. Jordan and I worked together years ago before my days as a wedding planner and we stayed in touch long after. Shortly after their engagement, they reached out for my assistance as a wedding designer, as they weren't quite sure how to fuse their two very different tastes in design. He's a tux-wearing fox and she's a boho-chic babe. It was so much fun designing a formal bohemian wedding that perfectly blended their two styles. First up, we worked on finding stationery that would set the tone and ended up going with this gold foil invitation suite from Minted which perfectly fit the bill. The kraft paper envelope balanced by the gold floral accent and taupe ink was just the mix we needed. Lots of white space gave it all breathing room, allowing each element to stand out on its own. We then got working on the gorgeous blank canvas at their wedding venue, Airship 37 and bringing the rest of the vision to life. Airship 37, also happens to be one of my favourite industrial wedding venues in Toronto because of its chameleon-like ability to support any kind of wedding style. We put the focus on the florals in the space, bright and colourful, with lots of structure, but plenty of movement to feel wildly in control. With the help of Ashley Elaine Florals, we hung flowers from the ceiling and arranged them on the arch and made sure to carefully place and repurpose these elements later when the room was converted to the reception space. There are a few favourite elements for me, but the crowning jewel of this wedding at Airship 37 was the bohemian wedding cake so carefully constructed by Cakelaine, an incredible wedding cake decorator here in Toronto and my best-kept secret. She so perfectly took the vision that was in our heads and absolutely knocked it out of the park, making it beyond anything we had expected with that gorgeous macrame fondant texture. One of my other favourite little details had to be the crystals at each place setting, each with a different meaning, as explained on the back of the menu. A nice little surprise for guests to take home with well-wishes from the couple. And my last favourite little detail is the replication of the floral pattern from the invitation added to the front of the bar in vinyl! Of course, we wouldn't have anything to show if it weren't for the incredible Kimon Kaketsis, who was on hand to perfectly document the day.

Photography Kimon Kaketsis
Florals Ashley Elaine Florals
Design Laura Olsen Events
Cake Cakelaine
Venue Airship 37

Officiant Dick Combeer
Dress Watters
Tux Tiger of Sweden
DJ Kushmin B

Harding Waterfront Estate Wedding | Oakville Wedding Venue

Oh, my heart. Laura and Dan's colourful Harding Waterfront Estate wedding will forever be in my memory as a wonderful day. These two and their families had so much love for one another. It was such a beautiful celebration that was so graceful from beginning to end. Laura and Dan made the extra effort to include both of their families in all of the planning and crafting fun (everything from those cute glitter table numbers to the ceremony arch and pedestals!) and it did not go unnoticed. Sometimes being so hands on with the wedding planning, families have a hard time relaxing on the day. But not these guys! Every single person was relaxed and comfortable right from the first sips of coffee in the morning to when we left them when they were dancing away under the stars. They left their planning hats at the rehearsal, knowing they were in good hands with us! Ashley Elaine Florals nailed it with the bright, playful pink palette, making it feel mature and crush-worthy! Jennifer See Studios captured the entire day and colours so brilliantly and Evolved Entertainment kept everybody on the dance floor busting a move right until the last note was played. The Harding Waterfront Estate is a gorgeous outdoor tented wedding venue with exclusive access to the stunning historic mansion a short distance away from the heart of beautiful downtown Oakville. Thank you, Laura and Dan for entrusting us with such a special day in your lives. It was such an honour to be alongside as you celebrated your wedding in a beautiful way. Please enjoy these captures by Jennifer See Studios of their stunning Harding Waterfront Estate wedding.

Photography Jennifer See Studios
Florals Ashley Elaine Florals
Planning Laura Olsen Events
DJ Evolved Entertainment

Hair and Makeup BLO Oakville
Venue The Harding Waterfront Estate
Transportation | Erin Mills Limousine

Arlington Estate Wedding | Toronto Wedding Venue

Jessica and David's Arlington Estate wedding took my breath away right from the moment we sat down to even start planning. I was so excited to be able to work at a new Toronto wedding venue, especially one as beautiful as The Arlington Estate. It's one thing to put things on paper, but to actually see them come to life is what makes it all worthwhile. This is true for both the wedding design, but also the venue itself! The team at The Arlington Estate were wonderful, courteous and professional and having been so new, it's clear they really value their role in the industry. In the four months they had been open, they had managed to be miles ahead (despite a few hiccups, which were to be expected!) of even some venues having been open for years.Jessica and David were planning from afar as they currently live in NYC. It's difficult to be planning from another city, so having someone on your side to help with the logistics certainly helps to ease the stress. She had a great team of family here at home, but knowing she wanted them to also enjoy the experience, she brought me on board to help her out! It was such a pleasure planning and designing this wedding from Jess' romantic, candlelit vision. Logistics of the day needed to be carefully planned as we started Jessica and David's day at her parents' house, then traveled downtown to St. Andrews Catholic Church for the ceremony. From there, we shuttled wedding party and extended family to Osgoode Hall for wedding photos, then on to The Arlington Estate for a few last photos and wedding reception. See all the gorgeous details captured by Tara McMullen, and the incredible smile the bride donned the whole day, below!

Photography  Tara McMullen Photography
Florals  Hunt and Gather
Stationery  Paper and Poste
Sweets Table  Cakelaine
Venue and Catering The Arlington Estate
Toronto Destination Wedding Planning and Design Laura Olsen Events.

How to Host a Great Wedding Your Guests Will Actually Enjoy

In our last post, we talked about How to Be a Great Wedding Guest, but what should you do as the host to ensure your guests have a great time? Today we're presenting our best tips on how to host a great wedding that your guests will actually enjoy.Before you break the bank on delicate decorations or over the top cake toppings, remember that your guests have also put money and time into your wedding and they’ll really appreciate these simple but important details.

1. Make it Easy! 

The last thing you want is to be texting directions, parking instructions or itineraries to one hundred of your closest friends and family. Make sure this is clearly taken care of and organized well in advance. (Tip: Older folks might need a little extra TLC in this department so if you are only planning on posting your directions on your website, consider printing a few directions cards for those older guests who may need them.)

2. Tolerate the intolerable

Now is not the time to question your cousin’s dubious aversion to gluten. Just cater to it, literally, and confirm all dietary preferences, allergies, and restrictions well in advance. Knowing when not to waste your mental energy will leave you ready to maturely handle any big issues that arise (aka no Bridezilla moments!).

3. It’s all fun and games…

If wee ones will be in attendance, it’s a nice gesture to provide some activities, colouring, crafts, or maybe even a caregiver to help keep them occupied. Their parents will be so delighted by your thoughtful gesture!4.

4. An attitude of gratitude

Show your love for the guests who traveled far to be with you, those who helped out with the planning or setting up of your wedding, and anyone else who’s been with you on your special journey leading up to this big day. Say a big thank you during speeches, as you circulate the room, say it with take-home treats or gift bags at the end of the night, and definitely say it in your thank-you cards—that you won’t put off writing!

5. Overall organization

Consider posting an artfully displayed 'day-of' itinerary as well as important phone numbers, contacts and any other information people might need to make them feel comfortable.

How to Be a Great Wedding Guest

The bride isn’t the only one who’s got to keep it classy! Here are five fun tips to help you put your best foot forward at the next wedding you attend and advice on how to be a great wedding guest.

5. RSVP… ASAP.

Couples and their families put much effort and money into planning the big day so don’t disappoint your best pals. Seating, meals, pictures—a lot goes into the logistics of a wedding so RSVP as soon as you are able to. Don’t leave anyone guessing or needing to follow up when their list is already a mile long!

4. Dietary do’s and don’ts…

avoid awkward moments at the table where you have to send food back. If you are allergic to something or have food preferences, let those be known well in advance.

3. Play well with others.

Sadly, it’s true, you very well might have some justifiable grievances with the guest list but now is not the time to bring those up. Avoid tense situations and stick with your gang to keep those positive vibes flowing. We know you’ll do great, just keep it classy and sassy (but not too flashy!).

2. Don’t delay:

This means following directions regarding the itinerary so you’re not holding up dinner, dancing, or anything else that is time sensitive. There's always another drink in the next room!

1. my number one rule ON how to be a great wedding guest: Be tender to the vendors!

Yes, for many, a wedding is a time to let loose but it’s definitely not the time to be disrespectful to bartenders, servers, and anyone who is working at the wedding. Keep it polite and positive. Remember they are humans, too, who have likely been on their feet all day having barely taken a second to eat properly or stay hydrated. If you're nice to us, we'll often try to make your experience even better by snagging you that extra dessert or give you a heads up on where to stand so you get first dibs to fill up on those hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour.

Christine Lim Photography

How to Plan a Sophisticated Bachelorette Party

Not every bride dreams of hitting the dance floor in a white boa. Whether you are the Maid of Honour or planning it yourself, here are ten fresh ideas about how to plan a sophisticated bachelorette party that'll make your party unique (and Instagram-appropriate!)!

1. Remember the old days—before boys—when we’d pile into our bestie’s living room and watch movies all night? Long live girls’ nights in with popcorn, flicks, mixtapes and makeovers! Make it extra special with bubbly, pretty sweets and even a mobile manicure service!

Pro-tip: it’s a great low-budget option if you’re concerned about cost.

Olive Photography

Olive Photography

You could also…

2. Raise the barre! Hit a high-intensity cardio class like spin or barre and reward yourself with a steam, spa day, or cocktails. Pro-tip: many city hotels offer spa day passes that include a steam and soak by the pool.3. Looking for a rustic option? Try glamping! Go where the wild things are and head out of town for a girls’ weekend in the woods4. Opting for urban? Attend a high tea, private dinner at your favourite restaurant, or something new like belly dancing lessons!

And speaking of learning…

Olive Photography

5. Cooking classes! These can range greatly in price tag so choose the option that works for you from full course meals to (super-fun) fish-mongering at the local market.

6. Make scents of it all. There are numerous perfumeries that have workshops on how to make your own blends. Same goes for patisseries, cosmetics, tea, and jewelry. You’ll go home with a treat, too! Keep an eye on Bloom School here in Toronto as they are always running fun, unique workshops that could be perfect for a sophisticated bachelorette!

Some other mid-range options include…

7. An escape room, murder mystery, or a night at the comedy club! If it’s hilarity you’re looking for…8. Sign the gals up for something that none of you has ever done before. Be it a golf lesson, high-speed go-kart racing, horseback riding or even dog sledding, you’re bound for laughs when everyone is a beginner.

For bigger budgets…

9. There’s no place like Ohm. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Yoga retreats are an ideal getaway for gals because they typically already have itineraries, meals, and sometimes even spa options.

10. Looking to really splurge? Pack your bags and find your best jet-setting aviators. Head to a new city and try a culinary tour of New Orleans, take in the architecture of Chicago, or get jazzy at the festivals in Montreal.

BONUS IDEA: How to PLAN a Sophisticated Bachelorette Party

Olive Photography

Grab your girls and head to the spa! It could be as simple as spending the afternoon somewhere like the Scandinavian Spa at Blue Mountain in their glorious Scandinavian Baths and sipping on mimosas, or something closer to home such as Her Majesty’s Pleasure, a global award-winning salon/spa and cocktail bar. Afterwards, get dolled up and head out for a beautiful dinner, just the girls! Breaking it up into a couple of experiences throughout the day or weekend makes it easier to cater to varying budgets and schedules!

Above all else, bond. The bachelorette is absolutely about celebrating the bride, yes, but it’s also a chance to spend time with just the girls. Try to pick something that will suit everyone’s style, comfort level, and budget.