Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. An Elegant Fall Wedding in Toronto, Canada
Martha Stewart Weddings

An Elegant Fall Wedding in Toronto, Canada

By Avery Schroeder
Skip gallery slides
Pin
daniela andrei wedding couple embrace
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

This couple's wedding in an historic Toronto setting featured Orthodox tradition and glamorous celebration

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
daniela andrei wedding couple embrace
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Andrei and Daniela are proof that you absolutely can find love online—especially when you live in a bit city. Both residents of Toronto, the couple met on Tinder in February 2016 and began dating within just two weeks of their first meeting. It didn't take long for Andrei, a registered nurse, and Daniela, a site administrator for a large condominium developer, to know that they were in for the long haul.

After nearly three years of dating, Andrei proposed in Trinity Bellwoods Park, a landscape the couple frequented throughout the early stages of their relationship. Andrei asked Daniela to meet him for ice cream after work, knowing that they would venture into the park afterwards. Andrei "wanted to propose right when [they] entered," but a large crowd of people foiled his original plan; he wanted the proposal to be just the two of them. He soon found the right moment: Before the pair reached the opposite end of the park, Andrei got down on one knee and popped the question with a custom solitaire engagement ring. Daniela thought Andrei "was joking around and tying his shoe," but quickly realized how serious he was—and happily said yes to forever.

Throughout their engagement, which lasted a year and four months, Andrei and Daniela prepared for their wedding with help from planner Alexandra McNamara of Blush & Bowties. The bride knew that she wanted an elegant celebration that highlighted both of the couple's Christian Orthodox values, but also allowed their guests to let loose and have a great time. On October 6, 2018, the pair were married in a religious ceremony at Russian Orthodox Christ the Saviour Cathedral; an intimate and elegant reception at Toronto's historic Steam Whistle Brewery followed. For the couple and their 70 guests, the celebration "was everything we wanted—we had a wonderful designer dessert table, amazing food, a great DJ, a historic venue, and an overall amazing wedding vibe," recalls the bride.

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Dress

daniela andrei wedding bride
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
The Best Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

An avid fan of the TLC show Say Yes to the Dress, Daniela made an appointment to try on wedding dresses at Kleinfeld in Toronto. She knew she wanted a lace "mermaid [gown] with a sweetheart neckline and a wonderful train," which is exactly what she walked away with. After trying on six dresses, Daniela realized that the winner—an off-white Pronovias bridal gown composed of three textured lace layers—was the very first garment she had tried on. "It was the most amazing dress I had ever seen and most importantly it made me feel amazing," says the bride. "It meant a lot to me to feel like a beautiful woman. I loved that feeling."

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Detailed Elegance

daniela andrei wedding bouquet
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
The 50 Best Wedding Bouquets

Daniela's bridal bouquet, created by Ashley Elaine Florals, included a mix of seasonal flowers and foliage that tied in the colors she had chosen for the wedding—lavender, sage, and champagne. The arrangement was held together with a light mauve ribbon.

Staying true to her theme of classic elegance, Daniela chose subtle and sentimental accessories. She wore a dainty, gold necklace (a gift from her sister-in-law), her grandmother's solitaire diamond earrings, and two gold bracelets given to her by her mother and godmother.

She completed her bridal look with a custom cathedral veil and blusher, designed by Sharon at Posh Veils in Toronto. Sharon understood Daniela's vision, came to see the dress, and took every measure to "ensure that the fabrics and shade of the veil were compatible with the gown," notes the bride.

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Classic Pumps

daniela andrei wedding shoes
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Daniela chose was she calls the "classic wedding shoe:" Jimmy Choo's "Romy" pumps, in a platinum glitter. The shimmer of her shoes added a touch of glamour to the delicate lace of her wedding gown and custom veil.

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Art Deco Accompaniment

daniela andrei wedding bridesmaids
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Daniela asked two of her favorite women to stand by her side as bridesmaids. Her best friend, Maria (left), flew in from abroad to serve as Daniela's maid of honor; Marina, her now-sister-in-law, served as her bridesmaid.

The bride wanted the bridesmaids' dresses to convey an "Art Deco, glam vibe." She found dusty rose gowns that fit the bill at Jealous Bridesmaids in Toronto; the pink and white beaded details on both dresses were symmetrical and structured, recalling the early 20th-century style.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dapperly Dressed

daniela andrei wedding groom
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
Should the Groom Splurge on a Custom Wedding Suit?

Andrei knew that he wanted to wear a classic black tuxedo on his wedding day, so he visited Nick Sue at Atelier Munro in Toronto's Harry Rosen store to have a made-to-measure black and white tuxedo created. To add a bit of flair, the groom opted for a blue paisley jacket lining, complete with the pair's wedding date monogrammed on the inside panel. The final look included a vest, tailored white shirt, black pants, and a black bow tie.

He accentuated his classic black-and-white look with personal accessories. These included silver "I Do" cuff links, funky socks with "pills, stethoscopes, and electrocardiograms on them" as a nod to his career, a mauve pocket square which matched the ribbon of Daniela's bouquet, and a simple boutonnière.

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tailored Trio

daniela andrei wedding groomsmen
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Andrei's two groomsmen wore black suits with white shirts to complement his own tuxedo. They accessorized with mauve ties and pocket squares and partook in the groom's "fun sock theme;" his best man wore tiger stripes socks, while his other groomsman donned socks with sneakers on them.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Favorite Moment

daniela andrei wedding bride father
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

The bride and groom, both Orthodox Christians, chose the Russian Orthodox Christ The Saviour Cathedral in Toronto for their religious ceremony. Daniela's father walked her down the aisle to the church choir singing "Ave Maria"—Daniela's late grandmother's favorite song.

The bride's most memorable big-day moment took place right before the ceremony, while she was standing with her planner and father behind the church doors. She could hear "the choir start to sing 'Ave Maria'" and then the doors opened—she saw her husband for the first time "and knew it was the beginning of [their] life together."

Standing at the end of the aisle, Andrei recalls this moment as his favorite, too. When asked about Daniela's entrance, Andrei says he "was overwhelmed with emotion." "The sight of her entering and the first notes of 'Ave Maria' echoing" through the sanctuary, Andrei says, caused tears of love, joy, and awe to run down his cheeks.

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sealed with a Kiss

daniela andrei wedding ceremony
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

The afternoon ceremony was officiated by the church's priest and included many prayers and songs sung by the choir. There are no vows recited at Orthodox weddings, so Daniela and Andrei did not exchange traditional promises. They did, however, seal the ceremony with a kiss after slipping on their wedding bands.

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Landmark Photography

daniela andrei wedding couple kissing
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
14 Photographers Share How Their Most Epic Wedding Photos Came to Life

Following the ceremony, the couple snapped their portraits in and around The Steam Whistle Brewery, their reception venue. They paused for a kiss under Toronto's landmark CN Tower for this epic shot.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Historic Venue

daniela andrei wedding venue
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Daniela and Andrei chose The Steam Whistle Brewery for their cocktail hour and formal evening reception. The duo loved the historic building—which was built in 1929 and formerly housed the repairs facility for the Canadian Pacific Railway—for its elegant, but relaxed vibe.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reception Details

daniela andrei wedding seating chart
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Following the cocktail hour, guests moved into the property's event hall for the remainder of the celebration. They were greeted by a large gilt antique mirror, which Lauren Kerbel calligraphed with each attendee's name and seating assignment.

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chic Dining

daniela andrei wedding reception space
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
How to Get a Floor Plan Made for Your Wedding

At the reception, eight round tables were organized around a central dance floor. The tables were decorated with rose colored linens, floral centerpieces in gold vases, elegant cutlery, simple white china, and champagne-colored glass votives.

Once guests had taken their seats, they enjoyed a vegan salad to start, followed by their choice of Canadian prime striploin, branzino, or Kentucky fried eggplant. Seasonal sides, including succotash and heirloom carrot slaw, green gnocchi with asparagus and fennel beet slaw, as well as smashed fingerlings and siracha silken tofu were also served. Andrei and Daniela placed great importance on good food—their caterer, The Food Dudes, definitely delivered.

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

On the Tabletop

daniela andrei wedding reception centerpieces
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Centerpieces included roses, cosmos, and dahlias were the focal points of each tablescape; gold-framed table numbers offered a glam touch.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Designer Desserts

daniela andrei wedding reception dessert table
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
Amazing Dessert Tables from Real Weddings

The couple's commitment to next-level food carried into their dessert offerings, as well. Their "designer dessert table" featured an assortment of indulgent treats, which were displayed alongside their decadent wedding cake. The style and colors of these bite-sized treats mirrored the floral hues and overall elegance of Daniela's bouquet.

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cake

daniela andrei wedding cake
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

The newlyweds' Nadia & Co Earl Grey cake featured peach and honey buttercream frosting. The confection was coated in traditional fondant and adorned with hand-painted flowers and gold detailing and topped with a mauve sugar bloom and gold leaves.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweets to Go

daniela andrei wedding favors
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography
Edible Wedding Favors Guests Will Eat Up (Literally!)

Guests were sent home with rose- and champagne-flavored macarons from Nadege Patisserie. The treats were printed with Andrei and Daniela's initials and their wedding date, surrounded by a dainty leaf laurel.

Following a wedding day that exceeded both of their expectations, Andrei and Daniela jetted off to French Polynesia for their honeymoon.

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

daniela andrei wedding couple posing
Credit: Jacqueline James Photography

Photography, Jacqueline James Photography

Location, Russian Orthodox Christ the Saviour Cathedral (ceremony), Steam Whistle Brewing (reception)

Event planning, Alexandra McNamara of Blush & Bowties

Catering, The Food Dudes

Flowers, Ashley Elaine Florals

Stationery, Lovely Little Design Co.

Calligraphy, Lauren Kerbel Design

Cake, Nadia Colella, Nadia & Co.

Music, Maximum DJ

Bride's gown, Pronovias

Bride's accessories, Posh Veils (veil and blusher), Jimmy Choo (shoes)

Hair, Head Turners Salon (for straightening), Ashley Readings (style)

Makeup, Ashley Readings

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jealous Bridesmaids

Groom's suit, Atelier Munro

Lighting, Quest Audio Visual Inc.

Transportation, Allure Limo and Services Inc.

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Avery Schroeder

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • This Couple Traded Their Original Wedding Venue—Central Park's Boathouse—for the Bride's Childhood Home in Illinois
    • These Are 20 of the Best Bridal Shower Favors Under $10
    • What to Bring to Your First Wedding-Dress Shopping Appointment
    • 3 Eco-Friendly Wedding Flower Ideas That Are Simple and Impactful
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18
    2 of 18 The Dress
    3 of 18 Detailed Elegance
    4 of 18 Classic Pumps
    5 of 18 Art Deco Accompaniment
    6 of 18 Dapperly Dressed
    7 of 18 Tailored Trio
    8 of 18 A Favorite Moment
    9 of 18 Sealed with a Kiss
    10 of 18 Landmark Photography
    11 of 18 The Historic Venue
    12 of 18 Reception Details
    13 of 18 Chic Dining
    14 of 18 On the Tabletop
    15 of 18 Designer Desserts
    16 of 18 The Cake
    17 of 18 Sweets to Go
    18 of 18 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    An Elegant Fall Wedding in Toronto, Canada
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.