Cynthia Martyn Events Blog | Toronto Wedding Planner | Toronto Event Designer | Inspirations

Tom & Christine | A Ravishing in Red Wedding | Fermenting Cellar Toronto | Art Haus Foto

2013-03-31T19:23:00.000-04:00

Hands down one of my favourite weddings of 2012 was this dramatic and oh so fashionable crimson-hued affair held at Toronto's Fermenting Cellar space last June. Shot by the amazing Renata Kaveh of Art Haus Foto.

Tom & Christine were intent on creating a wow factor event that was well-styled, with amazing food, and fashion to die for! Wouldn't every bridesmaid in history do a hop-skip-jump if they found out they would get to wear one of these custom blue and green bridesmaid dresses by Canadian designer Arthur Mendonca? Chic, simple and elegant but gosh those dresses make you go Wow!

The reception itself was styled around a palette of champagne and red - dramatic and sophisticated, dripping in oversized crystal chandeliers, with a custom designed mirror backdrop for the king's gallery headtable becoming a focal point in the raw, industrial space.

Gorgeous crimson florals by Fuscia Designs graced the guest tables, complimented by custom swoon-worthy stationery by Palettera. A stunning cake by Lori Hutchinson known as The Caketress rounded out an array of colourful and dramatic creative elements.

Thank you to an amazing team of creatives who worked on this wedding, and congratulations to Tom & Christine!

Wedding Photography: ART HAUS FOTO / Wedding Venue: Fermenting Cellar in Toronto, Ontario / Wedding Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Events / Floral Design: Fuscia Designs / Mirrored Backdrop: Design by Cynthia Martyn Fine Events, Produced by Fuscia Designs / Wedding Stationery: Deborah Lau-Yu of PALETTERA Custom Correspondences / Wedding Cake: Lori Hutchinson of The Caketress / Wedding Dress: Custom by Arthur Mendonca / Bride’s Heels: Giuseppe Zanotti / Bride’s Flats: Miu Miu / Jewelry: Victoria Fine Jewellery / Hair: Brennen Demelo of Brennen Demelo Studio / Makeup: Claudine Baltazar of Plutino Group / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Arthur Mendonca / Groom’s Suit: Isaia / Groom’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Black + White Bow Ties: Tom Ford / Groomsmen’s Suits + Cufflinks: Hugo Boss / Groomsmen’s Ties: Prada

Toronto Brides: Sash & Bustle Is Having A Sample Sale!

2013-03-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our sister company Sash & Bustle bridal boutique is having a sale! Lots of nearly new sample wedding gowns up for grabs at savings of up to 50% off from Friday, March 22nd until Sunday, March 24th. Exclusively by appointment - you must register in advance!

Reserve your appointment date and time by emailing: hello (@) sashandbustle.com.

Pinterest Favourites: Something Green

2013-01-16T23:26:00.001-05:00

So in love with Green right now - especially now that it is also the Pantone Colour of the Year. So crisp and fresh, and when paired with white, it makes any wedding look chic and sophisticated, but with a fun twist.

Here are some of my favourite pins this week - to see more green inspiration and sources for all images above, please check out my Green Weddings Pinterest Board HERE!

Cynthia

Kate & Tatsuma | A Japanese-Canadian Wedding at Langdon Hall | Images by Beth & Ty

2013-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Kate & Tatsuma's beautiful apple orchard wedding was hosted at the prestigious Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, in Cambridge, Ontario. The Hotel is one of just 14 Relais & Chateaux listed properties in Canada and offers an intimate reception space with world-class cuisine and service.

The couple came to me early in their planning process, realizing that they would need lots of help putting together a "Canadian style wedding"! Both were of Japanese descent, with Kate only based in Canada for a few years, and Tatsuma living in the U.S.

With a colour palette of blush, creamy ivory and soft yellow, we endeavoured to create a soft, feminine wedding design - accented with hints of Japanese culture. A beautiful sushi bar was a must, as was a Sake station for guests to enjoy this traditional Japanese libation. The wedding cake also had a unique detail - tiny little stitched details that mimicked Japanese "sashiko" a traditional style of Japanese embroidery. The stationery was also designed with influences of pink cherry blossoms which Japan is known for showcasing all over the country each Spring.

The Creative Team Included:

Venue: Langdon Hall
Photography: Tyler James Bertrand, Beth & Ty
Wedding Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Fine Events
Floral Design: Fuscia Designs
Cake Design: The Cake Museum
Music & Entertainment: Graham Howes
Stationery: Hello Lucky
Sushi: Mye Restaurant

Cynthia's Pinterest Favourites

2013-01-08T00:25:00.002-05:00

Most of my clients know I am crazy about Pinterest! It is such a fantastic tool for saving ideas, finding inspiration, and curating unique ideas for parties, weddings, recipes and any other need you might have.

I am on Pinterest daily, so feel free to join and follow my stream here: www.pinterest.com/cynthiamartyn

Above are a few of my favourite images this week - credit to all sources can be found by clicking the images via my Pinterest board directly.

Stay tuned later this week when I will unveil a new wedding, and an overview of the wonderful WedLuxe wedding show that took place yesterday. It was a smashing success, and oodles of pure eye candy if you are getting married!

Cynthia

Toronto's Most Exclusive Wedding Show is this Weekend! The WedLuxe Wedding Show

2013-01-05T00:38:00.000-05:00

If you are newly engaged, or just wedding obsessed, you do not want to miss the WedLuxe wedding show at the Royal York Hotel this weekend! Sunday, January 6th from 9:00am - 6:00pm, the pages of WedLuxe magazine will come to life, with many of the city's most coveted and creative wedding professionals whose sole goal is to WOW you with beautiful inspiration.

Cynthia Martyn Events will be there - so drop by and say hello at Booth C8 which is in the Concert Hall of the Royal York Hotel, on the Conventions level. Tickets are available in advance on the WedLuxe website, or you can buy them at the door.

See you there!

--Cynthia

Pin It to Win It Winner!

2013-01-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

Congrats Krista of KJ & Co. - You are a winner of the two WedLuxe Wedding Show Tickets for Sunday, January 6th. Please get in touch at hello {at} cynthiamartyn.com to make arrangements to receive your tickets! Enjoy!

Favourite Finds: Chill Your Veuve!

2012-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

Veuve is my favourite champagne, and of course, the Rose is a staple for this wedding planner! My secret paradise is the Veuve Clicquot room at Teatro Verde in Toronto, where most recently I could be found coveting a pair of adorable pink "Veuve" branded pillows!

The Veuve Wine Chiller above is a sweet little retro fridge-shaped cooler for your champagne, guaranteed to keep it chilled for two hours. Perfect for packing a bottle of bubbly to bring to a New Years Eve dinner party. Or for the ultimate champagne fanatic, SMEG refrigerators has a life-size version of the mini cooler, in their iconic SMEG pink, filled with 24 bottles of this delightful libation. Cheers & Happy New Year!

Smeg Image Source

PIN IT TO WIN IT! Enter to Win 2 Tickets to the WedLuxe Wedding Show in Toronto on January 6th!

2012-12-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

So excited to offer a fun, holiday giveaway on the blog! How would you like to win two tickets worth $35.00 each for the upcoming, oh-so-glam WedLuxe Wedding Show at the Royal York Toronto on January 6th?

We have two tickets up for grabs for our lucky readers, and here is what you need to do to win!

1) This is a Pinterest contest - so if you don't have an account yet, sign up for free at www.pinterest.com.

2) Follow Cynthia at www.pinterest.com/cynthiamartyn

3) Pick your favourite wedding or photo shoot featured on the Cynthia Martyn Events blog and then PIN IT TO WIN IT!

4) Once you pin your favourite image from the Cynthia Martyn Events blog, leave a comment on this blog entry with your Pinterest handle and a link to the pinned image.

That's it! On January 1st, a random draw will take place amongst all eligible entrants. This giveaway has no cash value.

Good Luck to All and Happy Holidays!

Amy & Isaiah | A Wedding at Graydon Hall Manor | Images by Ikonica

2012-12-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

As seen in Weddingbells magazine, Amy & Isaiah were married at Graydon Hall Manor in Toronto this last October 2011. Set on a cool, overcast day, the coziness of Graydon Hall and their warm mulled beverages invited guests inside for a cozy and breathtaking ceremony and reception.

Shades of coral, charcoal and chocolate brown were the colour palette that we worked with, with clouds of baby's breath on the tables, and dozens of vintage accents such as books, vintage butter crates, mason jars and loads of DIY details that the bride and groom also made for the event. My favourite element was our vintage postcard bar in lieu of a standard guest book - a prop-styled suitcase held the guests' cards for the couple, and Amy had hand-selected vintage Toronto postcards for guests to write their well wishes for the couple.

The favours were adorable little "macaron" wedding cakes individually boxed for guests to take home - so sweet! Congrats Amy & Isaiah!

The Creative Team Included:

Venue: Graydon Hall Manor
Photography: Ikonica
Wedding Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Fine Events
Floral Design: Fuscia Designs
Cake Design: Cake Opera Co.
Music & Entertainment: Michael Coombs

As Seen In Weddingbells Magazine | Amy & Isaiah

2012-12-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Amy & Isaiah's October 2011 wedding was just featured in the latest edition of Weddingbells magazine! We adored this Fall affair set at Graydon Hall Manor in Toronto. Stay tuned for more images on our blog coming up next! Images by Ikonica.

Favourite Finds: Sparkle & Pop Party Crackers

2012-12-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I love these festive party crackers with a beauty twist! Jouer Cosmetics is the creator of these lovely Sparkle and Pop Holiday Poppers which can be used as party favours, stocking stuffers or unique gifts for a variety of special occasions and festive events. Pop one open and enjoy five fun surprises inside each, including a special Jouer beauty treat.

Each popper includes:

Party horn.
Chic cocktail ring (varying styles).
Beauty fortune (varying messages).
Mini champagne bubbles.
Jouer deluxe sample.

How fun for the holidays, a bridal shower, or to tie onto gifts for your besties? Get yours HERE.

Leon & Vivian | A Liberty Grand Wedding | Tropical Elegance | Dave & Charlotte Photography

2012-12-01T23:56:00.000-05:00

Last Summer, Leon & Vivian were married in downtown Toronto on a beautiful July afternoon. This wedding was all about tropical elegance - the challenge was to blend the couple's diverse backgrounds - a bit of the Caribbean through the groom's family connection to Jamaica and Asian influences as well.

Tearjerker moment: you will notice three documents on a display table above - these documents were made a focal point during cocktails, and were surrounded by beautiful orchid blooms. This was a surprise element that the Groom's father arranged - two letters - one from a son to his parents many years ago, one from the Groom's parents to their son, and then a beautiful love poem that the Groom himself had written. Beautiful words for a beautiful day.

The result of our design plan for Leon & Vivian was a perfect mix of colour, exotic florals, and classic elegance:

Deborah Lau-Yu from Palettera designed a breathtaking collection of stationery for the couple - starting with hand-pressed embossed invitation boxes with a subtle woodgrain detail, right through to their "day of" wedding stationery, including seating cards, gold-embossed favour tags, menus and much more.

Florals were designed by Fuscia Designs who always have a great eye for mixing textures and colours - the florals were reminiscent of the islands, with an abundance of orchids, foliage and other elements that really made the floral work stand out.

Carla Naylor from FacesByCarla made the bride look stunning!

Photography was provided by Dave & Charlotte who did a beautiful job of capturing every moment of the couple's day!

Studio News: Windows of Pretty

2012-11-03T00:58:00.000-04:00

I recently moved the office studio to a new location downtown, and while the space is slowly coming together (a few little details remain to add to the walls and ceiling), I thought I would share a few glimpses of my favourite things in the new space!

Full unveiling will come soon, but until then, enjoy these little windows of pretty.

Cynthia

Spotted: Cookie Wedding Cake, Claire Pettibone, NYC Bridal Market

2012-10-25T01:12:00.000-04:00

While attending NYC Bridal Market last week to shop the collections for my store Sash & Bustle here in Toronto, I spotted this ADORABLE cookie cake display at the Claire Pettibone booth.

Now, I know I was supposed to be shopping for beautiful gowns to carry in the store, but I can't help but wear my wedding planning hat everywhere I go and get inspired by random things such as this delightful display. The cookies truly were works of art, so it is fitting that each was displayed on a tiny easel, stacked on tiers that resembled a traditional wedding cake.

A bit of sleuthing led me to discover that the artist who designed these for Claire Pettibone was SweetAmbs (aka Amber Spiegel). You can check out more of her amazing work on her blog HERE.

Inspired by Jonathan Adler | Creative Shoot for WedLuxe Magazine | Photography by LifeImages

2012-09-18T12:35:00.000-04:00

I have to say that of out of all the many creative shoots I have done for editorial, this shoot that was featured in WedLuxe Magazine is one of my all-time favourites. Followers of my work know that typically I am known for the soft, pretty, slightly vintage, and romantic style seen in most of my weddings and events. This shoot, inspired by interior and objets d'art designer Jonathan Adler was a complete departure from what I typically produce. Working with an amazing, fun, and insanely talented team, we put together a tablescape and wedding setup that is bold, bright, a little bit quirky, and high on style.

For the florals - designers Mimosa Flowers perfectly executed our bold collection of carnation arrangements (YES, CARNATIONS!) set atop an assortment of DIY vases that I spray-painted white. Carnations are so maligned, but I love them - they are the perfect flower to bunch together for a monochromatic look, and inexpensive enough to use in volume in order to increase the scale of your arrangements if you need to.

The stationery by Laura K Design was so fun! The invitations, display cards, seating cards placed on balloons, and bottle labels exploded with colour! The pattern play fits in so well with the table and accessories.

The cake was completely different from your typical wedding cake with hand rolled fondant kept in stark white so that the colour elements of the cake stand out and make an impact. The sweets and candies also were in abstract shapes and styles which added to the visual interest. The Cake Museum did a fabulous job of putting all the sweets together!

Alex Albojer of LifeImages Photography took the outstanding photographs and made the shoot truly shine - thank you Alex!

The shoot venue was Airship37, a raw industrial space that is the perfect backdrop to a modern, loft-style affair.

Annesley & Kevin | Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner Museum | Corina V. Photography

2012-09-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

This soft and pretty Fall wedding from last year was such a lovely day, full of family, and love and just a little bit of glitter!

The ceremony was held at Trinity Chapel, University of Toronto, followed by a reception at the Jamie Kennedy restaurant within Toronto's Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. The decor was kept simple, yet elegant, and was meant to evoke a feeling of keeping cozy on the cool, late Fall day. Accented with soft, glittery succulents tucked here and there, and lots of candlelight for glow, the room sparkled as day turned into evening.

The wonderful creative team:

Photography: Corina V. Photography
Event Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Fine Events
Floral Design: Fuscia Designs
Cake: Bobbette & Belle
Stationery: Laura K. Design

Venue: Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner Museum

Robyn & Dean | Le Meridien King Edward Hotel Wedding | Photography by Rebecca Wood

2012-05-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

Last November, we were thrilled to see lovely Robyn and Dean tie the knot in the Vanity Ballroom at Le Meridien King Edward Hotel in Toronto. This beautiful day was postively Royal in ambiance - with the regal decor of the hotel, paired with dramatic purple, black and crystal accents for the florals and decor. Congrats to a stunning couple, happy 6 months anniversary you two!

Photography: Rebecca Wood
Event Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc.
Floral Design: Fuscia Designs
Hair & Makeup: FaceByCarla, Inc.
Entertainment: The After Midnight Band
Cake & Favours: Bobbette & Belle
Stationery: Love The Design
Cinematography: Images Film & Video

Recent Press: Wedding Nouveau Magazine | 5ive 15ifteen Photo Co.

2012-05-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Wedding Nouveau magazine for featuring one of our colourful, multicultural weddings in their latest issue! This beautiful wedding at Toronto's Liberty Grand venue was a riot of colour with peacock blue and hot pink, and a fusion of Canadian and Indian cultures. One of my faves!

Thank you to our beautiful couple, Tina & Ken, and to 5ive 15ifteen photo co. for the stunning images.

Florals by Fuscia Designs
Hair/Makeup by FacesByCarla, Inc.

Sara & Nima | A Persian Liberty Grand Wedding by Cynthia Martyn Events | lifeimages photography

2012-05-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

This wedding from 2011 was one of my favourites from last year - such a gorgeous and gracious couple, Sara & Nima's wedding was a truly beautiful day.

The couple's wedding ceremony & reception was hosted at the Liberty Grand venue in Toronto. One of my favourite aspects of any Persian wedding is the stunning spread or "Sofreh" that is set up for the wedding ceremony. This Sofreh was spectacular! Following the ceremony, guests were invited into a beautiful champagne mocha and blush ballroom. Soft, romantic flowers and warm candlelight enhanced the room, as did blush pink uplighting all around the perimeter.

Thank you to a stellar team of professionals who contributed to such a lavish and lovely day. Congrats Sara & Nima!

Event Planning & Design: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc.
Photography: lifeimages / Alex Albojer
Floral Design: Fuscia Designs
Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes
Stationery: Love The Design
Hair & Makeup Design: FacesByCarla, Inc.
Gown: Vera Wang

Recent Press: Jaime & Ryan in Weddingbells 'Weddings' Special Edition

2012-03-27T14:33:00.004-04:00

We were thrilled to see lovely Jaime & Ryan's wedding featured in Weddingbells magazine's Real Weddings special edition currently on newstands.

Thank you for an amazing day Jaime & Ryan.

Planning & Design/Paper Flower Backdrop: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc.
Venue: The Fifth Social Club, Toronto
Photography: Rebecca Wood
Flowers: Fuscia Designs
Hair & Makeup: FacesByCarla, Inc.
Stationery & DIY Details made by the bride herself!

Swooning for Kate Spade Style | Creative Shoot as Seen in WedLuxe Magazine

2012-03-04T01:43:00.004-05:00

Thank you so much to WedLuxe magazine for publishing a wedding inspiration shoot I produced with an amazing team of creatives last Fall. The design was based around iconic designer Kate Spade, sophisticated and bold, but with a whimsical twist. So many fun details for this shoot - the innovative invitation design in a lucite cube by Palettera Custom Correspondences, the fun floral purse by Fuscia Designs, the bubblegum martinis, the floral frame (using one of our fave inexpensive decor items - black baroque frames from Ikea!), champagne shooters and so many more. Thanks to an amazing team for making one of my favourite designers come to life for this inspired wedding setting!

Photographer: Nikki Charlton, Crimson Photo
Producer: Cynthia Martyn, Cynthia Martyn Events Inc.
Floral Designer: Tamara Mutter-Slagter, Fuscia Designs
Stationery: PALETTERA Custom Correspondences
Cake: The Wedding Cake Shoppe
Hair & Makeup Design: Carla Naylor, FacesByCarla Inc.
Location: The Carlu, The Clipper Room, Toronto
Gown: Jim Hjelm Blush available at Sash & Bustle
Shoes: Shelby, by Kate Spade
Hair Veiling: Enchanted Atelier
Chevron Pillow: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc.

Trunk Show Alert: Jessica Fontaine at Sash & Bustle | Feb. 24-26th

2012-02-20T00:03:00.007-05:00

Toronto brides - there are just a few spots left for the Jessica Fontaine trunk show at Sash & Bustle next weekend - Feb. 24-26th. Jessica Fontaine designs a gorgeous collection of gowns - lots of lace, tulle and classic silhouettes. The National Ballet of Canada recently selected one of Jessica's gowns from the store for their national advertising campaign in 2012. Prices start at $2700 and go up to $4000.

Book your appointment online at Sash & Bustle here: BOOK APPOINTMENT

Real Wedding Part 3: Sondra & Brett | Lake Joseph Club, Muskoka Wedding | Crimson Photos

2012-02-16T22:41:00.004-05:00

Time for the final installment of our lovely Muskoka wedding feature -- hope you have enjoyed the visuals so far! The stunning floral cake design below was created by none other than Lori Hutchinson, The Caketress. Beautiful sugar flowers and a little bling to accent the cake.

Below - a French-inspired lounge seating area for guests to rest and chat, and our custom white monogrammed dance floor to complete the look.

Centerpieces by Fuscia Designs were designed in crystal pedestal vases placed atop mirror boxes to add height. The guests were treated to lovely room sprays by Aromachology, a Toronto-based parfumer and bodycare company that create the most delicious scents! Adorned with a custom tag by Love The Design, who provided the mocha and cream invitations and 'day of' stationery.

Below, the couple enjoy their first dance. Guests were also treated to a "Champagne Parade" with bottles of Veuve Cliquot blazing with sparklers for a fun champagne bottle service.

Thank you Sondi & Brett for allowing us to be a part of your day, it was one of our favourites! And a huge shout out to an amazing team of professionals for creating magic on this beautiful day!

Real Wedding Part 2: Sondra & Brett | Lake Joseph Club, Muskoka Wedding | Crimson Photos

2012-02-15T07:00:00.004-05:00

Time to unveil a few photos of the stunning head table for our featured Muskoka wedding - I told you there would be some jawdropping florals by Fuscia Designs! The florals were all in shades of mocha, blush, cream and gold - utterly luxurious, sophisticated and elegant. Stay tuned for Part 3, and a glimpse at our centerpieces and wedding cake next!