Real Weddings
TorontoA Colourful Wedding Inspired by Hermès, the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas and The Wizard of Oz
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Gregory first connected online with Sean in 2013. After chatting virtually for a couple of weeks, the two decided to rendezvous for a coffee to meet in person. Unfortunately, the coffee shop ended up being closed, but since it was a warm summer evening, they took a walk together. On their walk, they bonded over dreams, goals, family history, and values — it was an immediate connection, and they made their relationship official one month later. “We have enjoyed each other’s company ever since and have seen a lot of those dreams and goals we first chatted about come to life,” shares Gregory.
Seven years later, the couple took a weekend trip to Elora Mill Hotel & Spa to celebrate their anniversary. In advance, Gregory pre-arranged with the staff to make the evening “extra-special.”
After an incredible dinner, the couple took an unfinished bottle of wine to the terrace overlooking the rapids, where the staff had placed chairs and blankets for their enjoyment. While drinking their wine and talking about their life together, Gregory asked Sean for a photo op to capture the view and commemorate their anniversary. At this moment, he asked Sean to spend the rest of his life with him and Sean said, “Yes!”
The couple was married on October 16, 2021, at a private estate in Burlington, Ontario. As the president of
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, Gregory saw the unique opportunity to produce his own wedding alongside his mentor, Anna McCusker of Anna McCusker & Company. He also credits Melissa Stark and Carly Stevens with helping to ensure no detail was overlooked leading up to the day and providing same-day event coordination when it finally came time to say “I do.”
See Gregory and Sean’s wedding in the Summer/Fall 2022 Toronto Edition of WedLuxe Magazine!
The inspiration for the stationery design was an Hermès scarf, which Paper & Poste interpreted into an invitation suite with the desired playful yet traditional feel.
The grooms wore custom Coppley formalwear from Charles & Hunt. Greg wore colourful cufflinks gifted to him by friend and mentor Anna McCusker.
The all-white ceremony took place in the first of several tents provided by Special Event Rentals. In addition to producing his own wedding, Gregory did the floral design for the entire event, though Forget Me Not Flowers assisted with event design and various floral design rentals such as pedestals and urns.
“We were married in a clear roof tent, the sun was peeking out from the overcast sky, and just as we were saying our vows and “I Do’s” it began to rain a little creating such a special intimate ceremony with our guests,” remembers Gregory. Folk country band, The Redhill Valleys, (the grooms’ favourite band!) were on hand to perform during the ceremony and cocktail hour.
After the ceremony, guests were led to the cocktail lounge through a second tent set along the forest edge.
The wedding design was inspired by the look and feel of an Hermès scarf, specifically how the iconic patterns are known for colour and playful details yet hold a sense of tradition and formality. The event decor featured bold fabrics and vibrant flowers to achieve the desired vibe. Additional design ideas came from the iconic Wynn Hotel Las Vegas and the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz.
Catering for the elaborate cocktail hour featured an assortment of stations featuring oysters, sushi, lobster bisque, and charcuterie, each with its own special plating. The Innsville catered the wedding.
Naturally, Gregory’s company Special Event Rentals provided all of the event tents, custom draping, furniture rentals, tableware, and linens for the wedding day. They even debuted a new line of tabletop rentals for the occasion!
“The result was a smashing, vibrant party like you have never seen,” says Gregory. “It was the perfect “coming out party” as the pandemic restrictions opened up.”
The couple enjoyed how their white wedding ceremony turned into a colourful occasion with plenty of surprises for guests as they moved from tent to tent. “It kept guests actively looking for ‘What’s next?’” notes Gregory. The cocktail space was accented with plush colourful pillows. Plants intermixed with flowers made it feel like a real garden.
Guests received personal bottles of Hermès perfume packaged in the iconic orange miniature gift bags. Dessert boxes featuring salted caramel cookie sandwiches and butter caramel popcorn were also provided as take-home treats.
A fun surprise kicked off the dinner reception as the draped wall behind the bar was opened to reveal a secret reception space. The area was draped with deep royal blue fabric to create a sense of drama and intimacy.
Textiles, patterns, colours, and starburst-shaped lighting brought a sense of playfulness to the tent’s decor. Floral design, draping, furniture rentals, tableware, and linens were all provided by Special Event Rentals.
The Marc Joseph Band had both grooms and their guests dancing all night long. “They have a great attitude and show up to have fun. They really get to know the people in the crowd and interact with them to make sure it’s an unforgettable evening,” notes Gregory.
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CREDITS
Full-Service Planning and Design Assistance, Floral Design @gregory.fast, Furniture Rentals, Linens, Tableware, Draping and Tents @special_event_rentals, Hair Stylist (for Mothers and Sisters of the Grooms) @shanpetrohair, Makeup Artist (for Mothers and Sisters of the Grooms) @allyssahelm, Photography @lisa.mariephotography, Same-Day Coordination, Decor and Design Assistance @annamccuskerco, Same-Day Coordination by Melissa Stark and Carly Stevens, Getting Ready Venue @thepearlehotel, Stationery @paperandposte, Formalwear Designer @coppley, Formalwear and Bowtie Retailer @charlesandhunt, Shoes @ferragamo, Bowtie Designer @dino__1967, Decor Rentals @frankreaeventdesigns, Officiated by Jeanette Honig, Journeys of The Heart, Wedding Cake @thedessertroom, Catering @innsville, Lighting and AV @soundboxproductions, Perfume Favours @hermes, Entertainment (Ceremony and Cocktail Hour) @theredhillvalleys (Reception) @themarcjosephband, Cinematography @wearegauche