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Before & After: A Ottawa Wedding Transformation Like No Other

Converted Church ottawa Toast Events Planner
Converted Ottawa church
 

I first met with Samantha and Amin back in the summer of 2013 at small coffee shop in New Edinburg. Little did I know this potential client was about to give me carte blanche for what would be the most amazing concept to creation a planner could have ever dreamed of at a super exclusive venue. A space which will only ever see one wedding. Samantha & Amin’s.

When I first walked into the reclaimed church Amin & Samantha has chosen for their wedding venue I could immediately see the space transforming in front of my eyes. I've been asked about my creative process, and it's something I can't quite put into words. The best I can explain, it's like walking into a space- closing your eyes, and reopening them to see the space completely transformed by my creative vision. As I walk through spaces I can see them transforming almost as if I am in the future present wedding day.

The church itself had been gutted with no immediate plans for any renovations or improvements. Patchy paint, green stained parliamentary looking carpets, 60 scattered unhinged pews, no washrooms or running water. The church in day-light looked weathered. But at night it emanated character of an age gone by and an old world ambiance almost as if you were in transported to little Italy. 

The opportunities this church in shambles provided were endless and by the time we walked out of the space I knew exactly every design element and the vendors needed to make this an absolutely gorgeous wedding. The work in front of me was tremendous. It would take painters, carpet cleaners, movers and a dedicated team of vendors to transform this space. And the parents of the Bride and Groom were skeptical, and I was up to the challenge!

CURATED DESIGN PROFILE

Before I take you on the journey of this wedding transformation and we delve into the before and after pictures, we should begin with the vision. Our Design Profile we created for Samantha & Amin in 2014. This was great way to provide a glimpse into the future of how our initial style boards come translate to "the day of". 

I do have a very specific process of how we plan and design a wedding. The very first thing we do is establish concept and priorities, solidify venue, then move into design, choose a photographer who will document the wedding according to the clients overall design and style, and lastly secure reputable vendors to ensure a strong cohesive look and feel based on intention and fore-thought can be brought to life. For this we need strong visuals to convey our thoughts. And that's just the beginning. Below is a small snippet of what our Design Profile looked like in 2013. As you can imagine- things are very different 10 years later in 2023.

Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding

About our design

CHURCH PEWS

Since the "church" was now desacralized everything was fair game. This meant we could use the space however we wanted. During our meeting Samantha said something that really resonated with me which unintentionally became the driving force behind our design. She said, her grandmother always wanted her to have a church wedding, but that she herself did not want a traditional "churchy" wedding. It was almost like a light bulb when off inside my mind.......no nuptials inside the church.....we're going to bring all the pews outside on the lawn and we’ll mary on the steps leadings up to the church. She loved the idea! Little did I know the groom was a New Yorker and didn’t enjoy the outdoors and more specifically bugs.... good thing I'm a great convincer!

 

BANNERS

I tend to pride myself in incorporating a unique design element which I like to call the "Piece de Resistance" that will leave a lasting impression with guests. Something slightly extravagant and unlike anything else you've seen at a generic wedding. on the furthest right picture below you will see unsightly purple banners. I turned these into suspended waterfall florals with hanging candles. An ethereal floating element that would not only enhance the space but capture the guests attention in the evening with its glowing candlelight.

Toast Events Ottawa Wedding Planner Old Church
Reclaimed ottawa church Toast Events Weddings

SUBTLE GRAND ENTRANCE

As our official altar and entrance to the venue was a bit baren. I didn’t want an extravagant floral arch as we too commonly see. So we created an asymmetrical climbing vine to soften and accentuate the doorway. It was so perfectly designed, guests thought it was part of the landscape and had been growing there for years.

LAST MINUTE SURPRISE 

Two weeks before the wedding the groom spontaneously requested some sort of entertainment.. “like maybe some fire dancers."

My reaction.... "Ummm what?!. lol let me ponder on that for a bit!". 

My thought process thereafter: fire + old church divided by insurance = what better options may we be able to incorporate… interpretive dancers in glow in the dark costumes- was that even a thing? Aerial Silks.

But this generated a new problem; space was tight and I needed to find a creative way to incorporate a 20ft structure into the venue without it looking like an eye-soar. It also had to be dismantled before the night was over with guests still milling about and I personally hate moving things while guests are using the same space as it’s disruptive. This structure was a couple hundred pounds and took 45 mins to set up and would equally take as long to be taken down. If you look closely in the picture to your right, you will see that I situated the acro structure at the back of the venue right in front of the main doors. I took a huge risk in its ultimate placement but I also felt like a genius when every guest walked into the space underneath this structure but only noticed it's presence when it was show time.

Below you can see more of the the space before and after our transformation.

Then guests would move inside for the reception, dinner and dancing. Since Samantha & Amin wanted it to be more of a celebration all our entertainment came from Montreal. Marco Ferri Entertainment provided us with two of their best DJ's and Mc's pai…
Reclaimed ottawa Church Toast Events Wedding Planner

FUTURE RECEPTION AREA

Reclaimed ottawa Church Toast Events Wedding Planner

ALTER BEFORE DANCE FLOOR TRANSFORMATION

Reclaimed ottawa Church Toast Events Wedding Planner

RECEPTION AREA WITH PEWS REMOVED

Reclaimed ottawa Church Toast Events Wedding Planner

ALTER WE REMOVED FOR DANCE FLOOR

Fast forward to the wedding day, dinner is coming to a close and the skeptical parents I mentioned before presented themself at our vendor table graciously imploring our efforts as they could not believe their eyes and how we had transformed the space. They thanked us for making them feel as though they had taken a flight and were celebrating their children’s wedding in Europe.

Full gallery captured by Joel & Justyna below

 

THEIR STORY UNFOLDS

Old world design + reclaimed church = Joel & Justyna from Joel Bedford Photography
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Old world design + reclaimed church = Joel & Justyna from Joel Bedford Photography
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
 
 
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
 
 
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Reclaimed Ottawa Church Wedding Toast Events Wedding Planner
Old world design + reclaimed church = Joel & Justyna from Joel Bedford Photography
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding
A better view of the structure located just at the front doors of the church
Toast Events Ottawa Wedding

WEDDING PLANNER: Toast Events, Elise Schmitz, Madison Kelly, Victoria Denofrio, Allie Darwin

CONCEPT & DESIGN: Elise Schmitz Toast Events 

DECORATOR & FLORIST: Wedecor

PHOTOGRAPHER: Joel Bedford Photography

CATERER: Tulips & Maple

OFFICIANT: Exceptional Ceremonies

LIMOUSINE: East Coast Limos

INVITATION: Minted

TABLE STATIONARY: Wedecor

CAKE: Thimbles Cakes

MAKEUP: Natalie Peachy

DJ: Marco Ferri Entertainment

AERIAL SILKS: Quality Entertainment (Montreal Acrobats)

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PERSIAN WEDDING AT FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER

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PERSIAN WEDDING AT FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER

Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning

The Chateau Laurier feels like a second home to me. I’ve had the honor of planning weddings here since our first in 2012 and have been one of their preferred wedding planners for some time now. I love designing in this space as it’s a little slice of Europe. The construction of the Chateau dates back to 1909 with some of its furniture bound for Ottawa sinking to the depths of the ocean with the Titanic in 1912. As iconic as this building, we have equally designed some beautiful fairytale weddings here. This Persian weddings ceremony was held in the Laurier Room with the reception in the grand Ballroom. We incorporated a stately floor plan with long angled tables which stretched the length of the room. The details were simple and decadent.

Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
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Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning first look
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning first look
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
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Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning
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Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning persian ceremony
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Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Toast Events Wedding Planning persian ceremony sofreh
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Photography by Lace & Luce

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BRITTANY & ZACH HORTICULTURE BUILDING

toast events wedding planning ottawa

I almost pinched myself when I walked into the Horticulture Building at 9 am to check in on set-up. There were no words. Even with partial decor I knew every design detail we worked tirelessly on was about to live it's own life.  It's one thing when you're designing on paper- but to see it all come full circle, is truly special. 

We first met Brittany when we're invited to plan her surprise proposal by Laura Kelly Photography. I had never met the bride or groom until just shortly before the proposal, when I shouted from a bush "Zach- show me the goods". (aka the ring) before I walked him to where his unsuspecting fiance-to-be was waiting. And I didn't know it then- but we were in it for the long run. 

Almost two years later Brittany and Zach tied the knot at the Basilica Notre Dame with their reception at the Horticulture Building. Brittany chose her vendors well, investing in the best of what she loved and trusted them to take her wedding from what she envisioned to something which was more beautiful then she could have ever expected. 

It was an absolute honour to plan and work with such a talented team on behalf of Brittany & Zach. 

FROM THE BRIDE:

I can’t believe this is the subject of this email - i’m still a crying wreck today, I can’t believe how emotional I’ve been about all of this.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, from the very bottom of my heart, for everything you (and your team) did for us. Not just on Saturday but throughout the whole engagement. I’m still beyond overwhelmed at the perfection that was Saturday. Walking into that venue was a serious highlight for me.

Not only the set-up/vision (which i know included so many little touches from your own stash, which were truly breathtaking), but also the timeline, organization, and going to bat for me with the crazy people at the church - i cannot thank you enough!

I can seriously say that i look back on Saturday with zero regrets. There is not a single thing i would do differently. I honestly felt like I lived the Toast motto - i felt like the most special guest at my very own wedding reception! I let go of all of my anxiousness, nerves and stress and was able to just fully enjoy all of it!! I cannot thank you enough. Every single one of my family/bridal party who interacted with you and your team this weekend had glowing things to say. We could NOT have done it without you.

I’m so so proud of my wedding day - thank you so much, this is the best feeling!!

xox
B
— Brittany Dinardo
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner
Toast Events Horticulture Building Ottawa Wedding Planner

Planning & Design: Toast Events 

Photography: Laura Kelly Weddings

Video: Matt & Kat Wedding Videography

Decorator & Florist: Wedecor

Makeup: Klava Zykova

Hair: Top Knot

Stationary & Invitations: La Fabere

Cake: Serendipity Cakes

Dress: Hayley Paige 

Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal

 

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