Can these two hotties be any hipper? I think not. Their entire wedding celebration was such a reflection of their killer style, and John Edgar was there to capture every single moment in a way only he can. With detail after detail of personal touches to make their affair perfectly personal, you’ll want to spend some time getting to know this duo, and you can do just that in the full gallery of images!
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From the Bride…Marko and I lived 30 minutes away from each other in Toronto, but it took separate vacations to Cuba for us to meet. Two days into our respective trips, we were matched up on the dance floor. I was 24 and in the workforce, he was 19 and fresh out of high school. Of course, he told me he was 23, but I’m forever grateful for this little white lie. It wasn’t until we returned to Toronto that I found out his real age, but by then I was already head over heels. Fast forward seven amazing years…and we were planning our perfect summer fun-filled wedding!
We often hear how the day goes by so fast, so we chose to have the ceremony and reception at one location to alleviate the rush and enjoy every minute with our loved ones. For the past couple of years on my drive to work I would pass the revived historic Palais Royale Ballroom on Toronto’s lakeshore and always knew it would be our wedding location.
I had gotten an idea from a save-the-date I came across online, so I had a designer create it. Our invitations set the mood for our wedding; whimsical and fun. All the female guests got ready at my parents’ house, and the males at Marko’s parents’ house. I had a sticker made to wrap around a pair of socks with the words “In case you get Cold Feet”. The groomsmen arrived at the venue a little earlier to give guests camera stickers I had made with our logo and email address. Guests put these easy-to peel-decals on theircameras to remember to send us their pictures from the day.
The Armenian ceremony was intended to be held outside on the terrace overlooking Lake Ontario, however the early morning (inaccurate) weather forecast of potential rain directed us inside the stunning ballroom. I had made the programs in the form of fans with instructions from www.ayleebits.com.
The Armenian marriage ceremony is steeped in ritual and symbolism. Each of the acts performed during the ceremony has a special meaning and significance. During the Exchange of Vows and the Rite of Crowning, the right hand of thebride and the groom are joined to symbolize the “oneness” of the couple. The crown is the sign of glory and honour. God crowns the groom and the bride the king and queen of their own kingdom, the home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. A glass of wine is blessed in remembrance of the marriage at Cana of Galilee which was blessed by Christ’s presence. The drinking of wine from the Common Cup serves to impress upon the couple that from that moment on they will share everything in life, joys as well as sorrows. Lastly, the priest blesses the couple, asking Christ to “protect them under the shadow of Thy Holy and honourable cross in peace”. Thus, God’s grace is imparted to them to live together in His love, mutually fulfilling and perfecting each other.
I never knew if I would be emotional walking down the aisle, but I was just so happy and had the biggest smile on my face. I absolutely loved the feeling when we were finally announced husband and wife, and the song I chose for the recessional (“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay) was a powerful and promising moment I treasure.
After the ceremony, we all headed to the deck for a butterfly release in loving memory of Marko’s younger brother who passed away a year and a half prior. This is one of the most poignant moments of our wedding. All of Darko’s friends were there to share in this, and his girlfriend read an ancient North American legend with Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Over The Rainbow” in the background. It was difficult holding back tears, but when we noticed one of the butterflies wouldn’t leave the train of my dress, it put a smile back on our face.
Aisle Runner: Happily Ever After Events / Backdrop Draping: Micki’s / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Bridesmaid Dress: Twobirds Bridesmaid / Bridesmaid Shoes: Nine West / Butterflies: Monarch Butterflies / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Sugar Coat It / Camera Stickers: Say Anything Design / Candy Table: Liza + Mary Sagherian / Ceremony + Reception Location: Palais Royale Ballroom / Custom Cufflinks: Bella Moda Artist / Custom Made Rings: Scott Tunney / Decal: Well Spoken Walls / DJ: S4-Entertainment / Dress Hanger: Lila Frances / Florist + Decor: Fuscia Designs / Flower Girl’s Dress: Fattie Pie / Groomsmen Suits: Banana Republic / Hair: Jackie Gideon’s Team / Invitations: TearDrop / Limousines: Yorkville Limousine / Make-up: Monica + Pamella Alexandra / Bride’s Make-up + Hair: Jackie Gideon / MOH Dress: Badgley Mishka /Photobooth: Snapz Photobooth / Wedding Photography: John Edgar / Printing Company: The Printing House / Ring Bearer’s Bowl: Paloma’s Nest / Ring Bearer’s Ties: Absolute Ties / Sparklers: Rocket / Stationery: jm design / Wedding Gowns: La Sposa via Becker’s Bridal + Vogue Sposa