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A Fun, Colourful Wedding In Toronto, Ontario

Updated Aug 09, 2022

| By Alison McGill

A Fun, Colourful Wedding In Toronto, Ontario

As Weddingbells' associate editor, Roseanne Dela Rosa has seen more than her fair share of weddings, so when it came to planning her own party, brainstorming exactly what it would look like proved more challenging than she thought. “Jay-R and I could not decide what type of wedding to have,” Roseanne laughs. “At Weddingbells I look after the real weddings content for the magazine. Over the years I’ve saved every idea I loved. The problem was, while everything was beautiful, none were us.”

After much creative thought the pair decided to let their life-loves shape their day. “We planned a wedding that was totally personal,” Roseanne smiles. “A fun, modern party packed with details for everyone to enjoy. Their wedding day started with the two meeting up pre-ceremony for first-look wedding photos. “We wanted to be super-traditional and see each other for the first time at the church, but our wedding timeline was tight, so we decided to take some photos beforehand. It was the BEST decision. We had time to soak everything in.”

The couple’s 270 guests watched the couple say “I do” in a traditional ceremony. Roseanne and Jay-R confirm it was the most important part of their day. “We said our vows in front of God, our family, our friends—we wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Roseanne says. The church aisles were decorated with pillar candles wrapped in pretty green garlands to create a dreamy ambience, and the couple had a live band as part of their ceremony, too. “The music was an important element for us and we selected songs to match the romantic mood.”

When it came to planning the reception, finding an unadorned space they could transform into Roseanne’s perfect vision was key, and she found it in The Warehouse. “Our jewel-toned colour palette was very Kate Spade–influenced—emerald green, navy blue, mustard yellow and coral with hits of gold, sparkles and polka dots,” Roseanne says. Gigantic balloons (ranging in size from three to eight feet in diameter) floated on the ceiling above guests as they dined. Tall vases filled with lush greens and berries anchored each table. The couple created a lounge area for guests outfitted with fanciful DIY details likes a propped photo booth and hand-painted “RO&JAY” signage. The custom-crafted dance floor was another centrepiece of their wedding decor. “We had a black-and-white checkered pattern with the words ‘and so the adventure begins’ written across it,” Roseanne recounts.

Two other elements both the couple and guests admit were favourites: the same-day-edit video and a most epic dessert table. The video—produced by In the Moment Productions—featured beautiful moments from the day that happened up until about an hour before airing. As for the sweet table, it measured 18 feet and was stocked with all of Roseanne’s favourite treats.

“I am the queen of sweets so I wanted to treat guests to all the sugary things I love,” Roseanne admits. “I worked with three bakers to create it: Flour Studio, Patricia’s Cake Creations, and Nadia & Co.” There were multiple cakes (including a surprise groom’s cake that was Toronto Raptors-themed), cupcakes, mini cupcakes, cake pops, brownies, Rice Krispies squares, macarons, cookies and more.

The couple and their guests enjoyed dancing into the wee hours to the sounds of the All Star Band. After a few days’ rest post-party, the newlyweds jetted to Hawaii, a destination on their bucket list for years—an extra sweet ending to the sweetest of celebrations.

Roseanne Dela Rosa and Joseph Ricasio, September 20, 2014, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Photobolic.

Vendors Ceremony location: St. Joseph the Worker Parish Reception location: The Warehouse Venue Balloons: Balloon Trix Bridal gown: Anais Anette from Vogue Sposa
Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Sung from Best for Bride
Cakes: Flour Studio, Nadia & Co., Patricia's Cake Creations
Calligraphy: The Lettering Studio Candles: Helix Candles
Caterer: Yorkshire Pudding Catering
Dance floor: Dance Floor Decor Day-of coordinator: Platinum Events Group Emcees: JC Yulo and RD Dimen Flowers: Flour Studio Groom's tux: Sarar
Hair and makeup: A Glow By Joan
Lights: Chris Hollywood Productions Linens: The Linen Closet Music: Allstar Band Rings: Emilian Jewellery Stationery: Palettera
Videography: ITM Productions