We stumbled across Linea Carta a few weeks ago and just love the work produced by Diva, the owner and creative energy behind the company. Her gorgeously illustrated a-z cards especially caught our eye as something completely original, we loved that they were built around a few unique and overlapping themes like animals, flowers, nautical imagery and loving words and could be used to play on initials, and we asked if they’d ever been used for a wedding and if so, how.

she responded in an email: I have sold them to brides and event planners to be used a bunch of ways: 1. table cards (instead of numbers) with the corresponding images printed on placecards 2. as favors 3. for thank you cards.  I’ve also custom screen printed the same illustrations on guest books and photo albums.

In addition, Diva has also done several custom projects designing and calligraphing wedding vows along with a screen print of a favourite or custom illustration on a large sheet of beautiful paper, which the couple can frame as a keepsake.

We’re leaving you this week with a stunning fairy-inspired wedding concept project by Tricia Fountaine, Tricia Fountaine Design: it is the most unbelievably perfect ending to our impromptu week of theatrical woodland whimsy.

We received the submission from Shirley Lo-Cadotte, Double Happiness Events, who worked on the project with its designer before leaving California for her new home in Toronto and we love that it showcases not only the incredible creative power Tricia is capable of, but also how her love of the Faerie world has led to such an amazing and tangible result.

A mid-summer's night feast

The final photographs are so inspiring, whether you have a soft spot for woodsy sprites and magic dust or not, because they show that anything is possible when it comes to a wedding’s design. We also love that this super fun shoot is made of almost entirely handmade items, from the invitation to the clothes, the moss-covered chandelier to the unbelievably gauzy, gorgeous wings, and the fabulous rings. While you may no want to re-create this magical day detail by detail, we like inspiration can come from a single element of it, or used to springboard to new ideas from; the brilliantly coloured cushions on the stump seats and the wedding party’s lanterns are both super ideas that could be incorporated into many events, and many themes for that matter.

The faerie bride and elf groom

Ethereal photos helped set the magical tone of the project

All photography by Elizabeth Messina (lots more images if you click to read more)

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By: Stephanie Sturino

With a history spanning close to 100 years, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is the last operating double-decker theatre in the world. Built in 1913 and nestled in the heart of the city, the magnificent Edwardian style theatre offers a glimpse at the city’s cultural history and roaring past.

The Winter Garden Theatre

Today, the restored theatre, a National Historic Site, includes a variety of rental spaces, including the extraordinary opportunity of hosting a dinner reception on the stage of the Winter Garden theatre. Definitely a must for those couples that wish to revel in the spotlight, the stage offers space for an intimate dinner of 80 people. A seat on the famous vaudeville-era stage presents a panoramic view of the grand outdoor-garden themed theatre along with the contrasting scenery of backstage theatre production, which includes stage ropes and trussing. With hand painted walls meant to resemble an outdoor garden, and its ceiling a collection of natural beech leaves and twinkling lanterns, the Winter Garden is some kind of Midsummer Night’s fantasy.

The theatre centre offers other spaces such as their cascading lobbies and larger lounges that can hold up to 200 people.

Snapshot

Location: 189 Yonge Street

The grand staircase

Contact: Kevin Harris 416-314-3585

First Impressions: vintage, enchantingly intimate, a theatrically grand space

Capacity: Winter Garden Theatre Stage, 80 people for sit down; Largest lounge – Thomas Lamb Lounge – 200 people for sit down

Facilities: Couples receive basic facilities with rental of space, there is no kitchen

Venue Price: Stage: $2,900 flat rate for evening; All lounges are $800 per four hours

Exclusive caterers: Daniel et Daniel, Encore Food with Elegance; Herrera’s Catering; Urban Fare Catering; 10tation Catering

Perfect Shot: The vintage box office at the entrance of the theatre with the backdrop of the fast-paced city street captures that perfect mix of old and new. Also, the outright grandeur of the main staircase can create the ultimate classic shot.

Notes: A Special Occasion Permit from the LCBO is required, and must be obtained by the host.

Walkers take note! We love this little tool for its ability to help you travel by foot whether you’re planning a shopping day with your mum or your friends, suggesting a few must-see spots for out of town guests or looking for the perfect hotel location for your honeymoon all without the bother of transit or parking!

Check the Walk Score of your venue, neighbourhood or that super fabulous dress shop you want to try, that way, when you’ve found the frock and want to celebrate, you already know you can walk around the corner to the equally fabulous spot to re-fuel! The website is really straight-forward and it’s original purpose was to help people find walkable neighbourhoods to move to – something that might come in handy after the wedding and honeymoon!

This is a snapshot of a score for The Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto (tomorrow’s featured venue). Part of what’s so cool about that particular venue is that it’s in the heart of the downtown of our fabulous city and so why not suggest some great walking destinations for your guests either before the wedding or between the ceremony and reception for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a pedestrian’s view of Toronto. With so much emphasis being placed on creating a spectacular experience for guests, this is a super way to take advantage of the spot you’ve chosen – especially if it’s a destination for anyone – it’s exciting to share your city or explore a new one with your favourite people.

Uptown meet downtown: chandeliers might seem like a no brainer when it comes to weddings but what we love is that they’ve been incorporated into outdoor weddings for a sumptuous effect, and combined with expertly chalked blackboards that provide direction, define the day’s program or outline the food stations or courses to come, the result is a delicious blend of modern romance.

The mass of chandeliers in the centre are from Design*Sponge creator, Grace Bonney’s wedding and photographed by belathee; “Peter” and “Gifts”: Style Me Pretty via Tara Kneiser of Dixie Pixel Photography; “Cocktails”: Green Wedding Shoes via Kelly at Kelly Melissa Photography; “Love”: 100 Layer Cake; “First Course” and “Dance Hall”: 100 Layer Cake via Max Wange

While Cachelle prefers ribbon used as appliques, belts and hair pieces, this Lela Rose 'ribbon' dress drew her attention because the ribbon creates a luxurious texture and lovely soft shape.

Despite tying the knot this summer herself, Cachelle Odette Fry (Savoir Flare), has not ended a long time love affair; she admitted unsheepishly last week that she dreams of piles of creamy ribbon in all the colours of the rainbow and would roll around in it, if she could.

I contacted the event designer about her favourite subject with regards to current fashion and her tricks of the trade last week, and we covered just about everything:

Cachelle always buys two rolls of high quality ribbon in the colours her clients have chosen for their event: one double-faced half wide and one single-faced. They are her secret weapon against the mundane, the undecorated or the downright ugly spots that scream for a little attention. From spots in the WC to hanging lanterns to creating last minute sashes or brightening up vases, there are endless spots where ribbon is a last minute decorating ’savoir’.

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Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s downtown, St. Lawrence Hall stands on a strong foundation of civic history. With its authentic gas lighting, gorgeously detailed and meticulously restored Great Hall, the beautiful venue is a prominent building on King Street’s chic stretch between Church and Sherbourne and sits across the street from St. James’ gorgeous gardens and a block from the bustling St. Lawrence Market.

This is just the spot for a couple looking to celebrate with an historic, rather than a vintage twist. And while it’s location makes for incredible photographs and the history of the building deems it an important landmark in our city’s history – it was the site of many of the negotiations regarding the underground railroad, the 150 year old design {smallish bar area, kitchen and cocktail areas} must be taken into consideration. For many reasons though, this is a venue that’s perfect for the quintessential Torontonian couple.

Venue Snapshot

Name: St. Lawrence Hall: The Great Hall

Location: 157 King St. East, Toronto

Contact: Special Events Co-ordinator, St. Lawrence Market Complex, (416)392-7130,  market@stlawrencemarket.com

First Impression: Stately and classic

Age: Built in 1850 and completely restored in 1967

Price: A rate card is here, but on most weekend evenings, The Great Hall rents for $1,100 with a $400 additional fee to have the space from 12 noon.

Capacity: The Great Hall can accommodate 120 for dinner and dancing.

Facilities: A small kitchen (no ventilation is a downside and a reminder of the age of the building) and a freight elevator.

Great Spot for a Portrait: Anywhere in the nearby neighbourhood would make a great urban image. And if you’re not renting the venue for your wedding but you’re in the area, the building is owned by the city and is usually unlocked during business hours – it’s always worth checking!

Photos courtesy of the St. Lawrence Hall/

Tucked away behind an outdoor corridor and surrounded by those amazing old buildings that make up Liberty Village, CaFfino has established itself as a popular spot for intimate weddings. The Italian restaurant, which opened 15 years ago, has received many favourable reviews including this one from Dine.ca: “Caffino is the very essence of Italy in Toronto. It was established just for the joy of getting together, eating, drinking and having a good time in a purely European atmosphere. Its mosaic décor and authentic cuisine separate it from other Italian restaurants.” For me, the only obvious downside was the toilets – kinda small and definitely in need of an overhaul to bring them up to par with the rest of the space. The open kitchen and separate, and more casual, bar area create that buzzing, friendly atmosphere and we’ve heard couples often opt for a tent in the courtyard off of the dining room to increase the space.

This would be a great spot for a turnkey 30-100 person wedding. The restaurant’s manager, Gemma Muscillo, says most couples bring flowers for the tables but aside from that, the more casual bar area is already decorated to the hilt with photographs, mirrors and sconces on the walls and an eclectic set of distressed furniture, while the dining room, referred to as  the ‘Opera Room’ has a beautiful neutral grey palette, massive windows and unique light fixtures that leave the space feeling complete, but not overdone.

The Opera Room

Snapshot

Name: CaFfinO

Location: 1185 King Street West (just east of Dufferin)

Contact: Gemma Muscillo, Manager, (416) 588-7920, gemma@caffino.ca

First Impression: Romantic, easy and warm in an urban environment

Age: The restaurant is 15-years-old but the building it’s situated in has heritage written all over it.

Price: Because the menus are all tailor-made, Gemma didn’t have a standard rate but dinner for 100 at $50-$60 per person is doable. Anything less and rental fees will be charged. Prices are based on food alone, there is no minimum bar tab.

Capacity: In the Opera Room, 80 can be seated nicely (leaving the second room for cocktails), with a tent attached to the Opera Room, 130 is the maximum.

Facilities: Being a restaurant, CaFfino has a full kitchen and bar, no special permits are necessary. They also have chairs, silver, stemware and linen if you choose, or they can arrange for rentals.

Great Spot for a Portrait: No matter where you situate it, it’s going to be hard not to have the backdrop of the incredible old architecture of the area.

We love Degraeve’s colour palette creator website where we can upload any image to separate the individual colours. The generator also gives us the 6-digit HEX code for each colour which means we can use it digitally to create ink colours and digital text colours as well as search for similar shades.

The fuchsia orchids in this photograph are from Jackie O, a Toronto-based flower boutique. Head designer at Jackie O, Richard is a self professed “orchid man” who loves to use fuchsia with hints of chartreuse for a stunning bouquet. “Orchids,” Richard says, “have this luxe feel about them, they get people’s attention … and, they’re a huge bang for your buck.”

We’d love to post your inspirational image as a colour palette, feel free to email us and attach your picture!

I was on the hunt for a few pieces of paper for my pink inspiration board and came across this beautiful selection at The Paper Place. The fuchsia pink jumped out at me but when I looked at the beautiful soft pink above it with the white design I knew that was the one for me.

Inspired by pink

I love taking objects I have collected over the years that have a common thread and putting them together, each object becomes connected and part something bigger. The paper became the base of my pink inspiration board — if I were planning a wedding, its look and feel would also be the inspiration for my invitations, cake, dress, flowers and table settings.

If you are at the beginning stages of planning, try starting by finding a beautiful piece of paper; pin it on your wall and build the look of your wedding from there. By adding ribbon, material swatches, flowers and fonts you love, you’ll literally be able to see your wedding come together shade by shade, and piece by piece. And on the day, your inspiration will make a huge impact, even if it’s only in the smallest details.