As part of the inspiring possibilities that WorldPride Toronto has generated, Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) hosted a free group wedding of intimate proportions within nature’s warm embrace. A bevy of LGBTQ love-birds renewed their vows or married their life partner in a touching and joyful group wedding ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at 3 p.m. This unique garden wedding, officiated by Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes took place in TBG’s new outdoor space that flaunts the rainbow colours of nature, the “Perennial Border”. A message on the hedge, written in colourful flowers reflected the spirit of the event, “This garden grows love”. A south-beach style outdoor reception with pride-inspired food stations followed the ceremony.
Kevin Toth and Conor Philips seal the deal at their Big Fab Gay Garden Wedding
The ceremony started with Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes, human rights champion and Grand Marshall of the WorldPride Toronto parade, by sharing his story from 2001, officiating the first legal marriage of a gay or lesbian couple in the world. He comforted and guided the couples through their vows while Masters of Ceremonies, Brian, Matt and Candice, Radio Hosts for Indie88 read the love stories of each couple as they joined hands with their life partner.
The floriferous ceremony was created and styled by Opening Night Flowers by Nicholas Smith, Hoflands, eco|stems and Sweetpea’s.
The wedding ended with a “Big Fab Group Kiss” and a “Big Fab Group Photo” captured by the photographers Kate Hood Photography, Sweetest Photos and videographer Mark Disero. Then on to the south-beach style reception with rentals by Chair-man Mills and Divine Furniture Rentals with florals by Berries & Blooms.
A trio of exclusive caterers including a la Carte Kitchen, Eatertainment and enVille created pride-inspired food stations featuring mocktails, craft beer, rainbow wraps, crispy fish tacos, hot waffles and rainbow cupcakes with assistance from Staff Your Event. Keeping the party going even under the threat of rain was Quest Audio Visual, DJ Deadpool (Robert Szczebiot) and Unisync who provided risky business custom sunglasses for the entire Big Fab Team!
Behind the scenes was Christine March from Imprint Wedding Design & Coordination, who orchestrated the event from top to bottom and gave the couples and their guests happy memories that will last a lifetime.
Check out the BIG FAB Photo Album on Facebook or on Flickr.
Photography courtesy of Kate Hood Photography
FOR MEDIA AND OTHER INQUIRIES CONTACT
Jenny Rhodenizer, Director of Marketing & Communication
[email protected]
MANY THANK TO OUR BIG FAB WEDDING TEAM
– OFFICIANT –
– MASTER OF CEREMONIES –
Indie88 Morning Hosts
Brian, Candice and Matt
– EVENT RECEPTION –
– PHOTOGRAPHY –
Sweetest Photos | Videography by Mark Disero
– WEDDING PLANNER –
– SPOKESPERSON –
Liz Hood, Director of Education
Toronto Botanical Garden