A Stunning, Colourful Peruvian-Inspired Wedding in Toronto

Alex and Rosa met on a mutual friend's ultimate frisbee team. "I was asked to sub in on our friend Christina's ultimate frisbee team for a few games," Alex explains. "I really liked it so I joined full time." Alex and Rosa chatted occasionally but say they never really clicked. At the time this couple-to-be met, they were both in committed relationships. "Rosa was with her long time boyfriend and I was with my not-so-long time girlfriend," Alex says. Shortly after Rosa became single, Alex became single as well. "We had a couple really interesting conversations after our frisbee games, and the rest is history," Alex recalls.

The couple both share a Peruvian heritage, which they used to inspire their wedding theme. They used a bold sunset-inspired colour palette including plum, peach, crimson red and yellow to fill their special venue, the Berkeley Church in Toronto, with incredible details. A beautiful focal point of the decor was the sunset hued balloon instillation. For their table numbers, they took a creative approach by including the shape of Peru on each one.

A staple of the design was the repeating llama/alpaca motif.  From low-top sneakers to a string-art backdrop, the adorable animals native to South America were incorporated throughout the day. Post-ceremony in the courtyard during cocktail hour, Rosa and Alex surprised and thrilled their friends and family with 3 alpacas, which were brought in to take pictures with guests. With gorgeous details bursting in colour and whimsy, it's no surprise this wedding won Central Real Wedding Of The Year for the Weddingbells 2019 Canadian Wedding Awards.

The couple wrote their own vows. It was important to them to have someone they knew to officiate. "The wedding ceremony was very personal," the couple says. "It was written and co-officiated by our friend Julia Pileggi." During the reception, the couple shared their first dance to the song "Unthinkable" by City and Colour. At the end of the festivities, each guest took home a portrait of themselves created by water-colour illustration aficionado, Stephanie Anne.

Rosa Bustamante and Alex Stinson, August 18, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Jennifer See Studios.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Berkeley Church
Wedding planner: Love by Lynzie Events + Design
Bridal gown: Evelyn Bridal & Ferre Sposa
Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN
Groom’s tux: Surmesur
Groom's bowtie: Handsome and Lace
Flowers: Hunt and Gather Floral
Stationery: Minted & Paperless Post
Caterer: Berkeley Church
Hair and makeup: The Beauty Team
Favours: Stephanie Anne
Music: Dialed In DJ
Balloons: Balloon Bar
Calligraphy: Catherine Cachia
Cotton Candy: Fancy Pufs
Rentals: Divine Furniture Rentals & Event Rental Group