Planning Tamara and Joe’s elegant summer wedding in Toronto’s Queen West was an absolute joy. This wedding day celebration beautifully blended their Ukrainian and Italian roots and showcased what full-service wedding planning and design can really look like.
Getting Ready & First Look
Tamara got ready at a modern Airbnb with her bridesmaids, who wore soft green dresses that tied in beautifully with the overall palette. Meanwhile, Joe and his groomsmen got ready at the couple’s Queen West condo, keeping things relaxed and fun. These quiet, intimate moments before the day kicked off set the tone for everything that followed and are some of our favourites to plan for with full-service clients.
Before heading to the church, Tamara and Joe shared a private first look at The Great Hall, their reception venue. It was a quiet and emotional moment that gave them time together before the events of the day began and allowed us to capture portraits in the space before guests arrived. As full-service planners, we love building in intentional, meaningful moments like this to keep the day flowing naturally.
A Ceremony Rich in Tradition
The day then led to a heartfelt ceremony at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, a nod to Tamara’s Ukrainian heritage. The space offered a timeless, traditional backdrop for their vows, with close family and friends gathered from around the world to witness the beginning of their marriage.
Queen West Wedding Reception at The Great Hall
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to a romantic candlelit reception at The Great Hall, one of Toronto’s most iconic venues in the heart of Queen West. With its historic architecture, red velvet draping and intimate mezzanine level, it was the perfect setting for a modern-yet-timeless wedding design. During cocktail hour, a Ukrainian band played traditional music in honour of Tamara’s heritage, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere as guests mingled. To add a personal touch, the signature drink – an espresso martini – was a nod to the couple’s favourite cocktail and a perfect pairing for the lively energy of the evening.
Wedding Design Details: Ivory, Sage, and Soft Romance
The design direction was built around Tamara’s favourite flowers – white roses and baby’s breath – paired with a refined palette of sage and ivory. We incorporated lush clouds of baby’s breath on long harvest tables, soft candlelight in tall glass holders and minimal stationery for a look that was fresh, modern and romantic.
Each table was styled with intention: harvest tables were given elevated flatware and florals for maximum visual impact, while round tables were kept simple to balance both the budget and aesthetic. The result was a room that felt layered and harmonious from every angle.
The Role of a Full-Service Wedding Planner
As a full-service wedding planner in Toronto, our job goes far beyond logistics. We partnered with Tamara and Joe early in their planning process to help them:
Curate the right vendor team
Make design decisions aligned with their budget and vision
Build out a detailed wedding day timeline
Coordinate every moving part behind the scenes on the day-of
Because we were involved from the start, the couple was able to relax and stay present on the day knowing that every detail had been handled.
Planning a Wedding in Toronto?
If you’re newly engaged and planning a wedding in Toronto (or beyond), we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking for a design-forward celebration, a multi-day wedding weekend, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with full-service support, SJ Soirée is here to guide you every step of the way.
