A Royal Affair At The Thompson Hotel

[ May 9, 2011 ] catherine

What happens when you put a wedding planner, two photographers, a florist and the catering director of a major hotel together in a room to celebrate the royal wedding? An intimate party that’s beautifully designed and executed, not to mention a whole lot of fun!

Event planner Naomi Serkin, photographers Anthony Manieri and Michael Caringi of 5ive15ifteen photo company, florist Fiona Liston of Stemz and Nick Prattas, catering director of the Thompson Hotel, made the most of the occasion starting with a delectable dinner the night before by executive chef Robert Mills. On the mouth-watering menu? Braised bison short ribs, basil pesto yukon mash, cod fish and chips with mushy peas, roasted herb rubbed lamb rack, muscovy smoked duck breast and sherry trifle with dragon fruit.

After a few hours’ sleep in their designated hotel rooms, the gang awoke bright and early. Clad in cozy Burberry robes, they sleepily made their way to hotel’s screening room to watch the big event unfold. They set the stage beautifully, surrounding themselves with all things royal and English as they nibbled on a spread of English delicacies including lavender glazed scones, Devonshire clotted cream, vodka cured salmon gravlax, finger sandwiches, macaroons and coconut panna cotta.

The Queen would have been proud.

Location: The Thompson Hotel, Toronto
Photography: 5ive15ifteen photo company
Flowers: Stemz, lily of the valley / garden roses / lilac / peonies / sweet pea / passion vine
Executive Chef: Robert Mills
Cakes: Bobbette & Belle
Stationery: Laura K Design
Rentals of silver tea sets, pastry stands, crystal stemware and plates: Chair-man Mills
Pants: Burberry from Harry Rosen
Robes: Burberry from Holt Renfrew
British Dog tags: Cairngorm Scottish Imports
Royal Family tea bags: Homefront
Mini London Replicas (buses, taxis, post box, telephone booth) and Marmite: Uncle John’s Candy Shack
Cocktail napkins, preserves and boxed tea: Pusateri’s
Linens: Have a Seat
Tea cups and Saucers: The Elegant Garage Sale
Silverware: Naomi’s own
Veils and tiaras: Valencienne

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Happy Royal Wedding Day

[ April 29, 2011 ] catherine

For a long time, I contemplated where I should watch the royal wedding: with a group of friends, with colleagues at a party at the Thompson Hotel or over tea with fellow royal diehards at one of the many events taking place throughout the city. Then it dawned on me: I should be watching this monumental event with my family.

What I love about the royal wedding it that it is history in the making. William and Kate will be the King and Queen of my children’s generation; what better place to watch them wed than at home with my two little girls, coffee and a croissant in hand.

The Wedding Co. would like to extend our best wishes to William and Kate, as well as all the couples who have decided to embark on the wonderful tradition of marriage.

Happy royal wedding day!

Photograph by: Sean Gallup, Getty Images
Photograph by: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
Photograph by: Dominic Lipinski/Pool, Reuters
Photograph by: Ian West, WPA Pool/Getty Images
Photograph by: Phil Noble, Reuters
Photograph by: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty ImageOfficial portraits by: Hugo Burnard

All other photos from the official Royal Wedding Site

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The Royal Rumour

[ March 10, 2011 ] catherine

Twitter and the blogosphere have been aflutter with rumours that Sarah Burton, the incredibly talented creative director at Alexander McQueen, will be designing Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.

If the rumours are indeed true (though Burton is so far denying them), it would be a bold move for Kate (royal brides have traditionally forgone world-renowned labels in favour of lesser-known designers for their big day). So when I checked out the latest McQueen collection that was shows earlier this week during Paris Fashion Week, and I can understand all the speculation. The stunning collection, with its exquisite attention to detail and beautiful silhouettes, is exactly what should comprise the most anticipated dress of 2011. Here’s hoping there’s some truth to this rumour!

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