“We thought November would be the perfect month because it would tie in with our autumn vintage theme. Plus, it was almost exactly a year to the day that Rich proposed,” says Weddingbells‘ associate editor Nicole Keen.

“Initially, we wanted to have the wedding ceremony and reception in one place. However, after having lunch at Bodega, a potential venue at the time, we decided to walk around the area, and we discovered George Brown House. Rich and I both love history, and we were immediately drawn to the old architecture of the site. Eventually, we chose the house as our ceremony spot followed by dinner at Bodega.” explains Nicole.

“Everyone knows I love pops of colour, but I also love vintage things,” says Nicole. “As a nod to our theme, we incorporated mismatched teacups (which belonged to both of our grandmothers) for afternoon tea, old silver vessels that I collected for our centrepieces, and retro Harlequin romance books that doubled as table numbers. For my attire, I wore bright yellow shoes from BHLDN—coincidentally I had posted a photo of these shoes on Tumblr long before Rich and I became engaged.”

“I guess I always knew I would wear a short wedding dress,” says Nicole. “I did try some traditional long gowns, but the first short dress I tried on was perfect—and it showed my shoes.”

“At the end of dinner, the staff at the restaurant cleared some tables away to create a mini dance floor for us,” Nicole explains. “Rich and I didn’t open up the floor with a first dance, but at one point in the evening we did slow dance to “Time After Time.” It was such a sweet moment to see others happily dancing beside us, and it was great to dance with my husband.”

Nicole Keen and Richard Spavin, November 30, 2012, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Boyfriend/Girlfriend Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: George Brown House
Reception location: Bodega Restaurant
Bridal gown: Cabaret Vintage
Bridal party attire: Dorothy Perkins at The Bay
Groom’s tux: Ben Sherman
Caterer: Bodega Restaurant
Favours: Mini pies by Truffle Toronto, boxes from Weddingstar
Music: The Margaritas during the ceremony and a personalized iPod playlist made by the best man during dinner and dancing
Hair and makeup: Michelle Rosen from Judy Inc.
Flowers: Pistil Flowers
Stationery: Custom designed by Jennifer Haskett
Bride’s necklace: J. Crew
Bride’s clutch: Jeanne Lottie
Bride’s shoes: Something Bleu from BHLDN
Bride’s veil: Fox and Hare Design
Officiant: Wayne Prevett

View more photos of this classic vintage wedding below.