Laura and Tom’s modern “happily ever after” began while on holiday in Italy. Sound romantic and picturesque? It was, and their Toronto wedding day followed suit. It also incorporated elements of Laura’s heritage, such as Chinese Door Games, that led Tom to his bride as she got ready with her bridesmaids at the Four Seasons, and changing from her custom Lea-Ann Belter gown into a gorgeous red qipao (a traditional Chinese wedding dress) during their reception at Casa Loma.
Laura shares all the details—including their awesome honeymoons (Yes, plural! We are so on board with that!)—below:
How did your sweetie propose?
“Tom proposed in a small village called Monticchiello when we were on holiday in Tuscany. He had initially wanted to propose in their small square but had to go elsewhere after small children started throwing water balloons at unsuspecting passersby (luckily we remained dry!). He picked a bench a short distance away instead, which was actually much better as it was quiet and secluded. He fumbled around for the ring in his camera bag so I suspected what was about to happen a few seconds before he popped the question—and of course I said yes!”
wedding dress: Custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Ben Benvie | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“I shopped around a number of different stores before my appointment at Lea-Ann Belter. Up until then I felt uninspired by the dresses I tried on. The same could not be said when I stepped through your doors—in fact it was the complete opposite. All the gowns were beautiful and made of gorgeous, high-quality material. What was not to love? I don’t think I would’ve been able to whittle them down either if it weren’t for Vanessa’s help—she was absolutely brilliant. Finding the dress ended up being by far my favourite part of the wedding planning process!”
Tell us about your day!
“My bridesmaids and I got ready at the Four Seasons in Toronto while Tom and his groomsmen got ready at my brother’s condo. Once we were ready, the boys met us at the Four Seasons to be put through their strides doing Chinese Door Games, led by my bridesmaids. Tom and his groomsmen first had to gain entry to our suite by sliding lai see (Chinese red pockets containing money) under the door to our bridesmaids. Once they had sufficiently ‘bribed’ them with enough money, they were allowed into the suite and then had to complete a series of light-hearted challenges (for example, singing “Man I Feel Like A Woman” with lipstick and a bra on, or having a heart shape waxed off their leg) in order for Tom to see his bride (I was still hidden from view in the adjoining room). After our first reveal, we made our way to Grace Church on-the-Hill in Forest Hill for our ceremony, then onwards to Casa Loma for our reception. By the end of the night, our hearts were full of love, our stomachs full of delicious food, and we were absolutely exhausted from tearing up the dance floor with our friends and family.”
What was your first dance song?
“Stand By Me which then transitioned into Get Lucky by Daft Punk.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Gorgeous Hawaii. We are going on “our second honeymoon” next month to Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka for 2 months. Wahoo! Totally broke, though.”
Laura + Tom’s Toronto Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Ben Benvie | planner: Ashley Pigott Events | hair: For U Salon and Medspa | make-up: Beauty of Makeup | florals: Blush and Bloom | videography: One Heart Films
