Today's Bride Magazine I Romance Weddings Guide 2024
If
planning a destination wedding, choose the place that comes with Caribbean ease.
GUIDE EDITOR
Vivian Vassos submissions@todaysbride.ca
WWW.TODAYSBRIDE.CA
ART DIRECTOR Cami Macca
AD DESIGNER
Zoe Gigis
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Shannon Dameron shannon@todaysbride.ca
SALES MANAGER
Jennifer Gigis jen@todaysbride.ca
contents
FASHION
6 The new romantics
The latest looks from the bridal fashion runways
REAL WEDDINGS
12 Doing it their way
Personal touches filled with love and gratitude
14 Si, Si, Sicily
A love story against the historic and dreamy backdrop of Italy
16 Love song
The perfect blend of style, charm and pure joy
PLANNING
18 Into the night
Expert tips for shooting weddings after dark
INSPIRATION
20 The Romance of Baroque luxe, cocktail chic and the timeless fusion of tradition and modern elegance
DESTINATION
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
28 Cottage country
A highland fling venue in Ontario
30 After glow
What’s trending in honeymoons
Photography (cover and inset, above), Shoot with Elena; (left) Alex Tome
The latest looks from the bridal fashion runways are spectacular
The New
Romantics
NARDOS
OLD-SCHOOL GLAMOUR
SHEER GENIUS
INES DI SANTO
HOUSE OF RENHUE
INES DI SANTO
CORSETS
ESE AZENEBOR
PALOMA BLANCA
TULLE
SIGNATURE
ALEXANDER
ESE AZENEBOR
BASQUE WAISTS
BE EXTRA
THE GIVING-IT-ALL DRESS
INES BY INES
DI SANTO
JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE
HERA COUTURE
VEIL AWAY
DOING IT THEIR WAY •
LINETTE & MICHAEL
PHOTOGRAPHY: Shoot With Elena EVENT COORDINATION: Emanate Events WEDDING DRESS: The Bridal Gallery
CHINESE DRESS: East Meets Dress FLOWERS: Bloom Assembly VENUE & CATERING: Riverway Clubhouse HAIR & MAKEUP: The Love Team DECOR RENTALS: Divine Décor DECOR LIGHTS: Sitka Studios CAKE: Desserts by Nessa
Linette and Michael’s March wedding in Burnaby, BC, was a true labour of love. A selfproclaimed DIY bride, Linette made the wedding party’s corsages and bud vases, while her mother grew 15 varieties of succulents and plants to give to each guest as a wedding favour. With personal touches like these, the day felt truly theirs, filled with love and gratitude for their 140 friends and family who travelled from all over the world to help celebrate.
Held at Riverway Clubhouse, the wedding was a sophisticated affair, with a white, cream and blush colour palette complemented by dainty blooms like roses, ranunculus and orchids. The two-tier lemon and chocolate toffee cake perfectly matched the floral motif, as did Linette’s gorgeous ceremony dress. She also wore a traditional Vietnamese Áo dài for a morning tea ceremony, and a modern Chinese dress she changed into in the evening.
Si, Si, Sicily!
JANA & GAVIN
After meeting in New York City, Jana and Gavin’s love story culminated against the breathtaking backdrop of Commenda di San Calogero, a historic 1000-year-old estate in Sicily, Italy, where the couple’s union celebrated love, art and community.
The ceremony was officiated by their dear friend Cindy Quach. The guests were surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant florals, creating a dreamy atmosphere for the couple’s vows. Following the ceremony, a cocktail hour in the garden transitioned into a magical outdoor reception under the stars, featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine, live music, and elegant dancers, which added an ethereal energy to the evening.
Jana wore a stunning lace-beaded gown she discovered at a small boutique in Europe and redesigned it with the help of a local tailor and designer friends. Her creativity shone through every aspect, from the all-white welcome party to the personalized notes on each guest’s name card at the wedding reception.
Highlights of the evening included a film featuring heartfelt messages from loved ones, custom cocktail napkins telling Jana and Gavin’s love story, and golden hour photos capturing the magical light of the evening. Jana’s post-reception dress was designed by her best friend, designer Mimi Ledo of Boaime, adding a personal and stylish touch to the celebration.
LOVE SONG
“Samantha & Marius’ wedding was the perfect blend of style, charm and pure joy,” says Narelle Janine of Narelle Janine Events, who planned and designed this wedding for the couple. “I had the absolute pleasure of being part of their wedding planning journey. Creating an unforgettable guest experience was at the heart of every decision we made.”
SAMANTHA & MARIUS
The iconic Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto served as the venue, while the ceremony took place in Mazzolini Hall, a music hall that Janine says is “brimming with charm and character – and acted as an exquisite backdrop for their vows.” A lush, romantic chuppah by Neroli Floral Design served as the focal point, adding to the intimate ambience of the space.
For the reception, guests were seated at two long tables lined with wooden bistro chairs and adorned with vintage silverware, creating an elegant atmosphere. Thoughtful details, from debossed menus and personalized matchboxes to custom bar menus, ensured every element reflected the couple’s style. The evening unfolded with a celebratory champagne pour, followed by a cake cutting and an espresso bar to keep the energy flowing. An interactive guest favourite, the vintage photo booth captured the moments.
We asked Sofia Katherine, a photographer who specializes in after-dark photography, to give us her expert take on getting picture perfect
“My most memorable destination wedding? It's hard to pick just one,” says Sofia Katherine, lead photographer and owner of Sofia Katherine Co & Nicturna in Calgary. “I’ve been fortunate to go to Scotland, all over Canada, Mexico multiple times, and Iceland.
“The first wedding I ever photographed, in Glasgow, Scotland, was also very memorable for me because it was my first European destination wedding, and the couple got married in St. Andrew’s in the Square, which is an 18th-century former church and looked so iconic,” she recalls. “The evening of the wedding, while everyone was dancing away inside, I took the couple just steps outside to get a photo with this iconic building behind them. It started to rain – how perfect when you think of classic Scotland weather.”
Are there certain destinations that are better for night photography than others?
“The perfect destination locations for night photography would be anywhere away from city lights if the couple is really wanting astrophotography portraits on their wedding day; that being said, smack in the middle of a city like New York is also incredible at night. I have some bucket list places like
Sweden, Barcelona, Mexico City, Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and the Faroe Islands.”
Do you need to do any research in advance, prior to arrival at the destination wedding location?
“When I am booked for a destination wedding, I will generally scout for the couple’s ‘Day After Session,’ another photoshoot I like to include in these destination packages. These sessions allow us to roam freely with no time restrictions and also without the limits of being in close proximity to the wedding reception venue where all their guests are. For my first Iceland wedding, we took a trip to the geysers at night to get some really uniquely “Icelandic” looking images.”
Have you photographed a destination wedding with night photography where something unexpected happened? How did you adapt?
“Oh yes! In Cabo, we had a boat booked for the Day After Session to go to Lover’s Beach. The waves and wind were so bad that day that it was unsafe for us to land on this beach, and we even tried and realized how dangerous it was.
The perfect Mexican golden hour was starting at this moment, and here we all were on an ugly little fishing taxi boat. I ended up telling my lighting assistant to get the lights out, and I started directing the couple and said, ‘Ok, we’re doing this shoot on the boat!’ I had the driver of the boat go towards the light in the middle of the ocean, and we just shot the entire session right there. This wedding ended up being in a magazine and featured across Canada.”
What are some challenges involved with a destination wedding night shoot, and how do you best prepare couples for these challenges?
“Destination weddings always have a large portion at night, especially the ones in the warmer climates such as Mexico or the Caribbean. After 6 p.m., the wedding has only really just started, and it is now night. The night shoots for these Day After Sessions require my couples to be open to a little bit of an adventure if we are going to night locations such as places with amazing stars and open skies. I prep my wedding clients by working on their trust and having great chats before we head off to the wedding travel week.” www.sofi akatherine.ca
This styled shoot was inspired by Baroque portraiture and still life paintings,” says Chantal Valkenborg, of CC Weddings and Events. “I was invited to visit a new inn that opened in Gananoque, On., as they are interested in hosting small weddings and events. While I was there I was inspired by the light and colour in the space. Having just spent most of my season working on a lot of white, light and airy weddings, I was excited at the opportunity to showcase the use of rich colours and dramatic light in this styled shoot.”
Valkenborg and her team selected a beautiful black lace ball gown and luxurious red velvet suit for the models and adorned them with gold crowns to accentuate extravagance and grandeur, she says. “We played with light and movement with not only the models, but also the table setting and centrepieces. We shouldn’t be afraid to use lots of colour and a moodier atmosphere in wedding design.”
Planning and design: CC Weddings and Events
Photographer: Danijela Weddings
Venue: Trinity House Inn
Hair: Wander Styles YGK
Makeup: Lace Face Makeup Artistry
Florist: Prairie Roots Floral
Stationery: Cody Calligraphy & Design
Wedding dress: Runway Bridal
Suit: The Fitzroy
Models: Mode-Elle, Gin Sexsmith and Tara Desic
Cake: The Hot Roast Company
Rentals and decor: Afterhours Events
Rentals: Glass House Mobile Venues
Going for
BAROQUE
COCKTAIL CHIC
Lynkahn Sutton, the owner of Matrimony Events, specializes in small, intimate affairs that are chic, moody and often take place at non-traditional wedding venues. “Our styled shoot was held at Clio Toronto, a contemporary social club that complemented our vision for a modern take on Hollywood glam,” she says. “The interior of the space along with the classic attire and stationery, highlighted the elegance and uniqueness of the glamorous era. The inclusion of savoury food instead of a cake or dessert table was intentionally put together to add luxury and decadence.”
Tradition meets modern elegance in this inspiring shoot by photographer Pelaypaw Sar. The beauty of traditional Indian wedding attire married to a modern touch of Western bridal fashion was the goal. “This mix of styles celebrates the diversity and flexibility of bridal wear, showing how different looks can come together to create something unique and personal,” says Sar. “It highlights the value of honouring cultural traditions while also embracing modern trends, offering ideas for brides who want to combine the best of both worlds. It reflects how wedding fashion is evolving, allowing every bride to showcase her style in a way that’s true to her. Working on this shoot was such a fun and fulfilling experience for all of us.”
Wedding Photography: @pelaysphotography_
Beauty: @beautybybrar_
Hair: @nishaschair
Wedding Gowns & Dresses: @patialafashions
Wedding Gowns & Dresses: @wild.and.cozy.closet
Models: @damanpreetteja_ @eemanjot
Vendor: @evergreenherbs
Today’s Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
Imagine exchanging vows in a breathtaking Mexican beach paradise, the enchanting Caribbean, or other exotic locales. Brought to you by the trusted experts at Today's Bride, Canada's favourite bridal magazine, Today's Destination Weddings & Honeymoons offers a stress-free planning experience for your dream destination wedding.
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Trust the expertise of Today’s Bride, Canada’s largest bridal media group, to provide everything you need for your engagement, wedding day, and honeymoon. From the latest in wedding fashion trends to ideas for invitations, photography, and reception themes, we offer an extensive range of resources to inspire and guide you.
Tailor-Made Getaways for Your Unique Love Story
At Today’s Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, we specialize in crafting romantic and personalized getaways that perfectly complement your unique love story. Our goal is to help you plan the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams in beautiful and unique locations.
Personalized Service for Unforgettable Memories
Our dedicated team ensures every detail of your wedding is seamlessly orchestrated, from stunning venues to luxurious resort experiences. We handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.
More couple time, less planning time let the romance begin!
COTTAGE COUNTRY
Our brides, grooms and guests who celebrate at the Post House relish the relaxed lakeside setting as they savour the fine dining and rustic luxury of our private setting,” says Heather Milstein who, with her partner in life and business, Joel Baker, own and operate Post House in the Haliburton Highlands in cottage country near Minden, Ont.
“From the first point of contact to the final goodbye, our staff strive to make the wedding a joyous and stress-free wedding experience,” adds Baker. Post House is a chic retreat that hugs the water’s edge along Kashagawigamog Lake. The two-acre property, with its cozy yet modern log cabins, evokes memories that so many of us have: summers by the lake, jumping into chilly, clear waters off the dock, campfires and toasting marshmallows, and starry skies.
The main lodge sets the rustic luxe tone. Made from golden logs, it houses the Great Room, the dining room, as well as five bedrooms, two full bathrooms (one that’s completely accessible) and two powder rooms. Near the main lodge are three standalone cottages – Eagle, Salerno and Maple – all with three bedrooms, full kitchens and living/dining spaces. The lawn slopes gently down to the expansive dock, past the fire pit, and gives prime views of the lake, a perfectly romantic place to say “I do.” “The idea was to keep it simple, uncluttered, ‘cottagey/rustic’ but upscale. The use of lots of blues and greens, to bring the outside in, and to use colours in nature.”
If tying the knot in the Ontario Highlands is your idea of a dreamy destination wedding, take inspiration from this lakeside retreat.
Milstein and Baker had spent summers in the region and knew its history; their goal when they purchased it in 2018 was to maintain the spot as a gathering place but add an element of low-key luxury with modern amenities, a state-of-the-art fitness studio and gourmet dining. Post House has already gained a reputation for stellar chef-driven cuisine, cooked up by executive chef Dan Sanders and chef de cuisine Amber Husband, a husband-and-wife culinary duo. They focus on seasonal and local farm-fresh ingredients to create their modern take on classic Canadian cuisine for a memorable, bespoke wedding menu.
“We work with couples to put their dreams into action,” says Baker, “From menu planning with our executive chef to curating a beverage list with our beverage director Justine Dart, attention is brought to all aspects of their celebration and the details that are important to them.” The whole of Post House can be booked and can accommodate up to 32 guests for an intimate, cottage wedding weekend. haliburtonposthouse.ca/weddings
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the Spring/Summer issue of Today’s Bride. It incorrectly stated the owners of Post House also own Langdon Hall; Post House has a good working relationship and partnership with Langdon Hall but does not own it.
WEDDING PLANNER
How one certi ed wedding planner helps couples get the marriage ball rolling
“Qualifying a client is the process of really getting down to what the client really wants,” says certified wedding and event planner Pattie Kisilewich. “Many times they have a fantasy in their minds but once we start the conversation of ‘tell me your vision,’ that original idea looks much different and many times more realistic.”
“I usually start my conversation with the couple (preferably on Zoom) where I ask them to tell me how they met and then follow up with their wants: what dates are they thinking, locations, size and budget.” Then Kisilewich starts asking questions, including:
Why are you thinking of the destination you picked?
Why that time of year?
Is the couple paying for their own stay or do they want to build a budget including the guests?
Budget per person
Then the actual wedding wishes; haves vs wants:
Symbolic vs legal destination wedding
Church vs intimate beach
Formal vs Informal
Then Kisilewich talks about her process:
Forms will go out to all the guests with basic information
Deposits and fi nal payments
Communication process
“From here I will start to look at resorts and send options then plan another zoom meeting to go over the options until a resort and date are chosen; then we start by getting commitment from the group.”
And then the fun begins. “A Travel Agent’s role is to do all the research and deal with the problems; my clients’ role is to enjoy their trip,” says Kisilewich. “I have a passion for travel and my ultimate goal is to have each client love their trip and talk about it forever! It means even more to me with my couples – this is their big day and I get to play a small part to make it happen.”
It’s not just about where you go – it’s about how it feels. It’s about stepping into your happilyever-after with a spark, a sense of wonder and maybe even a dash of spontaneity. The honeymoon game is changing, and couples are chasing experiences that leave them with stories that will outshine even the wedding speeches.
SLOW TRAVEL STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT
Gone are the days of packed schedules and whirlwind tours. Couples are embracing slow travel, immersing themselves deeply in one or two locations rather than trying to see it all in a single trip. Think renting a cozy villa in Tuscany, wandering through local markets, and learning to make pasta from a spry grandmother who doesn’t speak a word of English. The pace is unhurried, but the memories are rich. It’s about quality over quantity, which, let’s be honest, sounds like a perfect way to start a marriage.
OFF-THE-GRID ESCAPES
There’s something undeniably romantic about being cut off from the world – just the two of you, with no distractions. Off-the-grid destinations are trending in a big way, with couples seeking an escape from daily life. Private islands, remote cabins and boutique camps in the middle of nowhere are all the rage. Places like the Maldives, Patagonia, Costa Rica and the Canadian Rockies offer the kind of seclusion that lets you focus solely on each other. Many of these destinations also cater to adventurous couples, offering activities like stargazing, hiking and even glamping under the Northern Lights.
NOMAD ROMANCE
Couples are embracing longer stays in dreamy destinations, blending romance and work like never before. Imagine booking a rustic farmhouse in Provence, a seaside bungalow in the Maldives, or a vibrant loft in Mexico City for an entire month. Between work calls, you’re strolling through fragrant lavender fields, exploring bustling markets or indulging in local street food. The magic of these extended stays lies in the freedom to live like a local, immersing yourselves in the culture, while strengthening your bond as newlyweds.
A collection of lifetime memories
As you like it
MEXICO · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC · BAHAMAS · JAMAICA · ARUBA · COSTA RICA · PANAMA
DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
CULINARY-DRIVEN DESTINATIONS
FOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF TRAVEL, BUT NOW, IT’S TAKING CENTRE STAGE IN HONEYMOON PLANNING.
Newlyweds are heading to destinations for the cuisine as much as the culture and scenery. It’s not just about eating – it’s about getting immersed. Cooking classes, wine tastings and food tours are among the top priorities of honeymoon
itineraries. Couples are bonding over shared culinary adventures, learning how to roll sushi or blend spices. It’s a sensory way to explore a place and create memories that taste as good as they feel.
Here, a shortlist of incredible destinations to tempt your taste buds and ignite your wanderlust:
OAXACA, MEXICO
Oaxaca is a dream for honeymooners seeking bold flavours and vibrant culture. Learn to make mole, sip mezcal and savour the region’s unique blend of Indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
This Southern gem offers low-country cuisine at its finest. Think shrimp and grits, fresh oysters and she-crab soup served with a side of historic charm and cobblestone streets.
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA
Known for its French-inspired dishes, Quebec City offers culinary delights like poutine, maple-infused treats and locally-sourced charcuterie. The cobblestone streets are an added bonus for romance.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Indulge in fresh seafood, iconic pastel de nata, and wine from the Douro Valley while wandering charming cobblestone streets and soaking in waterfront views.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Jazz and jambalaya await in this lively city. Try beignets at Café du Monde, devour po’boys and enjoy romantic dinners in the French Quarter.
TULUM, MEXICO
For a mix of beach vibes and food adventures, Tulum has it all. Dine at open-air restaurants serving fresh ceviche and authentic Yucatecan dishes while enjoying the lush jungle setting.
Book your wedding group with us for extra perks! Until May 31, 2025, the lucky couple gets an extra $500 in instant credit * in addition to a $500 future travel credit 1 . Applicable to: Group wedding packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America Departures between: April 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026
Road, Suite 700, Mississauga, ON, L4V 1W1. CONTACT YOUR
*Valid on new bookings of select vacation packages to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Offer valid between October 1, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 31, 2025. Offer: $500 instant credit on wedding group bookings. Departures must take place between April 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026. Minimum 1-night stay required. $500 credit is applicable to groups of a minimum of 30 passengers and is combinable with the $500 future travel credit. 1Valid for the married couple for travel up to 13 months after the original group travel date. Valid on any Air Canada Vacations package of 7 nights or more. This travel credit is non-refundable, non - transferable and has no cash value. Valid for groups of 30 passengers or more. Subject to availability at time of booking. Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Prices on our website reflect applicable reductions and are valid if you purchase services in a same session. If you log off our website, prices may be different the next time you log on. Final prices will be displayed before confirming your payment. Flights operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. For applicable terms and conditions, visit www.aircanadavacations.com. Holder of Quebec permit #702566. TICO registration # R50013536 / W50013537. ■ ®Aeroplan and the Aeroplan logo are registered trademarks of Aeroplan Inc. ®Air Canada Vacations is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license by Touram Limited Partnership. 1440 Ste Catherine
