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Under The Sun & Stars: Royal Canadian Legion 344 Wedding

Hey there, wedding dreamers and joyful party-goers!

Kotsy here, your go-to photographer and storyteller, ready to dish out the details of Holt and Erika’s fabulous summer wedding at the Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto. Get ready for a tale of love, laughter, and a wedding that’s as unique as the couple themselves.

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Let’s talk venue! Nestled in the South Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Royal Canadian Legion 344 isn’t just a building; it’s a piece of history with a heart of gold. This place has seen it all, from heartfelt reunions to joyous celebrations, making it the perfect setting for a wedding that’s both meaningful and merry.

Thanks to a rainy forecast that turned out to be all lies, the ceremony and reception unfolded on the venue’s spacious back patio. With the sun dipping behind the trees, Holt and Erika made their way down the aisle to their friends Clamaglamza performing “The Wind Loves the Rain”, written by a local favourite, Rattlesnake Choir.

Then, against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Ontario, it was time to exchange vows next to their faux-ficiant and close friend. To wrap the ceremony up, Erika broke glass with her foot – absolutely as satisfying as it looks and sounds! Once the sky melted into shades of orange and pinks, it was time for heartfelt speeches and delicious food. Can you get more romantic than a lakeside dinner bathed in the romantic hues of a stunning sunset? I think not!

Let’s dive into Holt and Erika’s love story! The two lovebirds met at a friend’s house party, where Holt’s offer to help with an injury won Erika over with its sweet (and slightly nutty) charm. Fast forward to a Halloween show when Erika, dressed as Ketchup, realized she had a crush while they manned the door together. Hanging out with Holt over watching a band perform is all she needed to realize that he was something special to her.

It’s really no surprise that their engagement story is just as endearing. On a trip to New York for their 10th anniversary, Erika flipped the script and proposed to Holt in Washington Square Park. After muttering a half-apology, half-proposal under the massive arch, he finally clued in when he saw the ring. It was the quirky love tale that suited them perfectly!

Holt and Erika’s wedding day was nothing short of magical. From the moment guests began arriving, it felt like a series of heartwarming reunions thanks to Covid lockdowns. Erika, breaking tradition again, was out there hugging everyone upon their arrival. Truly a testament to the couple’s warm and inviting personalities.

And, of course, music played a pivotal role in their celebration, with friends’ performing throughout the day and night. From walking down the aisle “The Wind Loves The Rain” and rocking out post-dinner to alternative 90s covers to a DJ and another musical performance to finish the night, every tune was throwback on their special day.

Just a stone’s throw from the venue was a tiny beach. So tiny, in fact, that it doesn’t even have a name! This hidden gem is where the elated couple and their wedding party had a photo session. Picture this: the bride and groom, along with their closest friends, laughing and posing on the sandy shores, with the gentle lapping of the lake’s waves adding a rhythm to their joy. Then add in a sunset for when Erika and Holt returned for their couples session. We couldn’t have asked for a better location or finishing touches from mother nature.

Speaking of photos, what was their favourites? This didn’t require much thought. Erika’s parents kissing her at the end of the aisle, and them walking up the aisle after the ceremony, radiating happiness and relief, stood above all the other shots. These moments, captured forever, are a beautiful blend of love and joy.

Holt’s woodworking skills and Erika’s crafty nature shone through in their décor. Wooden signage and centerpiece boxes made by Holt, along with bouquets and boutonnieres put together by Erika added a personalized vibe to the venue for the right price. It was a testament to their creativity and teamwork.

And after going through it all together, they have a few simple pieces of advice for other couples planning their wedding. Don’t sweat the small stuff or get caught up in others’ expectations. Focus on what matters to you, and remember, it might cost a bit (or a lot) more than planned, but it’s all worth it in the end!

Inspired by Holt and Erika’s amazing day at the Royal Canadian Legion? Planning your own unforgettable wedding in Toronto? I’d love to be part of your journey and capture every laugh, tear, and dance move. Head over to kotsy.ca to learn more or click the button below to set up a free consolation.

Until then, keep spreading love and laughter!

Kotsy 📸💕

For more heartwarming wedding stories and photography tips, visit kotsy.ca/blog. Let’s make your wedding day a story worth telling!


Venue: Royal Canadian Legion 344

Bridal Gown: Free People | Found on Posh Mark

Catering: Chau


A laser engraved wooden sign for a wedding outside Royal Canadian Legion 344
A laser engraved wood sign instructing wedding guests to sign a jenga block in lieu of a guestbook
Two women are all smiles after arriving at a wedding at The Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A man and woman hug during arrivals to a wedding in Toronto
A man inhales from a cigarette as he walks with a group of wedding guests down a path in Toronto, Canada
A group shot of a bride and groom and their wedding party on a Lake Ontario beach in Toronto
A bride and her bridesmaids enjoy a laugh in front of a large tree on a beach in Toronto
A groom goofs around with his groomsmen in front of a large tree on a beach in Toronto
A bride poses with a bouquet of lowers outside during her wedding at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A groom enjoys a laugh with his mother at his wedding in Toronto, Canada
A woman enjoys a laugh with a group of people at a wedding in Toronto, Canada
An elderly woman enjoys a laugh at a wedding in Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A wide shot of all the guests sitting in chairs outdoors at Royal Canadian Legion 344 awaiting the start of a wedding ceremony
Two women play guitars for the intro of the wedding party at a ceremony outdoors at Royal Canadian Legion
A groom sporting sunglasses struts down the aisle at his outdoor wedding ceremony in Toronto
A bride makes her way down the aisle with a bouquet of flowers at her outdoor wedding ceremony in Toronto
A groom watches his brides arrival during their outdoor wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A bride is kissing by her parents upon her arrival to the alter at her outdoor wedding at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A wide shot of a bride, groom, officiant and large crowd on a lakeside patio at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A groom speaks into a mic during his lakeside wedding in Toronto
A bride speaks into a mic during her outdoor wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion 344
A bride places a wedding band on her groom's finger during their lakeside wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion in Toronto
A close up shot of a bride putting a wedding band on her grooms finger
A bride breaks a glass with her foot at the conclusion of her lakeside wedding ceremony in Toronto
A bride and groom enjoy their first kiss in front of all their guests during their lakeside wedding ceremony
A bride and groom makes their way up the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
bridesmaids hug the bride's mother at the conclusion of the outdoor wedding ceremony
A bridesmaid hugs a man after a lakeside wedding ceremony in Toronto
A bride and groom do shots with two bartenders after their outdoor wedding ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion in Toronto
Two women from Chau Toronto pose for a picture in front of their food spread at a Royal Canadian Legion wedding in Torono
A bride and groom pose for a big family photo outside in the summer
A groom gives the thumbs up as and winks at the camera while he holds his wife over his shoulder
A bride and groom pose for a family photo in Toronto
Bridesmaids help themselves to food at a buffet during a wedding in Toronto
A shot of a menu for a wedding for Erika & Holt
A close up shot of Eggplant at a wedding buffet
Two women shake hands across a table during an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A woman's mouth hangs open in shock at a joke during an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A bride and groom enjoy a kiss after glasses are clinked at an outdoor wedding reception at Royal Canadian Legion 344
A bride's mother does her speech during an outdoor wedding ceremony
A bride and groom enjoy a laugh during her father's speech at their outdoor wedding in Toronto
Only a string light is in focus as the bride's father makes a speech at an lakeside wedding in Toronto
A large crowd of seated guests raise their glasses for a toast during an outdoor wedding reception at Royal Canadian Legion 344
A groom wipes a tear from his eye during the maid of honour speech at his outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A maid of honour makes a speech at an outdoor wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion in Toronto
A elevated panoramic shot of a maid of honour making a speech on a large lakeside patio filled with guests at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A couple is seen cuddling during a speech at an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A bride and groom poses for a photo face-to-face with the Humber Bay Shores and Lake Ontario behind them
A bride smiles big as her groom whispers in her ear on a beach in Toronto
A close up shot of a brides hand sporting a wedding band while on her groom's shoulder in Toronto
A group of people are seen on a picnic table in the background as a recently wedding couple hold each other on a beach in Toronto
A bride adjusts her groom's bow-tie on a beach in Toronto
A bride and groom sit on a wooden park bench with their hands leaned into each other at a beach in Toronto
A bride and groom enjoy a kiss on a park bench at a beach in Toronto
A bride gazes at her groom as they hold hands on a park bench in Toronto, Canada
A bride smiles with her eyes closed at her groom kisses her on the forehead as they sit on a park bench in Toronto
A bride and groom are all smiles as he gives her a piggy back by Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada
A bride smiles as she touches his neck while leaned up against a mural in a Toronto park
A bride and groom hold each other's hands while spinning in a circle on a beach in Toronto, Canada
A groom clings to a chain link fence
A woman dances with an elderly woman at an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
Two women perform with guitars at Royal Canadian Legion in Toronto
A crowd reacts to two women performing music at an outdoor wedding ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
Two women are seeing through a crowd performing for guests at an outdoor wedding ceremony
A groom tears up next to his bride during a music performance
A crowd of people sing along to a musical performance during an outdoor wedding reception at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
A 4 piece band perform at an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
Women cheer during a band's performance at an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
Two women dance wildly during a band's performance.
A man hugs his partner as they enjoy a band's performance at an outdoor wedding reception.
A groom puffs on a joint in a crowd of people during an outdoor wedding reception.
An elevated shot of a band performing for a small crowd of people during an outdoor wedding reception at Royal Canadian Legion 344 in Toronto
Two women dance hand-in-hand at an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A woman DJs while sporting a cigarette in his mouth during an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
A large group shot on a patio during an outdoor wedding reception in Toronto
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