A chance meeting brought Victoria and Mike together—both are first responders and ran into one another while at a Toronto hospital one day. Mike worked up the courage to talk to Victoria, then asked her out that night. A few days later they went to dinner and sparks flew!
In time, their relationship evolved into partners for life, starting with a sweet, cozy proposal. Shares Victoria, “We were spending a few days together at the cottage in November for a quiet winter getaway. Mike had my friend distract me on the phone while he set up tons of candles on the dock by the water. I walked out to find him waiting for me. It was just the two of us which is exactly what I wanted, and it had just started snowing so it was beautiful.”
When searching for her gown, Victoria’s last stop was our flagship Toronto bridal boutique, where she found the perfect strapless gown. Later, when her wedding was postponed (pandemic strikes again!), she decided to add a one-shoulder lace detail. The result was the inspiration behind our Astrid & Mercedes Dazzle gown!
Get the scoop about their wedding at Nestleton Waters Inn, those gorgeous suits and dresses worn by the bridal party, and how Mike nearly tore Victoria’s veil as they walked down the aisle from our wonderful bride below:
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“I always knew that I wanted a simple and classic style bridal gown. Lea-Ann Belter Bridal was the last bridal store I visited and as soon as I walked in I felt like I hit the jackpot! Not only were all the dresses beautiful but the staff there, especially Vanessa, made you feel so special. I actually purchased a strapless gown that day but when my wedding got postponed, I later decided to add the one-shoulder lace detail to it that I had seen on a different dress. It turned out to be the most beautiful gown I had ever seen and was the inspiration behind the ‘Dazzle’ dress in their next bridal line.
My husband Mike wore a very sharp 3-piece dark navy suit. The fit and colour were perfect. Each of the guys got to customize the inside of their suit jacket as well which was a nice personal touch. The suits complemented the navy satin bridesmaid dresses perfectly. We both loved the idea of the whole bridal party in dark colours and everyone looked incredible!”
wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes Dazzle via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Pure and Lovely Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“My father wore a kilt the day of my wedding to represent our Scottish heritage and we walked down the aisle to music played by two bagpipers and a drummer. It was a personal and unique touch that will always be one of my favourite memories.
One of the first things I purchased for my wedding day was a simple pearl and crystal headband made by Jennifer Behr. I loved it so much that I made sure everything else from that point on matched that headband.”
Funniest moment of the day?
“When walking back down the aisle as husband and wife for the first time, Mike accidentally stepped on my veil and quickly dove out of the way to stop it from ripping! The veil somehow stayed on my head and was not damaged at all. Mike even managed to stay on his feet. Luckily, we have video footage of the whole thing to relive it over and over for a good laugh.”
Where did you honeymoon?
“Though the dream was always to go on a safari for our honeymoon, we decided to pick something a bit safer during the pandemic. We ended up spending a week in British Columbia where we spent some time in and around Whistler as well as Vancouver Island, mainly around Tofino. We enjoyed some beautiful hikes, ate some great food, and spent a lot of time relaxing by the ocean.”
wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes Dazzle via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Pure and Lovely Photography | venue: Nestleton Waters Inn | bride’s hair accessory: Jennifer Behr | florals: Mike Gibbs Design | suits: Tolo Clothier | bridesmaid dresses: Park & Fifth | videographer: Dimi Studios
