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A Dreamy, Elegant Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Updated Jul 22, 2015 | By Nikki Van Vugt

Whimsical Toronto Wedding - bride and groom

It was at an Irish pub on St. Patrick's Day during their university years that Renée and Ian met. "We must have had the luck of the Irish that day because it's been love ever since!" Renée laughs.

The lucky couple planned an elegant spring wedding in Toronto's Distillery District to celebrate their big day. Renée spent the morning with her bridesmaids, enjoying breakfast in bed. "I had my girls sleepover the night before the wedding. We have been best friends for 16 years, so it was really special to have them there from the moment I opened my eyes," she explains.

The couple's dreamy theme was carried through both the ceremony and the reception. "From the cherry blossom branches, to the flowers lining the aisle for the ceremony, the look I envisioned was truly brought to life," says Renée. A sense of romance was cast upon the reception with 300 candles lighting up the space.

Renée and Ian's day was filled with sentimental moments, from the heartfelt letters that the couple exchanged to the family heirlooms that were passed down to them. The bride's first dance with her father was among the highlights of the evening. "My dad worked for a year practicing James Taylor's 'You've Got A Friend' and recording it for my wedding day," shares Renée.

Renée Bourassa and Ian Marthinsen, April 12, 2014, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Scott Williams.

Vendors Ceremony and reception venue: Distillery District Fermenting CellarBridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from White Toronto Bridal party attire: Alfred Sung from The Dessy Group
Groom's tux: Garrison Bespoke Cake: Sugar Plum Cake Co. Caterer: The Distillery Restaurants Corp. Music: Nth Degree Entertainment Group
Flowers: Cool Green & Shady
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas