In Funny Face, Audrey Hepburn wears one of film’s most iconic wedding looks. Embodying a playful, elegant charm, she and Fred Astaire dance around a Paris churchyard during a photoshoot scene. Designed by Givenchy, that boat-necked, tea-length dress was a touchstone for Ellie!
Ellie’s Funny Face-Inspired Wedding Dress
When she visited our Toronto bridal shop, our stylish bride had one thing on her mind. “I loved Audrey Hepburn’s wedding look in the film Funny Face, and wanted something vintage inspired.” To give her own twist to Hepburn’s wedding shoot look, Ellie chose Joy, a dress with a twirly hi-low skirt and plunging V-necklines. Working with our stylists, she customized it and a veil to suit her vision! “I wore the Astrid and Mercedes Joy gown altered to tea length, and a customized Lea-Ann Belter veil. I was so happy with how the look turned out! Vanessa and Nina made my dreams come true.”
That chic, whimsical, retro aesthetic wove throughout Ellie and Keith’s wedding day, from their intimate ceremony and reception at the Toronto University Club to their Mahjong Bar after-party.
See more of their day—and get the details from our fabulous Toronto bride—below!
How did the two of you meet?
When did you realize this person was special in your life?
K: When I celebrated Thanksgiving with her family during a cottage weekend.
E: Right after I met him.
Could you share your engagement story?
What feeling or atmosphere did you want to create for your celebration?
We kept coming back to the words “bright” and “joyful.”
While touring venues, we immediately fell in love with The University Club of Toronto. It’s a gorgeous heritage building with so many amazing details (like the checkered black and white floor!) Their library was perfect for our intimate 30-guest ceremony. We didn’t want the vibe to be too stuffy or formal, so we decided to have a family-style dinner which ended up being one of our favourite parts of the day. It was really special to see all the people we love gathered around one big table.
For the afterparty, we invited 60 friends to join us at Mahjong Bar – one of our favorite places to go out in Toronto! We really had no plans for this part of the evening, we just wanted to party with friends and listen to good music.
What little detail or decision are you especially glad you included?
E: I can’t take credit for this, but our friend brought her vintage Kodak Super 8 camera and shot parts of our wedding on film! It was an amazing wedding gift:
K: Extra Hors D’oeuvres. We added more last minute and it was the right call.
What unexpected moment brings a smile when you think back on your day?
E: Hearing Keith’s music cue for walking down the aisle. I was so nervous up until that point, but as soon as I heard his music, I felt completely calm and knew everything was going to be okay.
K: Sitting and enjoying our morning together before getting ready.
What part of your wedding celebration felt most meaningful to you both?
E: The dinner. That, and the afterparty. The DJ did such a good job and we had so much fun on the dance floor.
K: Looking around the dinner table and seeing everyone I love.
Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?
E: If you’re planning a honeymoon, try to get away right after the wedding. It’s so nice to extend the celebration!
K: Try to be present and take in the moment.
Ellie + Keith's Toronto Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes Joy wedding dress at the Lea-Ann Belter flagship Toronto Bridal shop | photographer: Mango Studios | florals + coordination: MacRose Design | ceremony venue: The University Club of Toronto | makeup + hair: Danielle West & Co. | after party venue: Mahjong Bar | DJ: DJ John Easy | pianist: Alisa Gayle | bakery: Velvet Lane Cakes
Were You a Lea-Ann Belter Bride?
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