I started chatting with Lia and Paul about their wedding in the fall, just after they had gotten engaged at Paul’s family’s restaurant the Poor Italian. Lia and I went to the same high school, so I was very excited when she called me to help her plan their big day. I sat down with the couple along with both families on a dreary October night to start planning their summer wedding. After spending a few hours with everyone, I was so excited to be a part of this special day as they were wanting to do something a little different, a cocktail style dinner reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and multiple bar setups. Our team is experienced with all types of wedding setups, however 9 times out of 10 a plated or buffet dinner reception is chosen. The families were also wanting to transform the Pavilion Ballroom at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel into an all-white ballroom bliss with multiple food stations and lounge areas so that guests could, eat, drink, mingle and party the night away.

I enlisted the help of Maurizio and David of Debut Event Décor as I knew that a production of this kind would need the best in the industry. With the help of Debut and Loungeworks, we put together a stellar floorplan where sofas, side tables, coffee tables, high tops and chivari chairs were strategically placed around the room so guests wouldn’t be sitting in one seat all night. Lia and Paul had a rather large wedding party so we added their very own lounge area to the centre of the room so the wedding party had a dedicated place to sit and gather throughout the evening and in particular when it was time for speeches and pictures. Debut added heavy draping, chandeliers and vintage chairs and side stools to this area to make it their own.

Another main priority of the evening was food, drink and dancing! With the help of the wonderful food and beverage team at the Wall Centre Hotel, the Chef designed a custom menu of assorted appetizers and 6 different food station for guests to graze upon, which were also strategically placed around the room. Sushi, Crab, Oysters, Antipasto, pasta and polenta, flat breads and pizza, veal and assorted root vegetables were just some of the delectable items on the menu that evening. A centre circular bar had drinks flowing all night and until the wee hours of the morning. Once guest’s bellies were fed and full, the talented folks of Famous Players band started their first set and the dance floor was full all night. An amazing end to an amazing day, and we were so privileged to have been part of Lia and Paul’s beautiful wedding!

A Classy Cocktail Wedding Celebration for Lia + Paul