The Wedding Ring is extremely proud to count Colleen O’Farrell, of Foxgloves Flowers in Victoria, among our Wedding Experts. Colleen has a Visual arts degree from Camosun College, a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and won top honours at the Victoria Flower and Garden Show in 2002 and 2003. She has also won numerous FTD bridal competitions over the years, been published in numerous news papers, and magazines such as Wedding Bells, Real Weddings, Bliss Victoria and Style at Home, the cover of Island Bride on 2 occasions. Wow!Colleen believes in the, “if you want it done right, do it yourself” adage and can be found playing a role in every order, big or small, wedding or otherwise. We wandered into her lovely studio and were overwhelmed with the sights and scents of flowers being vibrantly arranged. Scattered about were photos of her latest triumphs and we were happy to flip through and admire! Colleen’s creations are, as bride Kristen put it, “Unique, romantic, classy and sophisticated.”All of this made us eager to know even more about Colleen and her floral style..  Read more

It doesn’t get any better for the bride looking for a classic, old-world venue for her wedding day. When we recently visited the historic Villa Marco Polo Inn, located in Victoria’s Rockland neighbourhood, we had to share this find with brides in The Ring. We absolutely love this spectacular Inn with its Italian Renaissance architecture and magnificent gardens. The perfect site for a romantic, intimate wedding! While touring this five-star, elegant property, thoughts of turn-of-the-century celebrations or the days of Great Gatsby’s galas come to mind.As you walk into the Heritage mansion, you’ll see that you can host your entire wedding at the Inn, making it possible for your closest family and friends to stay with you as the wedding of your dreams unfolds over a few days. Liam Morton and Eliza Livingston, owners, have created an exquisite atmosphere to bring that dream to a reality. “We offer a romantic backdrop to the union of two families, and the beginning of another.”   Read more

When you walk through the doors of one of the four fabulous Ooh La La Cupcakes locations in Victoria, it’s hard to believe that owner, Sherryl Andrews, was a nurse for 34 years. Because surely, this was exactly what she was meant to do.Yet, luckily for island brides, it’s true. After a ‘now or never’ moment in her life, Sherryl opted to reinvent herself by taking the plunge into the world of weddings.So with the sweetest name in the business, and some of the best cupcakes (and cakes) we’ve ever tasted, what more is there to say about this locally owned and operated boutique cupcake bakery? Plenty, as we found out…  Read more

When we met Nichole, of Nichole Taylor Photography, we instantly fell in love. Not only were we impressed with an incredible portfolio of work, but we love Nichole’s sense of humour as well (her bio on her website had us LOL....).The Ring recently had the opportunity to work with her on a fashion shoot where we got to see her skills as a photographer firsthand. And, staying true to her personality, her instructions to the model had everyone in giggles. Nichole manages to spread the fun while creating some of the best shots a couple could wish for.It’s no wonder brides like Emily Lewis told us, “We LOVE Nichole – love! She is very laid back and is more than willing to listen to ideas, and always has great ideas of her own to add!” Here’s more on this fun and fabulous photographer...  Read more

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The St. George campus at the University of Toronto campus is well known for its beauty and distinguished buildings. Hence it is no surprise that the Hart House is right at home in the midst of this stunning setting......  Read more

The Manor, built in 1929, is an ideal place to have your wedding. Walking through the wrought iron door and peering through the entrance’s stained glass window, you immediately feel transported back to Tudor England...   Read more

We met Linda McLean, the Wedding and Special Event Coordinator for the Ontario Heritage Centre in the large reception area towards the rear of the building. Sitting there, it felt as if we had stepped back into the past...   Read more

Tucked away on a residential side street in downtown Toronto, you will find an unexpected wedding locale. With its decorative cast iron fence enclosing lovely landscaping, it is a wonder more people don’t choose The George Brown House to say “I Do.”...  Read more

The term schoolhouse is no longer commonly used, evoking a historic and nostalgic feel. In fact, when you recall schoolhouses you are taken back to the days of Little House on the Prairie, where Laura Ingalls struggled with her vocabulary lessons while trying to avoid mischief within the walls of the one-room structure where her older sister taught. Every element of that historic charm is maintained within the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse. Built in 1848, the schoolhouse looks untouched although skilfully preserved. It is the oldest school in the city and was the first free school in Toronto. The West Hall, added in 1869, possesses all the original charm......  Read more

Most Toronto residents are familiar with the St. Lawrence Market. Who hasn’t perused its collection of vendors on Sunday morning in search of that perfect holiday gift or knick-knack, not to mention the incredible fresh fruits and vegetables. Yet some folks may be less acquainted with the St. Lawrence Hall located a few blocks away...   Read more

Driving up the winding road through the residential Toronto neighbourhood, we were greeted at the end by the most magnificent castle we had ever seen. We simply couldn’t imagine living near this edifice, “yes my house is the two story colonial across the street from the castle.”...   Read more

It was an unseasonably warm autumn day and as such we arrived early to the Graydon Hall Manor, excited to take advantage of the weather and wander the grounds. Scanning the photos on the website we were taken aback by how unbelievably perfect it looked and couldn’t imagine that such a place actually existed in real life...  Read more

The Arts & Letters Club impresses as soon as one enters the historical building on Elm St. in downtown Toronto. Paintings, drawings and photographs grace the entrance way. The beautiful and original works of art capture your attention as you walk up the stairs into the lobby...  Read more

Sitting down with Tracy Ford, the Public Relations Director at the Delta Chelsea, “a little city within a city” were the words she used to describe the venue. We couldn't have agreed more. The hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, close to area attractions and great for sightseeing...   Read more

Waiting in the lobby of the Atlantis Pavilion, enjoying the complimentary cups of coffee offered to us, we were captivated by the Laskeshore views. The floor to ceiling windows enclosing the building means that every single room has a view of the water...  Read more

You want to get married but you don’t want something uber traditional. You have been considering a beach wedding but don’t want to worry about booking a reception venue too. We have a solution!...  Read more

When we heard the address of the venue was on Queen Street East we were puzzled. We had driven down that street countless times and don’t remember seeing anything that could be described as a charming wedding venue. But, like many people in the city, we soon discovered we just weren't paying attention...  Read more

The moment you drive up to the impressive Toronto edifice, you are struck by its size and grandeur. The place looks like a palace! The 100,000 square foot complex was originally constructed in 1926 as a government building in Ontario. Completely restored and renovated in 2001, no detail has been overlooked...  Read more

Most people are familiar with the Renaissance Toronto. It is the world’s only four diamond hotel located in a major league sports and entertainment venue, the Rogers Skydome...  Read more

In 2005 the Palais Royale underwent a massive renovation. Everything from the roof to the basement was repaired, rebuilt and redesigned. The electrical and plumbing were replaced and essentially the grand beauty of the 1920’s was brought into the 21st century...  Read more

When we found out there was a wedding venue called Fantasy Farm just ten minutes from Yonge and Bloor, we knew we had to see this anachronism for ourselves. So one snowy day in early winter we ventured to this enclave a few miles from the center of the city. With the light dusting of snow and the rustic setting the place looked magical...  Read more

Couples looking to have an eco-friendly wedding while still remaining in the city have found their dream venue in the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG as it shall now be referred). TBG, located in mid-Toronto, is a volunteer driven charity whose central goal is to spread horticulture and gardening information...   Read more

It was a very windy and cold winter day when we visited the Estates of Sunnybrook. But the second we stepped inside the main building on the estate we couldn’t have felt more comfortable. We later learned that we had entered the Vaughn Estate which had undergone some renovations. It was just lovely...   Read more

Located less than 30 minutes east of downtown Toronto you will find an elegant wedding venue. Nestled atop a hill, The Miller Lash House (MLH as it will now be referred) is perfect for couples looking to get married in Toronto but not in the heart of the hustle and bustle of it all. Walking up the long driveway you are immediately greeted by the tranquil trickling water from the river-rock waterfalls and aromatic scents from the rose garden, perfect a ceremony...  Read more

From the moment you first step into the elevator that will take you up to The Carlu, you’ll know that it is the place for your exclusive, elegant, in vogue wedding. After all, in order to access the 7th floor on which The Carlu can be found, you need to be personally granted entrance.  Read more

With such an established history of providing Halton and the surrounding areas with delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that Teatro is known for its appetizing wedding menus, and increasingly, for its dazzling setting and the flexible options they offer. Let us tell you more...  Read more

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The Best Western PLUS St. Jacobs Country Inn is a castle-like, romantic and intimate venue for your wedding ceremony, dinner, reception, and overnight accommodations, making it a convenient one-stop shop for everything on your wedding day. A well-known fixture on the edge of Waterloo for almost 12 years, this location's peaceful environment and surroundings is conveniently located close to the shops of St. Jacobs, local theatres, antique shops and great restaurants to entertain out of towners. The Verandah room, with its high ceilings and picturesque views from the floor to ceiling windows, is a perfect choice for an elegant reception for brides and grooms who want a small wedding with out of town guests.  Read more

Whether your friends and family are coming from Guelph or Collingwood, it is the bride and groom's responsibility to reserve a group of rooms at a discounted rate at a place where they know their family and friends will be comfortable. The newly renovated guest rooms at the Best Western PLUS St. Jacobs Country Inn are just that, and the hotel happens to offer a discounted rate of up to 20% when you book the rooms in groups of ten or more.  Read more

A bridal boutique where you can purchase your dress, his tuxedo, the bridal party’s tuxes and dresses, order your flowers, and plan out your décor? No, it’s not a fantasy… It’s Bird of Paradise Floral and Wedding Boutique in Campbell River. A bride can cross off many items on her to-do list at this boutique, never having to sacrifice a single detail of her wedding dream.Owner, Lori Gooldrup, and her right hand man, Stephen Chapman, say they can singlehandedly lower a bride’s stress level while customizing her wedding day, no matter what the budget. As a North Island bride, planning your day can mean driving long distances to check out different venues and services, but Bird of Paradise wants you to stop driving and start planning. Here’s what we found when we went to visit their shop…  Read more

Bingemans has got to be one of the most recognized names in Kitchener-Waterloo's wedding and events industry. This name easily and repeatedly makes it onto the 'short list' of reception halls for most local brides and is on a list of exclusive and preferred catering companies at many other wedding locations throughout the area as well.....  Read more

There aren’t too many floral designers who can boast a diploma in Interior Design. But for Tina Barabonoff, owner of Platinum Floral Design, it’s likely this background that helps her create a unique sense of style, harmony, texture and balance in each of her creative pieces. Tina is also what the team at The Ring loves to see – she’s involved in community charity work, she lives for weddings and she’s a supporter of the wedding experts that work with and around her. Katie, a local wedding planner, said “We love her and we love her work!”.......  Read more

Black Rock Resort is simply a stunning example of architecture set off by nature. The waves crash against the glass lobby reminding everyone who stands there of the forces that lie just beyond our control. And it makes for some once in a lifetime wedding photography! But Black Rock Resort doesn’t sit back on its laurels of spectacular views – they work tirelessly to provide a wedding couple and their guests with top notch service and nary a worry on your wedding day.   Read more

Everyone knows that the Concordia Club throws one of the biggest and most famous Oktoberfest parties every year. But what you may not know is that they can also host an elegant wedding reception, from small and intimate, to large and lavish. In fact, the word 'Concordia' is Latin for harmony, friendship and unity.  Read more

If customer service, selection of high quality gowns and intimate setting are important to your decision making process when buying a gown...look no further! When the Ring talked with brides who purchased their gowns at The Bride’s Closet in Nanaimo, we found that they all agreed that owner, Fern Descoteau, and her team of ladies made a big impression with their service and the huge amount of dresses in stock. This was where they found THE dress! How did Fern begin helping brides make that special purchase?  Read more

When we met Neil Gaudet and Adam Collishaw, of Vivid Photography, we couldn't believe how polar opposite they are – the yin and the yang. It might be part of the reason why brides rave about their photography, describing it simply as "epic". We were blown away when Neil and Adam showed us some of their most physical shots to date (lying on the ground and climbing up trees seems to be the norm!). It was obvious how much they enjoy the new challenges that each couple brings. The results are some truly iconic photography and a lot of delighted brides and grooms.  Read more

The Waterlot Restaurant & Inn is an outdoor ceremony site, a small reception hall, a bed and breakfast, a honeymoon suite, a caterer, and an absolutely gorgeous option for an outdoor tent wedding. This rustic New Hamburg oasis sits beside a river, has an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, can easily incorporate a large, lavish outdoor reception, and has mouth watering catering services that can be served inside or out. What The Ring has found is that the price is right, the demand is high, and the options are endless...  Read more