A Winter Wedding by Candleight
Written in the Stars, Stitched in Toronto
The stars aligning had a little to do with Danielle finding the perfect timeless wedding dress, too. “Lea-Ann Belter was actually the first boutique I booked, but because of scheduling, it ended up being my last appointment.” After a full day of trying gowns, she’d yet to find the one that felt like her. But when she walked through the doors of our flagship Toronto bridal shop, “Vanessa made me feel so welcome. Her warmth and attention to detail reminded me of my parents, who also own a small business in Toronto’s east end, and I knew I was in the right place.”
Her instinct was totally right! In short order, Danielle was working with Vanessa to “create a gown that reflected my style, and brought my vision to life.” Melody, our Mikado ball gown with trailing tails, became the foundation of her look. After considering various elements, Danielle’s unique gown took shape! her dress’s train and tails would also be extra long, and detachable cuff would conceal Melody’s sweetheart neckline during the reception. Then, she’d swap her Melody’s long tails with a back bow for dancing.
To finish everything off, she added a sheer lace long-sleeved jacket that inspired our Kelly topper, and a cathedral-length veil by Laura Jayne Bride.
When Danielle came back with her mom for a second appointment, “I put on the dress and just knew. My mom cried, I cried – it was a true ‘say yes to the dress’ moment.”
More about Danielle and Anthony’s storybook winter wedding (and pictures of darling Molly) below.
How did the two of you meet?
Anthony and I met at work during the summer of 2018. After a few weeks of coffee chats and getting to know each other, we made it official, and we’ve been building our life together ever since!
Could you share your engagement story?
Tell us about finding your gown!
Lea-Ann Belter was actually the first boutique I booked, but because of scheduling, it ended up being my last appointment. By then, I had visited at least a dozen bridal boutiques across Toronto. I had a clear vision of the look I wanted, but I struggled to find a dress that truly felt like me.
From the moment I walked into Lea-Ann Belter, Vanessa made me feel so welcome. Her warmth and attention to detail reminded me of my parents, who also own a small business in Toronto’s east end, and I knew I was in the right place. What truly set Lea-Ann Belter apart was the level of customization they offered. Rather than trying to fit into an existing design, they worked with me to create a gown that reflected my style, and brought my vision to life.
About halfway through my first appointment, Vanessa noticed what I loved about one dress and thoughtfully pulled another, blending elements together until something truly special emerged. In that moment, I realized this wasn’t just where I was going to find my dress – it was where I was going to create it. I left feeling so confident that I cancelled all of my remaining bridal appointments and booked my second visit on the spot.
At my second appointment, I put on the dress and just knew. My mom cried, I cried – it was a true “say yes to the dress” moment. From customizing every detail to every fitting along the way, Vanessa made the entire experience unforgettable.
Looking back, finding my gown was one of the most meaningful and joyful parts of our wedding planning journey.
Thank you, Vanessa, you are amazing!
What feeling or atmosphere did you want to create?
We wanted our wedding to feel like an elegant, romantic, candlelit dinner party. With around 110 guests, it was intimate enough that every single person in the room had played a meaningful role in our love story.
Choosing Casa Loma set the tone from the very beginning, and we loved the idea of having a less traditional winter wedding in February. I remember praying for sunshine that day, and we were blessed with the most beautiful blue skies. By the evening, soft snow had started to fall, creating the most magical twinkle outside. It truly felt like something out of a fairytale.
How did you personalize your day?
One of the most meaningful parts of our day was including our little Cockapoo, Molly. She’s two years old and truly our little bundle of joy, so we wanted her to be part of the day in every way we could.
She spent the morning getting ready with me at my parents’ house before my dad drove her over to Anthony later that morning so she could spend time with him too. Although she couldn’t stay for the entire wedding, having her with us during those special moments made the day feel even more complete. Those photos with Molly will always hold such a special place in our hearts.
Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?
Danielle + Anthony's Toronto Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter | venue: Casa Loma | planning: Fleur Weddings | design & florals: Infinitude Design | photography: Paula Visco | videography: Parallel Weddings | makeup: Jeige Beauty | hair: Bridal by Gül | band: St. Royals | strings: Wellington Music | officiant: The Love Story | cocktail wall: Belle Room Studios
Were You a Lea-Ann Belter Bride?
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