Well, Brides & Grooms-to-be, if you haven't yet developed a wedding check list, or hired a Wedding Planner, now is the time to do so! At the very top of your wedding "To-Do" list (just under "hire a Wedding Planner") should be "Pick the perfect wedding venue". All kinds of wedding venues book up at least one year in advance of your wedding date. The good news, though, is that January/February mark the second most exciting time of the year: Wedding Open House Season!!
Venues all over the Toronto and Ontario have been opening their doors to show eager newly-weds (and their Wedding Planners) what they have to offer as host to the perfect location for your most brilliant and special day. I have had the pleasure of visiting several of these locations for myself in the last month. Let me break them down in order of appearance:
Toronto's landmark, Casa Loma, opened it's doors on January 9, 2013 for my viewing pleasure. Canada's primary castle, set on a 5-acre estate garden, is the former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt and provides a glorious step back in time to an era of European sophistication and grandeur.
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The castle's three rooms (The Great Hall, Library and Conservatory) offer a variety of set-ups and scenarios for weddings, corporate and special events of up to 550 guests. Additionally, the Pellatt and Austin Rooms are available for day time functions.
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Pegasus Hospitality Group was on site offering samplings of delish appetizers and tasty treats.
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Casa Loma's preferred vendors were featured throughout the space. Design/decor/floral was provided by 5th Element Events.
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Jazzy tunes by the Graham Howes Band set the tone for the evening in the Library, while those in the Conservatory were entertained by Blue Frog Entertainment.
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It was also great to meet Heartline Pictures, Sarah Bunnett-Gibson Wedding Officiant, Evgeny Cosmetics and Whyte Couture.
It was a pleasure to see these wonderful artists a second time around at the Palais Royale open house the very next evening, January 10, 2013.
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The Palais Royale is another one of Toronto's historic landmarks. Restored in 2005, the interior combines rich wood, contemporary art deco furnishings and original features - barrel vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. On the lower level is a large bridal suite/green room, a cozy lounge and marble washrooms.
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This ballroom, complete with stage, holds about 350 guests for a sit down dinner, or 800 for a cocktail reception.
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Gorgeous designs/decor/florals by 5th Element Events seemed much more magnificent in this particular setting.
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My personal favourite was the fashion show featuring custom bridal gowns by Whyte Couture.
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Step just outside the ballroom to get some air and behold the huge, brand new three tiered deck facing the lake front, ideal for a romantic outdoor ceremony. In short, the Palais Royale is a magnificent venue with a ton to offer for any type of function.
Stay tuned for my next blog featuring Liberty Grand and One King West Hotel!
