Modern Black and White Wedding at Elora Mill | Courtney & Riaz
What do you get when you combine a luxury wedding venue tucked in a storybook town just outside the Greater Toronto Area with a vision for an intimate affair wrapped in a contemporary black-and-white colour palette?
Pure wedding magic!
Courtney and Riaz’s wedding at Elora Mill was one for the books, and I’m so glad I could help make it happen as their floral designer.
This couple’s story began in 2011 when they met at Riaz’s 21st birthday party. A mutual friend invited Courtney to the party at the last minute, and she accepted. From the moment she met Riaz, she sensed a special connection between them, and it wasn’t long before the pair was inseparable.
Fast forward over a decade later, and the two said “I do” in front of all their family and friends! As Courtney puts it, “Life takes you exactly where you need to be at the right moment, and I’m so glad I went to ‘that guy’s’ 21st birthday party 13 years ago.”
A Meaningful, Traditional-Meets-Modern Ceremony
Courtney and Riaz’s Muslim wedding ceremony, or Nikah, honoured Riaz’s cultural and religious heritage while incorporating modern elements. An imam who was open to the couple making the ceremony their own acted as their officiant, which was very important to them. For example, the couple personalized the proceedings by having a wedding party, which is not traditionally done at a Nikah. Their attendants wore modern suits and dresses, but the men wore kufi caps, and the women wore hijabs to show respect during the sacred ceremony.
The ceremony also featured a sweet surprise from the couple’s eight-year-old niece, Maarya. She sang “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the time she was finished. The couple still reflects on it as one of their favourite moments from the day!
Wintry White Wedding at Elora Mill
With all my couples, I pride myself on forging a genuine connection. We keep in touch via email or text and communicate about all design decisions, including layout options, linens, and tableware.
In the lead-up to Courtney and Riaz’s wedding, we communicated frequently to hone in on their vision and ensure I understood it perfectly. They wanted their tables to look lush without looking cluttered. So, I suggested alternating between two designs and repurposing their ceremony florals on their sweetheart table.
The couple envisioned a black and white wedding that would pay homage to the winter season. Since their wedding date was at the peak of the coldest month of the year, they wanted to bring the outside in, but in a way that would feel cozy, intimate, and luxurious.
Working with the couple’s planner, The Event Design Co., we accomplished this with an abundance of candles set among the full white centrepieces, with black table runners and glass bud vases to complete the sophisticated and modern design.
Baby’s breath runners adorned half the guest tables, while the sweetheart table featured two freestanding floral towers repurposed from the ceremony space.
Everything coordinated perfectly, even with the couple’s engagement photos, which showcased them in custom black and white sweatsuits and matching high tops!
I’m honoured I could participate in Courtney and Riaz’s wedding at Elora Mill as their floral designer.
Ultimately, their trust in me and my team allowed us to bring everything together to create their vision, which turned out even more beautiful than we imagined! If you love wild and whimsical florals and resonate with my designs, I would love to connect with you.
Inquire today with your event details to snag a coveted spot on our 2025 calendar!
Vendors:
Venue: Elora Mill
Planning and Design: The Event Design Co.
Officiant: Imam Abu Noman Tarek
Bridal Salon: Toujours Bridal
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Twain Designs
Hair and Makeup: Hair and Makeup by Amanda
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azazie
Menswear: Gents Custom Wear
Floral Design: Wild Vogel Works
Music: 586 Event Group
Photo Booth and Audio Guestbook: PhotoboothTO
Photographer: Jeff Shuh