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A Classic Rustic Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Updated Jul 15, 2015

| By Lisa Perri

A Classic Rustic Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Giorgio was the first person Amanda met when she walked off an elevator at a Halloween party and it was love at first sight – even in costume (she was dressed as zebra, and he, “the most interesting man in the world”)!

Knowing Amanda had a keen sense for guessing surprises, Giorgio planned a week chock-full of dates. “We visited art galleries, went to incredible restaurants and even revisited the first place we said 'I love you.' I started to think that just maybe he would ask," explains Amanda. "Four days in, I was pretty sure, but night after night no big question." On the Thursday night, Giorgio had booked a table at SPiN for a game of ping pong and reservations at a French restaurant. Giorgio was hoping to set up his proposal at SPiN, but with a rowdy office party at the table next to them, he decided to take Amanda outside. “Although it was raining, Giorgio got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! We excitedly headed to the restaurant, where a gorgeous bouquet of roses and orchids was on our table. The husband and wife owners of the restaurant asked if it was my birthday and when we told them we'd just got engaged they brought out champagne for all 25 patrons!” recalls Amanda.

The couple’s big day combined classic elegance and rustic details, making the Berkeley Field House a perfect location for their ceremony and reception. Amanda and Giorgio included woodsy elements, such as birch bark centrepieces and handmade pine cone place cards, which were made by Amanda’s mother. The bride stunned in a striking Monique Lhuillier gown and the bridal party and groomsmen were outfitted in a gorgeous hue of deep purple.

As per Peruvian tradition, the reception included a “hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” where costume pieces are taken out to get the party started. For their hora loca, the couple enjoyed getting silly with their guests in pirate costumes.

Amanda Garbutt and Giorgio Riva, November 3, 2012, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Olive Studio.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Berkeley Field House Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from White Toronto
Bridal party attire: J.Crew
Cake: Wedding Cake Shoppe Caterer: Berkeley Field House Hair: Chris Greene Makeup: Amanda Elysia Music: RED’s Entertainment (905-696-7898) Flowers: Sweetpea's Blooms Stationery: DIY