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Claire and Luca Di Donato’s wedding was a deeply personal celebration at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma, a landmark closely tied to the groom’s family. The day blended historic grandeur with modern emotion, layered with meaningful details and immersive floral artistry.
Claire and Luca Di Donato’s love story began in the most unexpected of places: a Toronto subway platform. As high school students commuting home—Claire from Bishop Allen Academy and Luca from St. Michael’s College School—they first crossed paths at Royal York Station, a popular meeting spot for teens in the city’s west end. Years later, during university, their friendship deepened into romance, and after briefly parting ways in their early twenties, they reunited at 24 and never looked back. Seven years later, Luca planned a deeply personal proposal, enlisting Claire’s best friend to help transform their rooftop patio into a candlelit oasis filled with roses. As golden hour set in and Leon Bridges’ “Beyond” played softly, Claire arrived to find Luca waiting, and a few days later, the newly engaged couple celebrated with a romantic trip to Santorini.
As Vice President and Legal Counsel for Liberty Entertainment Group, Luca Di Donato has spent years behind the scenes at Toronto’s famed
Casa Loma
Casa Loma, a cherished historical landmark and one of North America’s only castles, offers an...
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, the historic landmark his family has operated since 2014. Founded by Luca’s father, Nick Di Donato, the company has transformed Casa Loma into one of Canada’s most sought-after event venues. On September 21, 2024, the castle took on personal significance as the backdrop for Luca’s wedding to Claire. Luca’s mother, Nadia Di Donato, who serves as the company’s vice president and creative director, acted as creative director for the wedding, while Flora Peng—co-owner of
Fleur Weddings and Events
Fleur Weddings is a boutique wedding planning company specializing in creating extraordinary celebrations for Asian...
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and owner of Infinitude Design—provided month-of coordination, design, and floral artistry.
BOLDLY BESPOKE
Claire’s wedding gown was custom-made in Miami by couture designer Gabriella Arango. Crafted from 100% Italian silk, the gown featured a subtle nod to menswear with a tailored vest-style collar that fastened into a bow at the nape of her neck. “I wanted something elegant, bold, and entirely unique, and Gabriella brought that vision to life,” shares Claire. Luca wore a custom tuxedo by M2M Bespoke, paired with a Fendi bowtie, Christian Louboutin shoes, Montblanc cufflinks, YSL sunglasses, and a Rolex Daytona.
VINTAGE TOAST
Before the ceremony, Luca gathered with his groomsmen for a celebratory toast in the wine cellar, where they opened a bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2003.
ETHEREAL MOMENT
The ceremony was held outdoors at Casa Loma within the landmark’s permanent chapel installation, a striking metal structure nestled in the gardens. Enhanced by an extraordinary floral installation from Infinitude Design, the setting became a masterful tribute to nature’s quiet majesty. Guests entered the gardens to find a breathtaking floral arch composed of over 6,000 stems of baby’s breath, fresh white garden lilies, and forest branches Cascading strands of amaranth created the illusion of florals suspended midair, gently swaying in the breeze.
WITH THIS RING
As Claire and Luca exchanged rings, Claire’s band held special significance—a vintage Cartier Love ring once belonging to Luca’s Nonna, who passed away during his childhood. As Claire shared, “It was the exact style I had dreamed of and fit perfectly,” making the heirloom feel truly meant to be.
During cocktail hour, a string quartet played modern hits with a classical twist, creating a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere. “To elevate the guest experience, we incorporated a few unforgettable elements,” shares Claire. “The incredibly talented fashion illustrator Lauren Pearson was on-site, sketching stylish portraits of our guests as keepsakes. She also designed our custom menus.”
FLOATING GARDEN
Inside the tented pavilion was a surreal floral wonderland. Overhead, clouds of baby’s breath and slender branches were suspended to create the illusion of a floating garden. The ceiling installation glowed with soft lighting, casting a magical ambiance across the space. Below, tables were dressed in soft, organic textures—moss runners, hand-selected linens, wild-growing florals, and candlelight. The artistic vision extended to every guest’s seat, where custom hand-painted menus served as both stationery and keepsake.
ART & SEOUL
Beyond aesthetics, the wedding was a true labour of love, with each floral installation reflecting an exceptional level of artistry and craftsmanship. To ensure the highest level of precision in floral design, one of the floral designers from Infinitude Design traveled to Korea for specialized training, refining techniques that brought unparalleled elegance to every arrangement.
CULINARY CREATIVITY
Naturally, for the Di Donato family—renowned in Toronto for hospitality and culinary excellence—the dining experience was as intentional as the design. Dinner was catered by the Michelin-awarded DON ALFONSO 1890,followed by playful indulgences from sister restaurants PARIS TEXAS and PIZZA WINE DISCO, all part of Liberty Entertainment Group. Guests enjoyed elevated courses paired with curated wines and cocktails, before the menu shifted to comfort-food favorites like crispy fried chicken and crowd-pleasing pizza slices. As a playful nod to Claire and Luca’s distinctive hair—her fiery red and his signature salt-and-pepper—guests received personalized “Spicy Red” chili oil and “Silver Fox” tequila favors.
For her late-night look, Claire wore a modern, shortened version of her mother’s wedding dress—a stylish tribute to close the night.
After the wedding, the newlyweds departed on a 3.5-week honeymoon across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, staying in luxury hotels, road-tripping from Christchurch to Queenstown, and “One of the most memorable relaxing in an overwater bungalow in Fiji.
CREDITS
Bride @claireawallz, Groom @luca_didonato, Creative Director @nadia_libertygroup, Month of Planning & Design @fleurweddingstoronto, @flora_never_stop_fighting, AV Event Media Design @libertygrandto, Bridal Gown (Ceremony) @gabriellaarango.couture, Event Carpet @reznickeventcarpets, Fashion Illustration (Live Sketches) @bylaurenp, Florist @infinitude_design, Fireworks @airmagicfx, Furniture Rentals @luxerentals, Fireworks & Projection Mapping @libertygroup, Groom’s Accessories @fendi, @louboutinworld, @montblanc, @ysl, @rolex, Groom’s Tuxedo @made2measureclothing, Hair Stylist, Bride @bridalhaircouturebykatie, Linen Rentals @att_linenrental, Live Music @uptown.strings, Makeup, Bride @beautybynate, Makeup, Bridal Party @jess.wolfert.beauty, Photography @isabellavillaniphoto, Photobooth @magneticphotobooth, Restaurant Partners (Catering) @donalfonsoto, @danico.to, @paristexasparistexas, @pizzawinedisco, @blueblood_steakhouse, Stationery @supply_and_demand_studio, Tabletop Rentals @element_event_solutions, Venue @casalomatoronto, Valet Empire Valet Service, Videography @77jmorales, Vinyl @paragon.designs, Wedding Cake @katefrash.
