Toronto Wedding at The Broadview Hotel | Ali + Brad

Joyful, playful, and overflowing with love. Sound like the perfect wedding? Then sit back and enjoy all the images and details of Ali and Brad’s Toronto wedding! After a surprise proposal during which Ali accidentally almost derailed Brad’s plans, this duo set about putting together a fun, casual, totally-them celebration at the Broadview (which Ali jokes she and Brad almost weren’t hip enough to be married in!). Our sweet bride wore Astrid & Mercedes True Love, which her sister (a Lea-Ann Belter bride-to-be, too!) ended up choosing. Also, shout out to a team effort regarding the favors—our sweet bride, her mom, aunts, and a bridesmaid knitted by hand those charming dishcloth favors.

From Ali:

How did your sweetie propose?

“It was a Sunday evening and admittedly, I was already in my pajamas when Brad suggested a sunset walk after dinner.  I was going to change into a sundress, couldn’t find one so wore whatever; he wanted to wear a jacket (for the ring box) to which I said “It’s a billion degrees out, you don’t need a jacket”; I forgot my phone, which he suggested we go back for to take “sunset photos” but I said “It’s ok, I see the sunset out our window every night.”  I was foiling his plans… but it was the perfect late summer evening for a walk and after chatting by the lake in our neighbourhood for a bit, I turned to go back home and he said “Hey Ali…” and when I looked back at him, he was down on one knee!!  I was so surprised, my response was “Are you serious?”…  He was!

wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes True Love via the Toronto Lea-Ann Belter bridal boutique | photographer: Danielle Meredith Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

How did you choose your gown?

“My mom, mother-in-law, and two sisters came dress shopping with me.  Everyone picked out a dress for me to try on… and there were so many beautiful choices!  After the first visit, I returned to try on my top two contenders and the choice was obvious.  I loved the interesting bodice and the simplicity of the gown… and the pockets!  My sister (a Lea-Ann Belter bride-to-be herself) was the one who picked out my dress!”

 

Tell us about your day!  Was there a theme or look you had in mind?   

“Our venue was cool—we joked that we weren’t hip enough to get married there!  But seriously, the Broadview didn’t need much to go with it so I wanted the day to reflect us… so I added special unique touches, like our custom jenga game guest book and dish cloth favours—knit by me, my mom, a couple aunts, and a bridesmaid.  We wanted it to be a fun, casual, love-filled celebration and it was everything we dreamed of.”

 

What’s your funniest wedding day memory?

“I struggled pretty hard to get Brad’s ring on his finger during our vows.  I was pretty determined to get it on there though!  Everyone laughed and the photo is priceless.”

 

What was your first dance song?

“Our first dance song was “Long Time Running” by the Tragically Hip.  It was fitting, Brad is from Kingston, ON (same as the Hip) but everyone has been (not so) patiently waiting for us to tie the knot.  My sisters lovingly describe him as “glacial” because he takes his time… so our wedding was a long time coming!”

 

What was your favorite wedding day moment?

“Walking back down the aisle, married!  It was great to hold each other’s hands into the start of a super fun evening and our married life!”

 

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:

“Beautiful, emotional, fun, perfect.”

 

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?

“Something old was a handkerchief that belonged to my great grandmother which was wrapped around my bouquet, something new was my dress, something borrowed was my sister’s garter which my mom had knit for her, and something blue was just a touch of blue floral on my shoes!”

 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

“The day after the wedding, we went to my parents’ house for brunch and then started our honeymoon in Florence, Italy!  We had a wonderful time touring around and eating & drinking (a lot) in Tuscany and then enjoyed hiking & sunsets by the sea in Cinque Terre.  We even got an extra night due to a strike at the Italian airports—there are worse places to be stuck for a night!”

 

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

“Everyone teased me for my crazy detailed spreadsheets… even our day-of coordinator was impressed.  But, being organized made everything pretty seamless!  Also, enjoy the process—because it is so much fun!”

Ali + Brad’s Toronto Wedding Vendors
wedding dress:Astrid & Mercedes True Love via the Toronto Lea-Ann Belter bridal boutique | photographer: Danielle Meredith Photography | venue: The Broadview Hotel | florals: Stok Floral & Design | hair: Tianna’s Hair & Makeup | makeup: Fancy Face | officiant: Tade Credgeur | Day of coordinator: Matina Kalkounis
Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.