Stylish Canadian weddings: A romantic garden party at Casa Loma in Toronto

Date May 24, 2016

wedding maayan and david — Photography by Courtney Lee

You don’t need Facebook to tell you that wedding season is in full swing. There’s something about “how we met” stories that tug at our heartstrings, especially when the happy endings involve gorgeous weddings. To celebrate the season, we’ll be featuring real Canadian weddings all summer long.

First up, Maayan Kessler and David Himmel, who met at a bar and got married in the garden outside at Toronto’s Casa Loma 19 months later. Flip through the gallery to get a glimpse into their romantic celebration.

Photography by Courtney Lee

Photography by Blaire Blorins

Photography by Courtney Lee

Photography by Josh Wolfson

Photography by Courtney Lee

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The proposal: “He woke me up early to go on a morning hike in Big Sur where we were on holiday. I was tired and grumpy. He took me to McWay falls, which is the most magical place that consists of tree-topped rocks above a golden beach. He was taking pictures of me instead of the scenery, and when I told him to stop, he was already down on one knee pulling out his necklace (where the ring was attached). He was snapping pics the whole time, so he got a photo of the moment I said yes.”

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“My dutiful brother Noah helping out with some last minute alterations.”

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“A gaggle of supermodels (my bridesmaids!).”

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“The dress was by designer Rivini from Kleinfeld’s in Toronto. It was a simple silk ivory slip with hand beading; a two piece dress that I altered to make my own.”

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The groom, David Himmel

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The groomsmen

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“I ruined my makeup right after my mom whispered some sweet words into my ear.”

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The Rabbi reciting the marriage contract.

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The ceremonial breaking of the glass.

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“My fave part of the day was after the ceremony. David and I had some time together just the two of us where we let the magnitude of what had just happened sink in.”

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“We did assigned seating for dinner. Lisa Mavian did the calligraphy for the name cards – she is so talented!”

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“We wanted an intimate wedding with only family and close friends. The concept was of a romantic garden wedding (my idea) with a wild late night dance party (his idea).”

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“This photo was taken by our good friend Josh. It is a candid shot of us right after we cut our wedding cake.”

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“We hosted cocktails and hors d’hoevres inside Casa Loma and then our guests walked through the gardens for dinner and dancing under the stars of the glass tent.”

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