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An Elegant Gold, Black & White Wedding In Toronto

Updated Sep 01, 2020

| By Alison McGill

An Elegant Gold, Black & White Wedding In Toronto

Justine and Joel met in highschool and spent a large part of their relationship long distance when Joel moved to California and Justine stayed in Toronto. He proposed to her on a trip home for Justine’s birthday (both of their mom’s were there for it and Justine says it was extremely emotional) and also surprised her with a plane ticket back to California where they ended up staying. This meant wedding planning for their Toronto celebration would be happening in two countries. “We absolutely could not have pulled this off without the help of the lovely Narelle Janie Events!” Justine shares.

For the event, they couple wanted a venue that was simple and modern but not plain. “We liked downtown venues with a unique vibe and wanted that same feeling somewhere affordable— Eglinton West Gallery was the perfect fit. It was a new venue that none of our guests had been to, and with its natural and industrial esthetic, it didn’t require much decor or dressing up.”

The couple chose a modern colour palette of white, black and gold trimmed with greenery for the event they hosted for 228 guests. Of her best day-of moments, Justine says getting ready the morning of her wedding with her bridesmaid and mom was extra-special. “They had so much positive energy, everyone was loose, singing, and it helped fight off any nerves I had while we got our hair and makeup done. When we arrived at the church, in the limo, we were all singing “Love On Top” by Beyoncé, and that was a moment I will cherish forever.”

For Joel, walking his dad down the aisle was incredibly meaningful. His dad suffered from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and was no longer able to walk on his own. “He sacrificed and worked so hard for his family, so it was a very special moment to see him walking down the aisle with Joel.,” Justine shares. “He would pass away two months later, which really eternalizes that moment."

Both Justine and Joel have a fond memory of the day and sitting at their beautiful head table. “When our main courses were placed in front of us, it brought us back to a few months earlier when we had our tasting.The months of planning had all come down to this one day, and we both just took that moment during dinner to look around the room and appreciate our wedding.”

Photography courtesy of Liat Aharoni

Justine Charlton & Joel Jeyarajah, August 10 in Toronto

Vendors
Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal from Ferré Sposa Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Pretty Little Thing
Calligraphy: JMP Calligraphy
Groom’s Tux & Groomsmen Attire: Moore’s
Cake: Love in Bloom Cakes
Flowers: Empire Settings Wedding Decor
Hair: Anna Liu, Mane By Anna
Rentals: Simply Beautiful Decor
Reception Venue: Eglinton West Gallery
Wedding Planner: Narelle Allen, Narelle Janine Events