A Modern Mediterranean-Inspired Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Suzie and Dave met online in 2015 and have been together ever since.  "Our friends always tease us for having our first 10 dates basically within the first 10 days of meeting each other," Suzie says.

On their third anniversary, the couple went on a long-weekend getaway to Montreal. After hiking up Mount Royal, Dave took Suzie to a secluded park where he asked her to marry him. They called friends and family after to let them know of the big news and spent the rest of the afternoon in a café, indulging in oysters and champagne.

The couple had a Mediterranean-inspired wedding rich in greenery. "We wanted the wedding to be elegant, airy and modern," Suzie shares. "But also reflect both my Middle Eastern background and our love of the Mediterranean." They took a minimalist approach when it came to decorating the space, with the white backdrop of the venue contrasting with the dark green floral arrangements, allowing the arrangements to really pop.

It was important to the couple to have a mixture of North American and Arabic songs on their special day.  The bride walked down the aisle to "Becalmed" by Brian Eno. "It was really breathtaking and emotional," she says. For their first dance they swayed to Dave's slowed-down cover of "I've Just Seen A Face" by The Beatles, which he had recorded in the studio with his guitar. Their guests then joined them on the dance floor, dancing to a mix of the couple's favourite music. "It was a really fun and high energy way to kick off the reception," Suzie shares.

The dinner was prepared by the house chefs of District 28. For the first course, guests were served a Mezze plate, which is a traditional tray of snacks before a meal that is often served in the Middle East, which included hummus, baba ganoush and tabbouleh. As wedding favours, each person  was sent home with a wooden coaster with the couple's name engraved, the wedding date underneath the engraving and a Mediterranean tile design on the opposite side of the coaster. "It added a lovely blue accent to the tables and overall decor," Suzie recalls.

She says one of the most memorable things of their wedding day were the speeches from loved ones. "Our friends and family delivered some truly incredible speeches that we'll never forget," she recalls. "They were all equal parts warm, hilarious and touching."

Souzan Michael and David Galway, September 22, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Erin Leydon.

Vendors
Ceremony and Reception Venue: District 28
Wedding planner: Janice Carswell of Rebecca Chan Weddings and Events 
Bridal gown: Alexandra Grecco
Bridesmaid dresses: Jay Godfrey, Christopher Paunil, The Siista'r and Elmwood Bridal
Groom's tux: Andrew's Formal
Groomsmen's attire: Moores
Flowers: Crown Flora Studio
Stationery: Urban Scribes Design Studio
Cake: I Do! Wedding Cakes
Caterer: District 28
Hair: Jason Lee
Makeup: Veronica Chu
Music: Impact DJ
Officiate: Lainie Magidsohn