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~ fall in love ~
“Babak and I met eight years ago at Queen’s University. We were both in the same Organic Chemistry lab. We spent every lab talking to each other. However, it wasn’t until one year later that Babak finally asked me out. We were inseparable throughout our undergraduate years but for medical school we had to withstand the test of long distance. It wasn’t until one year ago, that we both ended up in Toronto where we are currently both doing residency. We know that we can conquer anything now, after spending so many years apart.”
Babak proposed seven years after they started to date, at the Hillebrand Restaurant in Niagara. “The weather was perfect, the tree leaves where changing colour, and it was harvest season at the wineries. It reminded me of the beginning of the school year in Kingston, where Babak and I met. After surprising me with a delicious meal, Babak led me to their observation deck where a special bottle of wine waited for us. And finally, after so many years, on this perfect day overlooking the vineyard, he proposed.”
~ modern heritage ~
On August 7, 2010 the couple was married at the Gardiner Museum.
“Babak and I wanted an event that was modern, chic, sophisticated, and yet fun. I am
Bulgarian, and he is Persian. We wanted a wedding that involved some elements from our heritage,” remembers Tina. Event Planner Cynthia Martyn of Cynthia Martyn Events helped the couple create a stunning and vibrant wedding day with a unique merge of their two cultures.
~ designer details ~
Tina wore an Alvina Valenta gown from Dina Alonzi Bridal Boutique. “The moment I tried on the dress I knew it was the one. It was perfect in every aspect. It was also my dad’s favourite.” Her pearl drop earrings were by Judith Ripka, and her veil was lovingly made by Babak’s mom with lace from a boutique on Toronto’s Queen Street. Taupe rosebud Valentino pumps finished the look. Her makeup and hair stylist was Jackie Gideon. All three of Tina’s bridesmaids wore turquoise dresses by Kathlin Argiro, from Sash and Bustle Boutique and carried a mélange of orchids inclusive of mokara, cymbidium and dendrobium orchids, lisianthus and unique greens by Fuscia Designs.
~ vibrant colour ~
The Gardiner Museum was the location for the ceremony and reception. Fuscia Designs created the brightly coloured floral designscape that transformed the room. Modern, sleek plexiglass pedestals topped with tall vases containing submerged orchids in shades of chartreuse, purple and fuchsia set a contemporary tone to the ceremony. The vivid colours popped against the backdrop of the Terrace Room. Ice Chiavari chairs were draped with purple sashes and tied with silver and crystal ropes.
The same room was transformed from the sunny ceremony to the dynamic reception.
“As the dining space was revealed, guests were privy to the unveiling of a spectacular room that exemplified beauty, glamour, romance, drama and the wow factor!” recalls Tina. Three long gallery-style tables were styled with “elegance, resto chic, glamour and sophistication” clad in luxurious ivory linens with an aubergine purple napkin accented with a peacock feather. (The peacock feathers were a nod to the groom’s Persian heritage.)
Manzanita trees with hanging crystal and bright floral were alternated with vases filled with fuchsia and purple orchids submersed in water. Groupings of square glass cubes with floating blooms and candles sat between the trees surrounded by purple and fuchsia votives.
Chef Jamie Kennedy provided a special menu inspired by small elements of the couple’s cultural backgrounds.
~ breaking tradition ~
Tina and Babak took part in a Bulgarian tradition of breaking a handmade loaf of bread in half—with the winner of the biggest piece indicating the person to be the head of the family. The couple went the non-traditional way with their dessert and opted for a 230 piece organic, fair trade truffle tower, by Kakayo Chocolate Company, in lieu of a wedding cake.
The couple took a mini honeymoon to Montreal and Quebec City where they stayed
at L’Hotel and Auberge Saint Antoine, and plan to tour Tuscany in the summer
of 2011. ♦
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Re:SOURCE IT
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
Venue:
Gardiner Museum
Photographer:
Alex Albojer, Life Images
Wedding Planner:
Cynthia Martyn,
Cynthia Martyn Events
Gown Boutique:
Dina Alonzi Bridal Boutique
Gown Designer:
Alvina Valenta
Fine Jewelry:
Judith Ripka
David Yurman
Shoes:
Valentino
Groom Formal Wear:
Harry Rosen
Invitations:
Couture Stationery
Day of Stationery:
Love the Design
Catering:
Jamie Kennedy
Cake:
Colleen, Kakayo Chocolate Company
Decor & Florist:
Fuscia Designs
Make-up Artist/Hair Stylist:
Jackie Gideon
Music/Entertainment:
The Alexsandre Ensemble
Prodigy Entertainment
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