EDNA AND JULIUS | TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDENS WEDDING | GUILD INN WEDDING PHOTOS
Sometimes the weather just won’t play nice! For Edna and Julius’ wedding, there was rain in the forecast and it started to pour right after the first look at the Guild Inn, but luckily we still got a few beautiful outdoor pictures there.
Couples who decide to have a “first look” get to experience the wedding day with their guests and do not need to spend as much time taking photos after the wedding ceremony. This is great because the couple get to spend a private moment together and I am able to create beautiful images of a very special moment. After the ceremony we captured family photos without any pressure to rush through it and Edna and Julius had time to head to the reception venue, freshen up, and spend time with all the guests.
There were so many fabulous style elements. The bridesmaids wore all white lace dresses which was absolutely beautiful. The groomsmen changed from an all white traditional outfit into their navy blue tuxedos – Julius has amazing fashion sense and he styled the groomsmen. Edna changed out of her white dress into a sparkly gold sequin dress before they danced the night away.
This wedding was also featured on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine and I’ve included the Q+A portion below. Enjoy it and be sure to check out the full creative team down below!
Describe your wedding dress
Sexy, fit and flare. I’m always conservative, but for my wedding day I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and I definitely did just that.
What was wedding shopping like for you?
I never thought I would say this but, now I know and understand how those girls on the bridal shopping tv shows feel. I wanted to please everyone and made sure I got everyone’s approval on the dress.
The Love Story
Edna: “One of my good friends (Ellen) called me up one day to go to a party. After her twisting my arm I finally decided to go and lucky I did because that’s where I met the man of my dreams. I always say the Lord works in mysterious ways, because if I didn’t go to the party I wouldn’t have met Jay. Jay likes to say he knew from the moment he saw me, but I on the other hand was a little bit more naïve. 8 years later, on August 4th I married my soulmate.”
Jay: “I was talking to my friend Mark and he told me about this party he wanted me to go with him to. I said yeah, and I’m definitely glad I did! The moment I walked by Edna, I turned to my friend and said, ‘She’s the one.’ The rest is history.”
The Proposal…
I was planning Jay’s surprise 30th birthday party and wanted to invite one of his childhood friends. The Monday before the event I texted his friend the details of the party – so I thought… Little did I know I was sending the text message to Jay. Once I realized what I did I started crying and couldn’t believe the surprise birthday party was ruined. Jay on the other hand, had another plan. He somehow got a hold of most the invited guests and told them that he was going to propose.
The day finally arrived and you can imagine my disappointment that I couldn’t throw a surprise party. As they brought up the cake and everyone was singing “Happy Birthday” my hand slipped on the icing and little did I know the written message on it was “Will you marry me?” I did a double take to make sure what I saw was real and started screaming and yelling. Once again, Jay surprised me!
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: coach makeup case, lashes (cause every girl needs a good pair of lashes), and Nars survival makeup kit. Groomsmen: cufflinks, handkerchief, bow ties, and floral lapel pins.
Favorite item on the menu: The bacon wrapped filet mignon.
First dance song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Jay’s best memory from the wedding is when him and the groomsmen serenaded me with one of his favorite R&B songs, “Beauty” by Dru Hill. My best memory from the wedding was our first looks. Seeing Jay’s expression as he turned around to see me in my wedding dress was priceless!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Take the time to enjoy the wedding preparation and use it as an opportunity to build your relationship. In a blink of an eye the wedding day is here, savor the day and enjoy it! You’ve planned and now it’s time to party!
This wedding was previously featured on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine: Click here to check out the full feature!
Event Coordinator/Planner: A Touch of Grace Events // Photographer: Samantha Clarke Photography // Decorator: Dreamcreations // Cake: Cakes by Mavis // DJ: Dj Fiiasco // Florist: Flowersxflour // MC: Naomi // Ballet Dancers: Child & Youth Dance Theater // Wedding dress designer: AJ Designers // Wedding dress salon: Mona Lisa Bridal // Bridesmaids dresses: Jamila’s Top Creation // Makeup by: Flawless Finish, Eminent Allure & Makeup by Afia // Hair: BS Touch & Ava Noyelle // Ceremony location: Toronto Botanical Gardens // Reception location: Mississauga Convention Center // Videography: Gamada Ali // Stationery: Stephita Wedding Invitation
