A Stylish, Modern Wedding In Toronto

Dec 18, 2015

| By Alison McGill

The love story of Erica Wark—resident stylist and fashion expert on CTV’s The Social—and Corey Laurysen is beyond charming. The pair, who met in high school in the Ottawa area and dated for 15 years, became engaged exactly one year prior to their wedding day, when Corey surprised Erica with a proposal during one of her on-air fashion segments. “Corey proposed on live TV,” Erica recalls with a laugh. “I was completely blown away by the romantic and shocking gesture! He surprised me again by having all our family and closest friends at Toronto’s Beverley Hotel to celebrate with us after the show.”

With her expert style sense, Erica knew exactly what she wanted their wedding to look like. They chose the slick Malaparte for their ceremony and reception, hosting 150 guests for a “Metrothereal”-themed party. “Corey and I both love being outdoors,” Erica says. “I have a family cottage that we spend lots of time at, and we both grew up in the country. We wanted our wedding to reflect that. The feeling of the day was chic with a rustic undertone.” This was accomplished in a cool urban setting by choosing a palette of white florals and greenery complemented with silver and birch-wood accents. One of the standout decor pieces was the incredible white and green flower wall that Erica’s wedding stylist, Lindzi Armstrong, constructed. The couple said their personalized vows in front of it, and the wall also served as the backdrop for family photos. “It was absolutely breathtaking and one of my favourite details,” Erica shares. “I had never seen anything like it.” The rustic-chic floral theme was brought into the reception space with centrepieces that combined large antique vases with imperfectly arranged florals, birch tree bases, antique candleholders and china cups.

It should be no surprise that this stylista’s other favourite wedding detail was her dress. In an incredible shimmering Zuhair Murad gown, Erica was the definition of a modern bride, wearing her signature tresses long and loose, topped with a delicate voilette designed by milliner David Dunkley. “My dress was covered in hand-stitched beads made to look like champagne bubbles,” Erica says. “It fit me like a dream, was comfortable and made me feel incredibly special—I wish I could wear it every day!” To make an even more fabulous fashion statement, Erica actually had two additional short and sexy dresses by Naeem Khan, which she changed into throughout the night. She wore a glittering deco-style mini for the first dance, a dazzling performance to Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful,” which was a surprise for their guests. “Two of our friends from the Ottawa-based dance studio Dance With TLC helped us choreograph this, and we worked on it for seven months,” Erica admits. “It included three types of ballroom dance moves: the waltz, the cha-cha and the rumba. We had a blast with it.” Another entertainment highlight: pop star Kiesza (who Erica has styled) dropping in on the party. “Kiesza totally surprised me and everyone jammed the dance floor to dance to her hit ‘Hideaway,’” Erica says, laughing. “It was amazing!” Erica Wark and Corey Laurysen, July 11, 2015, Toronto, Ontario. Photography courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography. Vendors Ceremony and reception location: Malaparte Bridal gowns: Zuhair Murad and Naeem Khan from Kleinfeld at Hudson's Bay Bridal shoes: Manolo Blahnik Veil: David Dunkley Bridal party: LE CHÂTEAU Groom's attire: Ermenegildo Zenga suit and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes from Harry Rosen Wedding stylist: Lindzi Armstrong Music: Mellow Dee Hair: Fiorella DiNardo Makeup: Melody Iafelice Flowers: A Petal or Two Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Diane Stationery: Cards of Wood

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