Sections

A Vintage Garden Wedding In Toronto, Ontario

Updated Apr 23, 2015

| By Jaimie Goldstein

A Vintage Garden Wedding In Toronto, Ontario

Love can be found in the most unexpected places—even your own backyard. That is certainly the case for Samantha Diamond and Dan Nayot. The two grew up in the same neighbourhood, shared mutual friends and unknowingly crossed paths on numerous occasions. Their eventual meeting happened because of a blind date. “We were both wary of set-ups and planned for a casual drink but neither of us wanted the night to end so we headed to a second location and sipped mint tea until two in the morning,” Samantha recalls. “He called me two minutes after he dropped me off at my door. Team Dan and Sam was solidified very quickly and so our story started.”

Following Dan’s proposal in Muskoka, the two went to town planning their vintage garden wedding. “Venue research consumed us for the first five months of our engagement,” Sam laughs. “We wanted an outdoor wedding, but because Toronto has such unpredictable weather we thought it best to create an outdoor feel indoors.” After checking out almost every possible venue in the Toronto area, the two picked The Warehouse. “It’s a totally blank space that you can decorate however you want, it’s massive and it has a kosher kitchen, so we decided on this venue,” the two explain.

On Canada Day, 300 guests celebrated with Dan and Sam who wed amidst an ultra-romantic scene comprised of rose petals (scattered across the floor) and bouquets (anchored at the end of each aisle). The romantic floral touches continued into the reception space where gorgeous centrepieces arranged in vases and porcelain floral teapots graced each dinner table. “I was inspired by a page out of Preston Bailey’s book with a photo of a backyard wedding with flowers arranged in toile vases and teapots. I knew I wanted our wedding to look like that one,” Sam smiles. “Anna, our designer, took that photo and created the most beautiful version with lots of arrangements that were loosely created and organic-looking.

After dinner and speeches, the newlyweds hit the dance floor with friends and family, and the party came into full effect. “A big dance party was key—we wanted to dance until our feet couldn’t move another step,” Sam laughs. “At two points during the night, our awesome band popped surprise confetti all over us and onto the packed dance floor. It was incredible!” Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without some sweet treats, but because the twosome didn’t want to stop the flow of the dancing with a set dessert bar they decided to serve sweets to their guests as they boogied—everything from brownie pops and biscotti to rocky road cups was available. “Our guests got their sweet fix and never had to leave the dance floor,” the pair smile.

When asked if their dream day lived up to their vision, both Sam and Dan agree they wouldn’t have changed a thing. But, it was the words of wisdom from their Rabbi and Dan’s father that really hit home for these newlyweds. “Hearing the kind words and advice was memorable for us,” Sam and Dan reminisce. “It verified that the months of planning and decision-making was not the pinnacle of our lives together. The wedding, however beautiful, is a few hours, and what really matters is the life that we live together after the guests leave and the lights come on.”

Samantha Diamond & Dan Nayot, July 1, 2012, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Mango Studios (www.mangostudios.com)

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: The Warehouse
Dress: Becker's Bridal
Wedding planners: Karen G Events
Caterer: Applause Catering
Music: The Yossi Nahmias Band (954-551-3831); DJ Chris Laroque (chrislaroque@gmail.com) Hair: Ana Sorys Makeup: Grace Lee from Maybelline
Flowers: Supplied by FIG; Styled by Anna Gitman (annabekoach@yahoo.com) Stationery: Muroff Impressions Ltd. (416-633-4491) Others: Videographer from Dream Vision