Wedding Cocktail Hour & Reception Pictures
These are the professional & friend pictures taken at the pub across the street from the church, during the cocktail hour in the lobby, the reception in the Imperial Room at the Royal York, and the brunch the next day in York's Kitchen.
Sin & Redemption & Cocktail Hour
Right after the ceremony, we sent our wedding party to the bar across the street called Sin & Redemption. We had to do family pictures, and wanted them to have some refreshment (on us) between formal photos and the reception. It was such a beautiful day, and there was a 2 hour gap until the cocktail hour, that almost all of our guests ended up heading there as well. We always laughed at the name of the bar, since it was right across the street from a Catholic church. Erin got some great wedding party and friend shots while Matt and I did our solo pictures as well.
We don't have many cocktail hour pictures, since we got back to the Royal York later than expected, but there are a few of people enjoying some cocktails before the reception room doors opened! The wines served throughout the night were a French Louis Bernard red and white from Cote du Rhone. There were a few bottles of White Zinfandel, my summer favourite, just for me as well to drink throughout the night (although I probably had less than 2 glasses total, as I kept having to put them down to dance or talk to people). During the cocktail hour, we had both hot and cold appetizers passed. Cold apps included a jumbo shrimp cocktail shooter, a lime & coriander scallop, and bocconocini with tomato and pesto on garlic crostini. Hot apps included pancetta basil straws with parmesan, a rosemary & garlic lamb lollipop, and a lobster with white cheddar potato lollipop. There was also cheese & crackers and fruit set up around the cocktail hour area. I didn't get to eat any of this because we got there towards the end, but Matt's dad was gracious enough to keep popping grapes in my mouth as I spoke to people so I wouldn't pass out!
During the cocktail hour, we had a man named John Campbell play the piano and sing. He was hired by our live music band leader, as a friend who has played with them a few times. He sounds similar to Seal, and was a great performer. The perfect match to our lively cocktail hour and start to the fun. I only heard his last 15 minutes, but we were so lucky to have him perform for us! We got a lot of compliments on his performance as well.
We don't have many cocktail hour pictures, since we got back to the Royal York later than expected, but there are a few of people enjoying some cocktails before the reception room doors opened! The wines served throughout the night were a French Louis Bernard red and white from Cote du Rhone. There were a few bottles of White Zinfandel, my summer favourite, just for me as well to drink throughout the night (although I probably had less than 2 glasses total, as I kept having to put them down to dance or talk to people). During the cocktail hour, we had both hot and cold appetizers passed. Cold apps included a jumbo shrimp cocktail shooter, a lime & coriander scallop, and bocconocini with tomato and pesto on garlic crostini. Hot apps included pancetta basil straws with parmesan, a rosemary & garlic lamb lollipop, and a lobster with white cheddar potato lollipop. There was also cheese & crackers and fruit set up around the cocktail hour area. I didn't get to eat any of this because we got there towards the end, but Matt's dad was gracious enough to keep popping grapes in my mouth as I spoke to people so I wouldn't pass out!
During the cocktail hour, we had a man named John Campbell play the piano and sing. He was hired by our live music band leader, as a friend who has played with them a few times. He sounds similar to Seal, and was a great performer. The perfect match to our lively cocktail hour and start to the fun. I only heard his last 15 minutes, but we were so lucky to have him perform for us! We got a lot of compliments on his performance as well.
Introductions & First Dances
Our wedding reception was held in the Imperial Room at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. We loved its classic downtown feel, and its great location in the heart of the city. Our room was the original music hall for many famous singers, used well before the Rogers Center or the ACC were built. Matt and I both love music, so a great banquet & concert hall was the perfect fit for us. The hotel was so accommodating and we are so glad that we ended up choosing it. We looked at a few other places, but nothing could compare!
The wedding party and parents were introduced first, and then Matt and I. We went right on to the dance floor for our first dance "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Although our live entertainment was not supposed to start until 9pm, they graciously played our song early and we were able to dance to live music. It was so fun, although Matt and I only practiced a few times on the roof of the boathouse at the cottage the weekend before. We sang and laughed and tried to swirl all around and just had so much fun.
We used our parents original wedding songs as our parent dances. My parents' song was "I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" by Jim Croce, and Matt's parents' song was "The Best of My Love" by The Eagles. We danced with our respective father or mother for half of the song, and then escorted the other parent to dance with their spouse for the rest. It was a tribute to each of their 30 years of marriage and how we hope we are as lucky as them to be together so long!
The wedding party and parents were introduced first, and then Matt and I. We went right on to the dance floor for our first dance "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Although our live entertainment was not supposed to start until 9pm, they graciously played our song early and we were able to dance to live music. It was so fun, although Matt and I only practiced a few times on the roof of the boathouse at the cottage the weekend before. We sang and laughed and tried to swirl all around and just had so much fun.
We used our parents original wedding songs as our parent dances. My parents' song was "I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" by Jim Croce, and Matt's parents' song was "The Best of My Love" by The Eagles. We danced with our respective father or mother for half of the song, and then escorted the other parent to dance with their spouse for the rest. It was a tribute to each of their 30 years of marriage and how we hope we are as lucky as them to be together so long!
Speeches
Speeches occurred during the dessert and coffee & tea hour. Our MC was Matt's uncle, John. He is an incredible public speaker and has had a lot of practice at various speaking engagements. We were honoured to have him speak for us as well. Our first speech was by my parents, who went into a lot of detail about me growing up, but it was all very sweet. Both parents spoke so beautiful, and I was surprised at how comfortable my mom was with a microphone in her hand - I guess we both have that "teacher-like" presence. The second speech was by Matt's parents. It was very heartfelt and sweet spoken from both parents.
The third speech was from my maid of honour, Steph, and it was the one that ALMOST made me cry, and probably made everyone else cry (I have a heart of stone I suppose) - it was so touching and it's so nice to hear those kind words from a friend - just as sweet as if she were truly my family. The last speech was definitely the touch of comic relief - Jamie, Matt's brother and best man, gave a sweet but hilarious speech about past family memories and being so proud of his brother. The funniest part was when he gave Matt a pair of decorated underwear (something his Uncle John did as a gag present each Christmas when the cousins were young) which made for some great pictures!
We were so blessed to have all these wonderful people speak on our behalf. We didn't speak ourselves, as we did our speeches at the rehearsal dinner two days before, but we tried our best to get around to each table to personally say thank you to everyone at some point during the night.
The third speech was from my maid of honour, Steph, and it was the one that ALMOST made me cry, and probably made everyone else cry (I have a heart of stone I suppose) - it was so touching and it's so nice to hear those kind words from a friend - just as sweet as if she were truly my family. The last speech was definitely the touch of comic relief - Jamie, Matt's brother and best man, gave a sweet but hilarious speech about past family memories and being so proud of his brother. The funniest part was when he gave Matt a pair of decorated underwear (something his Uncle John did as a gag present each Christmas when the cousins were young) which made for some great pictures!
We were so blessed to have all these wonderful people speak on our behalf. We didn't speak ourselves, as we did our speeches at the rehearsal dinner two days before, but we tried our best to get around to each table to personally say thank you to everyone at some point during the night.
Cake Cutting
We had a very simple cake at the wedding which was situated in front of the head table. It was three small tiers, decorated with white fondant and royal icing dotting - similar to a picture I saw in Martha Stewart Weddings. The inside was lemon cake with a raspberry swirl and buttercream. It was made by Daniela Mier of "The Cake & Sweets Designer" for a great price. I only got a tiny piece that Matt fed to me, but the entire top tier is in our freezer right now for our first anniversary, or when we move into a new house and have a housewarming party! The cake was passed around, but a lot of it was given to people the following day to take home. Note to future brides - if you are having dessert and a late night station, you do not need to have a lot of cake!
Our cake was cut in Matt's family tradition - with a sword passed down from his grandfather on his mom's side. Matt got a little crazy holding that sword (notice my crazy facial expressions), but it was very fun to cut it, and made for some great memories. We had to hide the sword later, as it was starting to become a prop for the photo booth and the Royal York staff started looking a bit nervous. It wasn't sharp or anything, but it was a sword nonetheless!
Our cake was cut in Matt's family tradition - with a sword passed down from his grandfather on his mom's side. Matt got a little crazy holding that sword (notice my crazy facial expressions), but it was very fun to cut it, and made for some great memories. We had to hide the sword later, as it was starting to become a prop for the photo booth and the Royal York staff started looking a bit nervous. It wasn't sharp or anything, but it was a sword nonetheless!
Eat, Drink, and Be Married
The dinner started with an assortment of artisan breads (which Matt and the groomsman made into a giant game of Jenga with the bread baskets), a spinach salad with pear, walnuts and stilton, with a vinaigrette. The main course was Albert beef tenderloin (which literally melted in your mouth), with white truffled mashed potatoes (which were buttery & garlicy), and white and green asparagus spears with fontina sauce. The vegetarian option was selected by my friend Carolyn (who prefers the vegetarian stuff herself). She chose a vegetable agnolotti which was supposedly very good! They Royal York also accommodated allergies and food issues and made a variety of dinners and desserts for those that needed these options.The dessert was a trio of white chocolate praline ice cream, dark chocolate creme brulee, and a flourless chocolate torte (yum). Of course we also had coffee & tea to go with dessert and the speeches. All of the food was delicious. I had tasted it all at the menu tasting in June, and everyone told me that would be last time I would, because I would have no time at the wedding. Well, I proved them all wrong and ate my dinner. Why wouldn't I, it was great?! I made time for it, along with everything else - so brides, definitely try to eat your meal!
Joni and Erin got a ton of pictures of the tables, even though I yelled at them to sit and eat during dinner (I was so worried I was going to work them to death!). They got all the family tables during dinner, and pictures of all of our friends while we were dancing, so that was great! The rest of the people were captured at the photo booth!
To get us to kiss, our guests were asked to make a donation to the Sick Kids Foundation in lieu of clinking glasses. Guests could have dropped in a penny or greater - the price didn't matter (although we tried to make our kissing a bit more over the top with big donations). We chose Sick Kids because Matt was in the NICU there when he was born (and without them, he may not be here today), and the fact that my mom worked there for 20 years as well! We raised about $250 for the foundation through kissing donations.
Joni and Erin got a ton of pictures of the tables, even though I yelled at them to sit and eat during dinner (I was so worried I was going to work them to death!). They got all the family tables during dinner, and pictures of all of our friends while we were dancing, so that was great! The rest of the people were captured at the photo booth!
To get us to kiss, our guests were asked to make a donation to the Sick Kids Foundation in lieu of clinking glasses. Guests could have dropped in a penny or greater - the price didn't matter (although we tried to make our kissing a bit more over the top with big donations). We chose Sick Kids because Matt was in the NICU there when he was born (and without them, he may not be here today), and the fact that my mom worked there for 20 years as well! We raised about $250 for the foundation through kissing donations.
Time to Party!
Our live entertainment was a band called Graffiti Park. We saw them play at AlleyCatz at Yonge & Eglinton a year before, and again on my birthday in March. They were very fun, a mix of male & female vocals, and perform a variety of music. They did an incredible job. I was asked on multiple occasions who they were, and grabbed a few business cards to pass out. Even people staying at the Royal York popped their head in to let us know how great the music was! They played 3 sets which were about 45 minutes long and kept everyone dancing. The band leader, Kojo, played DJ between the sets and truly picked fun music for us to dance to. They played right until the very end, and replayed "Don't Stop Believing" when everyone yelled "ONE MORE SONG" when it was well past their wrap-up time. They didn't even mind when people came right up on stage to dance and sing into the mics for that one last song. I'm so glad they were available to play for us!
As the dancing went on, savoury late-night treats were passed around the room and dance floor, including sliders, reubens, turkey & brie sandwiches, and poutine. This was especially for our Queen's and university friends, who loved poutine from Bubbas in Kingston and other various greasy foods after a night of drinking at the bar. These foods also kept people energized and dancing right until the very end of the reception!
Every person danced, including our priest, Father Mick, from St. Patrick's Church, who came to congratulate us after the dinner ended. I'm so glad that people were drinking, eating, dancing and having a great time. There were people who even held after-parties when the reception ended. Thanks to Matt's parents who had friends in their room, and one of Matt's groomsmen (also named Matt), who had all the Queen's people over to his close condo to continue the fun!
One of the highlights of the night was the dance my bridesmaids did. If I can figure it out, I'll upload the video I took of them practicing it the night before in the hotel room. I'll have to use vimeo and embed it or something though, because this website won't allow me to directly put videos greater than 100 MB on the site. The did a dance to the first half of Taio Cruz "Dynamite", and then invited everyone to dance along with them. It was so fun and I was so happy watching them do it. Funny enough is that now that song plays when the bell rings at school to let kids know it is time to get to class. Although the kids are sick of hearing it daily, it makes me smile and think of this night every day!
Another highlight was when all of our Queen's friends got together to do our game song "The Oil Thigh", which is a Gaelic traditional fight song that we would sing at sporting events or to welcome people. It was fun to see how many people went to Queens, from our friends, to Matt's sister, Megan, who is in second year nursing, and even my grandmother!
As the dancing went on, savoury late-night treats were passed around the room and dance floor, including sliders, reubens, turkey & brie sandwiches, and poutine. This was especially for our Queen's and university friends, who loved poutine from Bubbas in Kingston and other various greasy foods after a night of drinking at the bar. These foods also kept people energized and dancing right until the very end of the reception!
Every person danced, including our priest, Father Mick, from St. Patrick's Church, who came to congratulate us after the dinner ended. I'm so glad that people were drinking, eating, dancing and having a great time. There were people who even held after-parties when the reception ended. Thanks to Matt's parents who had friends in their room, and one of Matt's groomsmen (also named Matt), who had all the Queen's people over to his close condo to continue the fun!
One of the highlights of the night was the dance my bridesmaids did. If I can figure it out, I'll upload the video I took of them practicing it the night before in the hotel room. I'll have to use vimeo and embed it or something though, because this website won't allow me to directly put videos greater than 100 MB on the site. The did a dance to the first half of Taio Cruz "Dynamite", and then invited everyone to dance along with them. It was so fun and I was so happy watching them do it. Funny enough is that now that song plays when the bell rings at school to let kids know it is time to get to class. Although the kids are sick of hearing it daily, it makes me smile and think of this night every day!
Another highlight was when all of our Queen's friends got together to do our game song "The Oil Thigh", which is a Gaelic traditional fight song that we would sing at sporting events or to welcome people. It was fun to see how many people went to Queens, from our friends, to Matt's sister, Megan, who is in second year nursing, and even my grandmother!
Wedding Photo Booth
These pictures are so fun, despite the fact that the backdrop edges are showing and more just looks like people standing in front of fabric rather than an actual backdrop. In the end, it didn't matter, because people had a blast and we got some hilarious pictures! I put up as many pictures as I can - the rest (about half) are over 5 MB so are too big! If you want to see more, I think Jamie is uploading them to a file sharing website - I'll let you know!
We got the fabric from Fabricland, and we will turn it into a quilt or tablecloth when we move into a new house to keep it forever. We rented the backdrop frame and camera from Vistek Rentals, had it for the entire weekend, but had to set it up ourselves (thanks to Jeff and everyone else who helped and did this for us between the ceremony and reception!)
We got the fabric from Fabricland, and we will turn it into a quilt or tablecloth when we move into a new house to keep it forever. We rented the backdrop frame and camera from Vistek Rentals, had it for the entire weekend, but had to set it up ourselves (thanks to Jeff and everyone else who helped and did this for us between the ceremony and reception!)
The Day After the Wedding
Just a few pictures from the Prime Minister Suite at the Royal York (where we stayed the night of the wedding), and family brunch at York's Kitchen the next morning. Our catering manager, Carole, left us with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries all decorated for wedding festivities (so cute), and a nice card congratulating us. This was an upgraded 1600 square foot suite and was so beautiful and great to have when all the girls were getting ready together!