real weddings

Matthew and Melissa spend their Saturdays in Toronto’s Trinity-Bellwoods neighborhood, so it was only natural that they spent the most important Saturday of their lives — a.k.a their wedding day! — in the area. The duo behind Tied Photo & Film captured the lovebirds as they fluttered from one fave hangout to another. The newlyweds posed for a photo opp featuring Melissa’s beloved bike in the lane way behind Matthew’s grandmother’s house, cooled down with a pit-stop for iced lemonade at their favorite cafe and then enjoyed a private picnic in the park. Scroll down to see photos of Matthew and Melissa’s gorgeous wedding and to read the touching story behind the bride’s meaningful “something borrowed.”

From the bride… “We decided to do our wedding pictures in a spot that captured us and who we are as a couple. After the ceremony, we headed over to Matthew’s grandmother’s house. We used the clothes line to hang up the wedding banner that said ‘Just Married’ and my favorite set-up was my bike. A few birthdays ago Matthew surprised me with a bike, since we had been spending many weekends and days in the city it was the perfect gift. This is why I decided to include in in my wedding. Taking pictures in the lane way with the bike and Matthew right by my side was a blast! It was a very hot day, so we decided to head over to Ella’s Uncle for some cold iced lemonade. After taking some neat shots in our favorite coffee shop, we headed over to High Park.

One month before our wedding my mother passed away. My mother had terminal cancer; however, she wanted more than ever to see her ‘little girl’ on her wedding day. Before she passed away, my mother made me promise her that no matter what happened the wedding must go on. I remember looking at her and thinking this would be impossible. However, I knew how badly she wanted me to have a perfect wedding and not going through with it seemed wrong. That day when I woke up I felt so reassured and overcome with joy. I knew everything was going to be just amazing because she was going to be in my heart and watching from above. From the day Matthew proposed to the day she passed, my mother was fully involved in the planning of my wedding. She was actually the one who picked out my dress. I really wanted to wear my mother’s wedding dress but she wanted me to go through the experience of finding my own (which I am so glad I did). We tried our best to mirror her dress, which is why I had the selves added on. My ‘something borrowed’ that day were her earrings. Before she passed she gave me her earrings that she wore on her wedding day. I felt so proud putting those earrings on that morning.”

Photography: Tied Photo & Film
Reception Venue: Terrace Banquet Hall
Wedding Flowers: International Flowers
Flowers in Bicycle Basket: Sweet Woodruff Flower Shop
Bridal Gown: Spousa Italia
Groom’s Tuxedo: Zegna