Modern, Luxe Toronto Wedding | Renée + Aaron

A whirlwind of a dream” is how our sweet bride Renée described her November wedding day…and it gives us full-on butterflies! To think, it all started with a surprise bagel breakfast (rose petals, you guys!) that Aaron set up in their kitchen on a sleepy Saturday morning, which Renée originally wanted to forgo for a good lie-in (more on that from our wonderful bride later!).

These two filled their late fall wedding at the Grand Luxe Boutique with jewel tones, meaningful details like wedding photos from generations past, candlelight, and lavish florals. Renée and Aaron took full advantage of the Mint Room’s dramatic spaces for a drop-dead gorgeous, about-to-get-married shoot. Between Renée in her custom Lea-Ann Belter gown with dramatic back bow and the sensuous energy between her and Aaron, the images are like John Singer Sargent paintings!

 

From Renée:

How did your sweetie propose?

“Aaron woke me up early on a Saturday morning to eat breakfast that he brought home from a local bagel shop. I was more interested in sleeping and told him to eat without me. He kept asking me to come out to the living room, so I decided to have a quick bite and go back to sleep. As soon as I opened the door, I saw rose petals on the ground. When I turned the corner, I saw a breakfast spread on the dining room table with photographs of our parents at their own weddings and he was on one knee with a ring in hand. I was half asleep and in such a state of shock that I don’t even remember what he said to me, but I of course said yes!”

wedding dress: custom lea-Ann Belter gown via the Toronto flagship bridal boutique | photographer: Lori Waltenbury Photo | scroll down for full vendor list

 

How did you choose your gown?

“I knew from the very beginning that I wanted a raw silk gown with an architectural element. I originally thought I wanted an A-line style but I also liked fit and flare as well. When I came to Lea-Ann Belter, I tried on two fit to flare dresses and loved elements of each. Vanessa worked with me to achieve my vision by designing a custom dress based on those two dresses and altering the neckline from a soft sweetheart to a tuxedo cuff. I was most excited for the beautiful bow on the back of the dress. I wore it with the long tails at the ceremony and removed those pieces for the horah and party!”

 

Tell us about your day!

 

“Every detail in this wedding was meaningful: there were details honouring those who have passed away, wedding photographs of generations past (which were on display), and sentimental family items under the chuppah with us as we married.

We had a wild horah which involved crowd-surfing on pool floats, jumping into the arms of Aaron’s friends, and being thrown in the air! My uncle Marty even joined the band as lead guitarist to play a set of songs. To end the night, we brought out McDonalds which excited our guests!”

 

What was your first dance song?

“Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing.”

 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

 

“The day after the wedding we went to a hotel an hour away to unwind and relax. About a month later, we flew to Australia and New Zealand where we explored the outdoors, held koalas, and fed kangaroos.”

 

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

 

“Focus on the things that matter most to you and do not sweat the small details involved in wedding planning. Everyone is there to celebrate you!”

 

Renée + Aaron’s Toronto Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: custom lea-Ann Belter gown via the Toronto flagship bridal boutique | photographer: Lori Waltenbury Photo | venue: Grand Luxe Event Boutique | florals: Blush and Bloom | wedding cake: The Rolling Pin | band: Soular | stationary: The Write Invite

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.