Seven Toronto couples share snapshots from the day they tied the knot
Bryan Soucie and Amanda Martin wed at the Royal York on the day of a Justin Bieber concert just down the street at the ACC (Image: Joseph and Jaime)
August 21, 2010
Amanda and Bryan
The Royal York
Amanda Martin and Bryan Soucie met in Grade 9 at their Sudbury high school and later went to prom together—but only as friends. They kept in touch while attending university in different cities. After graduation, he stayed in Toronto and she returned to Sudbury. When he showed up at a party in their hometown five years ago, Amanda realized he was boyfriend material. He became husband material by proposing at home on St. Patrick’s Day, 2009, placing the engagement ring on a chair, which Amanda promptly sat on, clueless. “She didn’t notice anything. I was sitting there just trying to clear my throat,” says Bryan. Amanda dove right into planning their 1930s-themed wedding. “I never really pictured myself getting married, until I started dating Bryan,” she says. “I wasn’t the type of person who had always fantasized about a wedding, but after he proposed, I was in planning mode 24/7. I loved it.”
“I love how the black and white pictures turned out. There was a Justin Bieber concert at the ACC that night, so young girls walking by kept saying congratulations and taking pictures of us. It was hilarious, and a little embarrassing.”—Amanda
“This is at the Royal York, where my bridesmaids and I stayed the night before, and got ready. I was a bag of nerves. My veil was custom-made by Twigs and Honey, an Etsy seller.”—Amanda
“This is one of the last photos taken on our wedding night. Bryan and I stole away from the group for a picture underneath all those lights, on York Street.”—Amanda
“It was raining during our ceremony, but by the time we went up to the roof for pictures, it had cleared up, and there were beautiful views of the city.”—Amanda
“Bryan’s brother was the best man, and this was taken during his speech. It was a hockey analogy—about Bryan always persevering and being a great brother—but it was really moving.”—Amanda
“Our first dance was to ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ by Guns N’ Roses, our favourite band. We’re not slow-dance people, so we were having such a hard time choosing one. A few days before the wedding, Bryan played me this song, and it was perfect. Now it’s our song.”—Amanda
“We got married in the ballroom, which has an amazing hand-painted ceiling. It’s very striking when you walk into the space. That’s what made us decide on the Royal York. It was so different from anything we’d seen.”—Amanda
“My bridesmaids and I bought calla lilies and orchids at Av and Dav and made the centrepieces for the guest book table.”—Amanda
Bride’s dress: White
Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss
Hair and makeup: Del Monaco Hair Studio
Bridesmaid dresses: Ginger’s Closet
Venue: Fairmont Royal York
Caterer: Through venue
Flowers: GLP Events
Music: DJ Randy LeGendre of Third From the Sun
Invitations: Maria Platusic
Guests: 130
Cost: $40,000
I was fortunate enough to be at this wedding and it was amazing! Austin amd Tom are such a fabulous couple and every element of the day reflected that- from the Chinese dragon dance to the tiny Effel tower place cards. They clearly put a lot of work into this wedding but on the day of everything seemed smooth and effortless and it was a pleasure to be there. Thanks gentlemen for a fabulous evening:)
March 26, 2011 at 8:48 am | by Jo