Ruchita & Kunal: Beach Brought Indoors!

So congrats to Ruchita and Kunal who tied the knot this past Saturday August 11th, 2012!

We've been working with Ruchita for several months now and she has been a delight to work with.  So much love has gone into her planning of this wedding - every detail was given careful consideration. 

The original plan was that Ruchita and Kunal would be married on Ward's Island (part of the Toronto Islands), on a gorgeous sandy beach with the waterfront as a backdrop.   Beautiful ivory rose balls on shepherd hooks, a custom asile runner and a rose-and-tulle covered arch were going to set a very romantic stage for Ruchita to marry the love of her life.

But those that were with us in Toronto know that the weather gods were not treating us all kindly this past Saturday as it rained all day long, often with heavy thundershowers.  By 2pm we realized that we could not have the ceremony on the beach and that we would have to move it indoors.

The reception was going to be held in the party room at the Absolute Towers condo complex.  We continued to hold out hope that we could have the ceremony on their amazing patio... but again, the rain wouldn't stop so the ceremony ultimately was held inside the building. 

No matter!  A positively glowing Ruchita kept up her positive attitude and rolled with the punches.... this is essential to the success of any marriage so while not exactly what she had planned, it just shows that their marriage can weather any storm! 

The room was set with red accents, with Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling.  Here the guests are mingling and awaiting the arrival of the bridal party:

With the ceremony now underway, here is the happy couple performing their sand ceremony:

Now Kunal places the wedding ring on Ruchita's finger:

Finally, the officiant gearing up to declare them married!

The receiving table included a decorated birdcage card box, vinyl records for guests to sign, and a vintage typewriter that guests could type their well wishes on! 

The cake was a cupcake tower with a beach theme!  Note the fish net on the table and the little beach chair candles! 

The head table was decorated with seashells, candles and lots of flowers!

Here, the bridal party is enjoying a hilarious reinactment of the way the couple first met...

And the party gets underway! 

Going well into the night, with incredible South Asian cuisine being served (and lots of it!), it was a great day and we're so happy for Ruchita and Kunal.

Best of luck on your new lives together!

Lilies in Bloom!

It's mid-July now and lilies are in full bloom!

If you are going to be having a late June or July wedding, lilies are in season locally and would be cheaper than they would be the rest of the year. 

Here are some of the beauties growing right in my garden! 

Hydrangeas are also in full bloom, and have been for several weeks.  These are great filler flowers and are available naturally in white, pink, fuschia and even blue!

Roses are gorgeous throughout the summer and are always a beautiful addition to any bridal bouquet or centerpiece. 

Enjoy!