Edna and Julius’ Gorgeous Botanical Garden Wedding in Toronto

Edna and Julius’ loves story began at party of a mutual friend. At first Edna was apprehensive about going, but due to the persistence of a friend she finally agreed. It’s a good thing she did because this would be the place where she would meet the man of her dreams. It was love at first sight. Julius knew from the moment he laid eyes on Edna that she would be “the one.”

Read all about Edna & Julius’ love story, sweet surprise proposal, and experiences in their gorgeous botanical garden wedding in Toronto – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Samantha Clarke photography, and featuring event coordination and planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member A Touch of Grace Events. View the complete gallery here, and see the entire vendor list below.

Bride& Groom: Edna & Julius
Occupations: Group Benefits Client Service & Investment Professional
Wedding date: August 4, 2017
Wedding location: Ceremony: Toronto Botanical Gardens & Reception: Mississauga Convention Center

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal.
Edna: “One of my good friends (Ellen) called me up one day to go to a party. After her twisting my arm I finally decided to go and lucky I did because that’s where I met the man of my dreams. I always say the Lord works in mysterious ways, because if I didn’t go to the party I wouldn’t have met Jay. Jay likes to say he knew from the moment he saw me, but I on the other hand was a little bit more naïve. 8 years later, on August 4th I married my soulmate.”
Jay: “I was talking to my friend Mark and he told me about this party he wanted me to go with him to. I said yeah, and I’m definitely glad I did! The moment I walked by Edna, I turned to my friend and said, ‘She’s the one.’ The rest is history.”

The proposal… I was planning Jay’s surprise 30th birthday party and wanted to invite one of his childhood friends. The Monday before the event I texted his friend the details of the party – so I thought… Little did I know I was sending the text message to Jay. Once I realized what I did I started crying and couldn’t believe the surprise birthday party was ruined. Jay on the other hand, had another plan. He somehow got a hold of most the invited guests and told them that he was going to propose.
The day finally arrived and you can imagine my disappointment that I couldn’t throw a surprise party. As they brought up the cake and everyone was singing “Happy Birthday” my hand slipped on the icing and little did I know the written message on it was “Will you marry me?” I did a double take to make sure what I saw was real and started screaming and yelling. Once again, Jay surprised me!

Describe your wedding dress. Sexy, fit and flare. I’m always conservative, but for my wedding day I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and I definitely did just that.

What was wedding shopping like for you? I never thought I would say this but, now I know and understand how those girls on the bridal shopping tv shows feel. I wanted to please everyone and made sure I got everyone’s approval on the dress.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: coach makeup case, lashes (cause every girl needs a good pair of lashes), and Nars survival makeup kit. Groomsmen: cufflinks, handkerchief, bow ties, and floral lapel pins.
Favorite item on the menu: The bacon wrapped filet mignon.
First dance song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

What is your best memory from your wedding? Jay’s best memory from the wedding is when him and the groomsmen serenaded me with one of his favorite R&B songs, “Beauty” by Dru Hill. My best memory from the wedding was our first looks. Seeing Jay’s expression as he turned around to see me in my wedding dress was priceless!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Take the time to enjoy the wedding preparation and use it as an opportunity to build your relationship. In a blink of an eye the wedding day is here, savor the day and enjoy it! You’ve planned and now it’s time to party!

Vendors:
Event Coordinator/Planner: A Touch of Grace Events
Photographer: Samantha Clarke Photography
Decorator: Dreamcreations
Cake: Cakes by Mavis
DJ: Dj Fiiasco
Florist: Flowersxflour
MC: Naomi
Ballet Dancers: Child & Youth Dance Theater
Wedding dress designer: AJ Designers
Wedding dress salon: Mona Lisa Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Jamila’s Top Creation
Makeup by: Flawless Finish, Eminent Allure & Makeup by Afia
Hair: BS Touch & Ava Noyelle
Ceremony location: Toronto Botanical Gardens
Reception location: Mississauga Convention Center
Videography: Gamada Ali
Stationery: Stephita Wedding Invitation