About the Couple
Bride: Jacquelyn Francis
Groom: Peter Dowhaniuk
Occupations: Jacquelyn is the executive editor at FASHION magazine, and Peter is an instructional designer.
How they met: At a bar.
Fave date: Their first camping trip up north.
What attracted her to him: His eyes.
What attracted him to her: Her eyes.
Engagement story: Peter proposed at an atmospheric Spanish-style hotel bar in the city’s west end. The place is like something out of a David Lynch film. The hotel has seen better days, but is filled with history, and the view of the Toronto skyline is spectacular. A very Peter proposal.
The Wedding Day
Wedding date: July 21, 2007
Guests: 120
Motif: Garden party
His best moment: “The first time I saw her that day, when she came out of the house and everyone applauded.”
What they would do differently: “I would have made sure the best men told the in-laws to sit in the front row,” Peter reflects. “For some reason they stood at the back during the ceremony. It’s weird how little things you assume will happen slip through the cracks”.
Advice to others: “Get three quotes before you go with any one vendor,” Jacquelyn says. “And if you ever feel any type of pressure to make a decision, walk way. Try wherever possible to surround yourself with vendors you like. Remember, it’s just one day of your life. It’s just a party. Don’t go crazy with the details and don’t suffer fools if you don’t have to.”
Most unexpected moment: “When the cake came out and people circled it as if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had just arrived,” Peter laughs.
Fave wedding detail: “Definitely the food and the caterers,” Jacquelyn says. “The head chef was all class in his bright whites and chef’s hat, and his team was polite and efficient. Having fine Indian cuisine served under a tent in a garden party atmosphere gave the day a unique spin.”
What made her day: “It’s a cliché, but the weather. It was warm and breezy, and there was no humidity. If you’re having a garden wedding in the summer, this is precisely the kind of weather you want.”
Honeymoon: Panama
The day in three words: Sunny, breezy and smiley.
Vendors
Ceremony location: Parents’ backyard
Reception location: Parents’ backyard
Bridal gown: custom-made by Aurelia Designs
Bridal party attire: custom-made by Aurelia Designs
Cake: Dessert Trends (desserttrends.ca)
Caterer: Cuisine of India, Toronto, 416-229-0377
Favours: Mirage Paper Co. (miragepaperco.com)
Flowers: Eco Flora (ecoflora.ca)
Groom’s tux: Tiger of Sweden, available at Boomer Toronto, 416-598-0013
Hair and makeup: Min Min Ma (plutinogroup.com)
Invitations: Carte Blanche Design (carteblanchedesign.com)
Music: DJ Sex Helmet, Toronto
Photographer:Andreas Avdoulos (andreasphoto.ca)
Registry: Susan Ko, Toronto
Rentals: Alamo Party Rentals (alamopartyrentals.com)
Tent: ASAP Tent and Party Rentals (asaprental.com)
Washrooms: It’s My Potty (itsmypotty.com)
Wedding planners: Susan Légére (momentsthatshine.com)
