Date

Guests

250

June 28, 2014

Nicole and Justin wanted their wedding day not only to be a celebration of marriage but a thank-you to their family and friends who came from all over the world to be with them. "We had our Chinese names on the menu cards and seating chart to commemorate our parents," Nicole shares. For entertainment, the couple surprised their guests with a lion dance. "They loved how in the middle of the dance, the lion's face lit up," Nicole smiles. "It definitely was a showstopper."

But that wasn't the only surprise at their wedding. Justin had previously told Nicole he dreamed of the day that he would see his bride in the traditional Chinese red dress. "I wanted it to be a 'wow' moment for him," Nicole recalls. "Yanagi Couture custom-made my gold and red sequined dress with a sweetheart neckline."

The couple wasn't able to have their pets present on their big day, so to commemorate them they donated to the Toronto Cat Rescue and Therapeutic Paws of Canada. "I'm a respiratory therapist and have seen the positive impact animals have on patients," Nicole explains. "A hand-drawn image of my cat, Ruffles, and Justin's dog, Tyson, adorned the ring pillow." They also had gold cat and dog place card holders on each table at the reception, which guests loved.

One of the best details, by far, was the stationery, says Nicole. "Deborah from Palettera went above and beyond to make our invites, menu cards and seating chart, which people continued to compliment us on, months after our wedding," Nicole says. "We are in the midst of framing the seating chart to hang in our home."

Nicole's favourite moment of the day was seeing Justin for the first time. "I am definitely not a crier, but when I saw him tears just started to fall down my face," Nicole says. "It was a special moment and an experience I will never forget."

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Hart House
Bridal gown: Jenny Yoo from White, Toronto
Groom's tux: Ralph Lauren Black Label from Harry Rosen
Cake: Patricia's Cake Creations
Caterer: Hart House
Wedding planner: Crystal Adair-Benning from Distinct Occasions
Music: Jason Rolland from Bounce Productions
Hair: Hannah Hwang from H2 by GOA
Makeup: Maggie Quioc
Florist: Flower 597
Stationery: Palettera