A Candlelit Celebration at Ricarda’s: A Romantic Downtown Toronto Wedding

Julianne and Mitchell’s November 2024 wedding at Ricarda’s Restaurant in Toronto was the perfect blend of simplicity, romance, and heartfelt celebration. They began their day at the iconic Fairmont Royal York, where they got ready surrounded by their closest people, before heading to the University of Toronto for portraits among the historic architecture and fall foliage - a timeless backdrop that perfectly matched their elegant yet laid-back style.

Their ceremony took place beneath the soaring arches of Ricarda’s stunning glass Atrium, a space that felt both grand and intimate for their 90 guests. After exchanging vows, everyone moved into the restaurant for cocktails, dinner, and dancing, a seamless flow that highlighted Ricarda’s versatility as a downtown Toronto wedding venue.

Julianne and Mitchell kept the décor simple and meaningful: DIY florals, loads of candlelight, and an atmosphere focused on love and connection. The result was a warm, inviting evening filled with laughter, happy tears, and celebration - proof that beautiful things happen when you let love lead.

Vendors: Sarah Stevenson Photo, Anne Houston Wedding Officiant, Toronto Wedding Strings, Jeige Beauty Inc., Harrison Luey, Scottify

Arlington Estate Wedding | Toronto Wedding Venue

Jessica and David's Arlington Estate wedding took my breath away right from the moment we sat down to even start planning. I was so excited to be able to work at a new Toronto wedding venue, especially one as beautiful as The Arlington Estate. It's one thing to put things on paper, but to actually see them come to life is what makes it all worthwhile. This is true for both the wedding design, but also the venue itself! The team at The Arlington Estate were wonderful, courteous and professional and having been so new, it's clear they really value their role in the industry. In the four months they had been open, they had managed to be miles ahead (despite a few hiccups, which were to be expected!) of even some venues having been open for years.Jessica and David were planning from afar as they currently live in NYC. It's difficult to be planning from another city, so having someone on your side to help with the logistics certainly helps to ease the stress. She had a great team of family here at home, but knowing she wanted them to also enjoy the experience, she brought me on board to help her out! It was such a pleasure planning and designing this wedding from Jess' romantic, candlelit vision. Logistics of the day needed to be carefully planned as we started Jessica and David's day at her parents' house, then traveled downtown to St. Andrews Catholic Church for the ceremony. From there, we shuttled wedding party and extended family to Osgoode Hall for wedding photos, then on to The Arlington Estate for a few last photos and wedding reception. See all the gorgeous details captured by Tara McMullen, and the incredible smile the bride donned the whole day, below!

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Photography  Tara McMullen Photography
Florals  Hunt and Gather
Stationery  Paper and Poste
Sweets Table  Cakelaine
Venue and Catering The Arlington Estate
Toronto Destination Wedding Planning and Design Laura Olsen Events.