127126 WWW.WEDLUXE.COMSUMMER/FALL 2014 • TORONTO EDITION

SOFT PASTEL HUES ARE FEATURED IN THIS WEDDING INSPIRED BY A LOVE OF ARCHITECTURE, LITERATURE, AND OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE.

MELISSAand

ERIC

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STOREY WILKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

c o l l e g e s w e e t h e a r t s

Melissa and Eric first met while attending the University of Toronto. The couple were celebrating their eight-year anniversary with a romantic night out on the town when Eric proposed. After dining at their favourite restaurant in Toronto, Eric suggested they take a stroll through their old University campus before grabbing dessert. The pair were seated on a bench in the beautiful Innis College Residence courtyard when Eric presented Melissa with the end of a delicate string. “I told her that I knew I wanted to marry her many years ago during an ordinary but also extraordinary moment on vacation when we were just holding each other, staring up at the night sky filled with stars. I asked her to look up at the stars once again and as her eyes followed the shimmering line upwards, something sparkling caught her eye, suspended from the tree above,” recalls Eric. Melissa tugged gently on the string and a beautiful ring floated down into her palms as Eric asked for her hand in marriage.

p l a n n i n g The couple commissioned Cynthia Martyn of Cynthia Martyn Fine Events to provide full-service planning and design services for their July 27, 2013 wedding day. “Our biggest priority was designing a day that was a true reflection of who we are,” says Melissa. The couple worked closely with Cynthia to ensure their event reflected their respective cultural backgrounds (Melissa is Korean and Eric is Chinese) and balanced Eric’s love of modern design with Melissa’s affection for everything vintage.

s t y l e n o t e s Melissa said “I Do” in a lace, mermaid-style gown by La Sposa from Ferré Sposa. She wore a cathedral-length veil covered in Swarovski crystals. Her shoes were nude pumps from BCBG.

The bride selected wedding jewellery that holds special meaning to her. Melissa’s diamond bracelet was one of the first pieces of jewellery that she received from her mother, and her Tiffany & Co. heart pendant necklace was a gift from her mother-in-law. To represent her “something borrowed,” she wore pearl chandelier earrings that belonged to her maid-of-honour. Her diamond engagement ring was custom-designed by Eric (an architect by trade) in collaboration with a ring designer at Maison Birks. Melissa’s hair was styled by Suzie Kim of Suzie Kim Bridal Hair and makeup artist Joan Huang of Aglow by Joan completed the bride’s look.

Tamara Mutter-Slagter and Kevin Slagter of Fuscia Designs produced the floral design for the event including the beautiful bouquets which were compromised of a mix of ivory and blush pink blooms, accented with soft green succulents, and lamb’s ear.

g a r d e n c e r e m o n y

Melissa and Eric’s outdoor ceremony was held in the lush gardens of the Spadina Museum, a historic manor house located in downtown Toronto. The aisle was marked with two large floral arrangements displayed on white, vintage pedestals. Small bouquets of ivory and blush-coloured blooms were fastened to guest chairs lining the aisle. The ceremony started with a ‘Ring Warming’ led by officiant Jeremy Citron of All You Need is Love. Each guest was given the opportunity to hold the couple’s wedding bands and send them a wish, blessing or prayer.

Bridesmaids wore custom-made, peach-coloured dresses by independent designer Tina Nguyen. Each bridesmaid was able to select a dress design that represented her own personal style. The six bridesmaids also wore identical butterfly crystal rings that were gifted to them by the bride in French macaron-inspired jewellery boxes. Eric was dressed in formal wear from Stockhomme.

Melissa and Eric exchanged customized vows under the enchanting willow trees on the estate.

The couple’s letterpress wedding invitations were designed by Annie Clark for Minted. The simple yet elegant invitation included a cursive design in a dreamy, Tiffany blue shade.

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

STOREY WILKINS PHOTOGRAPHY; Storey Wilkins, along with her second photographer David Williams, is known for her special touch in

capturing joy, as well as her high standards of professionalism in her image quality, service, finished prints and wedding albums. STOREYWILKINS.COM | 416.483.4122

m o d e r n m e e t s v i n t a g e

The couple enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and Korean Paebaek ceremony later in the day, followed by a reception at the Royal Conservatory of Music. “Eric, being an architect, wanted a modern space filled with natural light and beautiful, clean lines,” says Melissa of the venue selection. Cynthia Martyn Fine Events and Fuscia Designs worked together to create a romantic atmosphere in the Leslie and Anna Dan Gallerias that combined the couple’s love of old and new design. Long rectangular tables and white Louis Ghost chairs were paired with light blue linens and blush pink napkins. Tables were adorned with tall and low floral arrangements placed in antique vessels with bloom’s that mirrored the bride’s bouquet.

a r c h i t e c t u r a l c a k e

Cindy Coelho of The Wedding Cake Shoppe created the couple’s all-white wedding cake. The structure featured cantilevered tiers inspired by modern architecture. The cake was topped with a butterfly made of Swarovski crystal and placed on a lucite box filled with fresh, pink rose petals.

m e m o r a b l e m o m e n t s

“Amazing food paired with delicious wine was a priority!” notes Eric. The couple chose Daniel et Daniel Event Creation & Catering to bring this important aspect of the wedding to life and worked closely with the company to create a highly customized menu for the event. The menu, finalized after three tastings and countless emails, featured local and seasonal ingredients. The couple also ensured that their favourite wines were available. Late night indulgences included short rib sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, pork belly banh mi, and mini sundaes with an assortment of yummy toppings!

Guests danced the night away to music spun by DJ Ian Liwanag of The Dj & Co. One of Melissa’s favourite moments happened just before the first dance. Eric surprised his bride with a flash mob-inspired dance number. “Throughout the song, more and more of our guests started joining in on the coordinated waltz. When the dance floor was filled with our family and friends, Eric asked me for our first dance,” recalls Melissa.

After the reception, Melissa and Eric generously donated all of their wedding flowers to True Davidson Acres, a long-term care home in Toronto.

k o r e a a n d h o n g k o n g

The couple followed their summer wedding with a honeymoon in Korea and Hong Kong. The pair spent three-weeks experiencing each other’s culture and meeting family members who weren’t able to fly to Canada for their day.

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During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed bubble tea catered by Ten Ren’s Tea. Custom cocktails dubbed the “Carebear Martini” in honour of the bride and the “Mo-Tse-To,” (the groom’s choice) were also served.

p e r s o n a l t o u c h e s

Melissa and Eric share a love for great books and literature and throughout their relationship they have gifted each other (and friends and family) with books on special occasions. As a symbolic and meaningful gesture, each guest was gifted with a hand-selected book chosen specifically for them by Melissa and Eric. Each book was wrapped in kraft paper. Place cards were designed by the couple to mimic ‘library cards’ and were tucked into the books. “It took us over a year to collect over 170 books that we thought our guests would like,” shares Melissa.