Date

June 25, 2013

In celebration of WorldPride, 14 LGBTQ couples, their families and guests, gathered at Toronto Botanical Garden to tie the knot in a joyous group wedding.

Rainbow-hued decor filled the the botanical garden's gorgeous new ceremony space, The Perennial Border, creating the ideal setting for the LGBTQ lovebirds to recite their vows.

Individual wedding ceremonies were officiated by Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes, a senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (a church that was instrumental in changing the law on same-sex marriage). Each couple's love story was read aloud as they signed their wedding registries.

A South Beach style outdoor reception, where celebrants were treated to Pride-inspired mocktails, appetizers, craft beer, rainbow cupcakes and dancing, followed the "I dos".

"We have received a number of thank you notes already from our married couples for making their dreams come true," says Jenny Rhodenizer, director of marketing and communications at Toronto Botanical Garden. "Overall, it was a big, fab success."

Photography courtesy of Kate Hood Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Toronto Botanical Garden
Ceremony flowers: Opening Night Flowers By Nicholas Smith, Hofland
Audio visual: Quest Audio Visual
Second shooters: Liz Lott Photography, Sweetest Photo
Videography:Mark Disero
Wedding planner: Christine March from Imprint Wedding Design & Coordination
Social media concierge: Madison Elliot
Caterer: A La Carte Kitchen, Eatertainment, Enville Event Design & Catering
Event team: Toronto Botanical Garden Staff
Staffing: Staff Your Event
Officiant: Reverent Dr. Brent Hawkes, Metropolitan Church of Toronto
Entertainment: Harpist Hope Wilks, DJ Szczebiot
Rentals: Chair-Man Mills
Furniture: Divine Furniture Rentals
Bouquets and boutonnieres: Eco | Stems, Sweetpea's
Reception flowers: Berries & Blooms