We crossed paths years ago but were re-introduced on Bumble. We’ve been together for three years now.
Leah proposed, and she had planned a date day to all of Alannah’s favorite places. We hiked to the top of the hill at the Evergreen Brickworks, where she proposed. It was VERY unexpected. But it was perfect.
After the Brickworks, Leah took Alannah to another favorite spot, Trinity Bellwoods Park, where her closest friends gathered for a surprise engagement party to finish off the celebrations that day.
We were engaged for eight months before we tied the knot.
We had been to the Gladstone quite a few times and knew it would be a great spot to get married and loved the look of the hotel. It has so much character, and the exposed brick/stringed lights sealed the deal. Actually we went on our first official date to the Gladstone as well, so now it will become an anniversary tradition. We love the atmosphere there and the fact that it is very gay-friendly!
We really wanted to keep our wedding easy and straightforward and wanted our wedding to be stress-free and FUN. It was important to us that everyone had a great time. We also just wanted to enjoy the experience of getting married and not worry about an extensive itinerary. Our decorations were minor; the atmosphere of the Gladstone was perfect for us as it was. A few candles made it just a touch more romantic.
We chose to have a ceremony later at night so that no one, including guests, were rushing around. We kept everything in the same location: ceremony, food, and reception.
The day itself seems like a bit of a blur now.
We had our parties gather for a late lunch and started to get ready. Over half of our wedding parties were made up of men, making the prep very quick!
We chose to do our first look on our suite’s rooftop patio overlooking Toronto, followed by the rest of our formal wedding pictures.
Had an early dinner, then headed straight to the ceremony.
We did not have any religious traditions to include, but Alannah used her sister’s bouquet from her wedding and surprised her with it before walking down the aisle [the bouquet was made of paper flowers is why it lasted so long].
Alannah’s uncle was a gay activist and fought to legalize gay marriage, so being legally married is a privilege. Marriage, to us, means waking up together, going to bed together, and finding excitement and fun in the day to day tasks.
Our best advice to other couples is to keep it simple and remind yourselves of why you are doing this in the first place. Is it to pull your hair out over all the small details that people won’t remember? Or is it to truly celebrate finding your person, surrounded by the most important people in your lives.
Always tell each other how much you love and appreciate one another because nothing else matters.
Photography by Natalie Sorichetti Photography
Bridal Boutique Bliss Bridal
Catering & Venue Gladstone Hotel
H&MU Makenna Elmore, Lesley Bowen
Rings Anice
Shoes Converse
Wedding Favors Weddingstar
