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.

A Venue with History and Heart

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!

From House Party to ‘I Do’

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!

A Day Filled with Music, Friends and Love

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.

A Tiny Beach Getaway

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.

DIY Decor and Personal Touches

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!

Capturing Your Unique Story

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!

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The post Under The Sun & Stars: Royal Canadian Legion 344 Wedding appeared first on Kotsy Photography.

Hey there, future wedding stars!

Kotsy’s the name, and capturing love candidly is my game. Today, I’m diving into Roy and Laura’s unique wedding celebration. Deciding to skip the antiquated idea of a proposal, they leapt straight into a more relaxed approach of planning their big day. If your wedding vibes are all about blending natural elegance with heartfelt warmth, buckle up!

Edwards Gardens: Where Love Blooms

First stop, Edwards Gardens! Roy and Laura, a duo that turned their work friendship into a beautiful love story, chose this spot for its lush vistas. And boy, did it deliver! Imagine saying your vows under a towering tree, surrounded by sprawling greens with the soft whisper of the wind as your ceremony soundtrack. That’s exactly what they did. Even the on-again-off-again light rain didn’t stand a chance at dampening this afternoon’s celebration.

Laura’s walk down the aisle with her parents while a two piece musical ensemble performed was one of her fondest memories of the day. And the vows they penned for each other? Both of them couldn’t help but tear up while the other delivered them in front of their closest friends and family.

After the ring exchange and legal signings, the rain brilliantly came to a stop as “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles began for their exit. You can’t make this stuff up! Capturing these moments against the lush backdrop of Edwards Gardens was a photographer’s paradise as much as it was for a bride and groom.

Nature’s Beautiful Photo Studio

After the “I do’s”, it was time for a superbly fun photoshoot amongst the Wilket Creek and waterfall, beautiful stone pathways and a wooden bridge that was clearly built with photography in mind. Edwards Gardens delivers and then some when it comes to a wide array of fantastic photo locations. We honestly could’ve spent hours here but alas, it was time to rejoin everyone for dinner and dancing!

Cozy Digs With Central European Eats

Roy and Laura wanted a place that felt like a warm hug for their reception – and The Prague Restaurant & Cafe was just that. Nestled in Scarborough, this gem serves up delicious Central European dishes that warm the soul. But it’s not just about the food, their beautiful deck offered a perfect spot for guests to mingle under the sun and stars. It wasn’t just a big win for guests, but also a way to keep the nature theme going for the entire day.

The vibe at the reception was all about cozy elegance after Roy and Laura made their entrance to Taylor Swift’s “Daylight”. From the chicken schnitzel and beef burgundy that had everyone wanting seconds to the heartfelt speeches, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Every detail at The Prague was a reflection of the bride and groom’s journey together.

And the first dance? Hardly one in the traditional sense as Roy and Laura decided to do it their own way again. In place of a first dance was their music playlist for the night starting with the upbeat Tears For Fears’ “Head Over Heels” while inviting everybody to the dancefloor.

Capturing Moments, Making Memories, Eating Cake

Roy and Laura’s wedding was a day filled with unforgettable snapshots. From the serene beauty of Edwards Gardens to the intimate warmth of The Prague Restaurant, every photo told a story of love, friendship, and fun. Their favorite shots? Those quiet, stolen moments amongst the greenery of the gardens. Here, their fun personalities and love for each other was as palpable as the beauty around them.

Speaking of beauty – their wedding cake was delicious as it was easy on the eyes. They went with a vanilla white buttercream cake with berry filling on one tier and orange flavoured icing on the other. And let’s not forget the DIY décor that spoke volumes of their relationship – a ladder adorned with photos, games, and a Polaroid guest book that provided them with even more captured memories to look back on.

Planning A Day To Remember

As you dive into planning your own big day, remember this wisdom from Roy and Laura. Keep the wedding true to you, be decisive and don’t fight about family while focusing inward. Laura, with her type A personality, actually had a lot of fun planning the wedding. Her main focus was the small details while keeping everything budget friendly. And the most challenging part? The guestlist and seating arrangements. Definitely something you don’t want to leave to the last minute!

Want more wedding planning tips? Head on over to this blog post.

Capture Your Love Story

Feeling the vibe of Roy and Laura’s non-traditional yet utterly captivating wedding day? Whether you’re dreaming of a garden ceremony with cozy restaurant reception or something grander, I’d be thrilled to document it!

Swing by kotsy.ca to learn more or click the button below to setup a free consultation.

Here’s to love, laughter, and the perfectly captured moments that you’ll treasure forever.

Kotsy 📸💑

For more inspiration, real love stories, and tips on making your wedding uniquely yours, visit kotsy.ca/blog.

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The post In The Thick of Nature: An Edwards Gardens Wedding appeared first on Kotsy Photography.