A Groovy and Grounded Wedding in Toronto, Ontario

Madison Sain-Miller and Jonathan Miller didn’t talk much when they were in the same business class at Western University, but the attraction was certainly there. “I thought he was really good looking and smart, while Jonathan later told me he referred to me as the ‘hot girl at the back of the class,’” Madison explains. So, when they ran into each other at a bar in 2016, they reintroduced themselves. The rest is history.

Four years later, Jonathan got down on one knee and asked the girl at the back of the class to be his wife on a hike in Ontario. Madison and Jonathan love to spend time in the great outdoors, so it was important that Mother Nature was present during their September 10, 2021 nuptials. The couple ultimately selected Evergreen Brick Works in Ontario for the venue—and gave the space a fun, personalized twist.

“We did not hold back with any of our ideas which gave us so much inspiration to play with,” the bride shares. “We wanted to create a moment for ourselves and our guests that would be unforgettable.”

With a cherry color palette, an urban jungle venue, and one dress that takes flower power to a whole new level, the day was special in every way. Read on for an intimate look at the special day, as planned  by Shealyn Angus Weddings & Events and photographed by Scarlet O’Neill.

“I love the ‘70s: the colors, patterns, prints, textiles, art, music, fashion,” Madison shares. “Everywhere we have lived, I always try to inject a little Studio 54 décor.” The couple got the festivities started on a groovy note with these sunset-toned invitations, courtesy of Paper and Poste.

The groom dressed to the nines in a suit from Garrison Bespoke and cufflinks from his grandfather. His groomsmen sported their own tuxedos. 

“I definitely wanted to make a statement, not in a wild way,” Madison shares of her wedding day beauty. “I wanted to look like myself but just the hottest, fairy-queen version of myself.” The bride tapped  Danielle Boulet to create a timeless bun and Taylor Downes for a dewy makeup look, complete with crystals around the eyes. 

As for the outfit? The bride traded in the typical white dress for a printed gown by Monique Lhuillier, complete with billowing fabric and poofy sleeves. “I knew it was the one when I really felt myself in the dress, plus it was really comfortable, [which was a] huge win. My mum and sister are very stylish, so they reinforced that ‘this is the one’ feeling because seeing their reaction solidified my feelings.”

Rounding out the look was a short veil from Laura Jane, the bride’s personal jewelry, and Gucci shoes that reminded Madison of Elton John.

It was important for Madison that her wedding party felt like their best selves all day long. So, she collaborated with each person to find an outfit that would speak to their personal styles. “I was never a believer in picking one or two dresses and asking them to wear it,” she shares. “I wanted them to all choose silhouettes and fabric that suit their body and that they’re comfortable in.” With a mix of shapes and shades, the wedding party takes on the life of a fashion show.

“We both had an idea of what the first look would be like,” Madison shares. “However, after being separated since the previous night, the build-up and anticipation of the day, it was such a special and emotional moment to see each other for the first time surrounded by our wedding party.”

For the couple, what made the day really special was having their inner circle close by. “We love our family, we love our friends, and we love to party,” Madison and Jonathan explain. “We always try to make experiences special for people, even if it’s just having people over for dinner. The wedding day was the perfect reflection of that and truly felt like a one of a kind experience.”

Initially, the couple considered having a destination wedding; however, the ever-changing COVID restrictions made it difficult to facilitate. Instead, they gave their Canadian celebration an otherworldly flair. “We wanted the wedding day to feel like you were stepping out of reality and entering a totally different world and of course coupled with the ultimate party,” the bride shares. Fortunately, the lush backdrop ticked off all of the boxes and then some.

“We chose the Evergreen Brick Works for the wedding because it was the perfect combination of nature while providing an urban feel,” the couple adds.

Local florist Blush and Bloom transformed the ceremony area into a lush wonderland. Three massive gold chrome walls backdropped a chuppah filled with fresh hydrangea, dahlias, and roses.

Meanwhile, gold ghost chairs lined the custom designed printed runner and blooms and grasses were planted in between the rows of chairs to appear as if they simply grew straight out of the concrete.

The bride glided down the aisle to a specially curated soundtrack with her father in tow. And, per Jewish tradition, Jonthan was escorted by his parents. 

“This was the most important part of the whole day for us, saying our ‘love speeches’ to each other during our ceremony,” the groom explains. “In our opinion, this was the best part of the whole day! There were no special quotes or readings, but we each told our own versions of our love story to one another through the years and essentially just complimented each other. It was beautiful. We reread our vows to each other on our honeymoon and that was even more special somehow.”

The happy couple recessed down the aisle to a specially curated soundtrack that represents their relationship. “This was one of our favorite planning moments, choosing our ceremony songs,” Madison shares. “We both love music and were so excited to narrate the ceremony with our favorite songs that mean the most to our relationship.

The cocktail hour was decked out with paisley floral bornes, custom-made orange coral velvet sofas, and curved seating charts. Another “wow” moment?  The bride had four pieces of art commissioned to hang above the bar, and florals were designed to dot each table surface and literally sprawl across and down the bars.

What better way to kick off cocktail hour than with some tasty beverages? The day featured two signature drinks: a spicy margarita for Madison and a Woodford Old Fashioned for Jonathan.

The couple tapped Toronto-based caterer The Food Dudes to concoct a decadent menu. A chopped salad was served as the first course, followed by a choice of beef or fish for entrees and a chocolate raspberry dessert.

Wedding planner and designer Shealyn Angus Weddings & Events leaned into Madison’s groovy aesthetic for the reception. Here, a floral installation and mod chandeliers hung over the printed dance floor, encouraging the couple’s 120 guests to cut a rug in style.

The couple selected Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” for their first dance.

SolePower kept the party going with a lively setlist. “After a year-and-a-half of no dancing, we all danced the whole night and into the wee hours of the morning to the best music and it felt just like old times,” the couple shares. “We’re honestly so grateful for this bit because it was the biggest unknown.”

For Madison and Jonathan, the key to a great wedding is to prioritize the couple’s love. “At the end of the day it’s about the two of you getting married surrounded by those who are closest to you,” they say. “Everything else is a plus, so don’t sweat the small stuff, You won’t have the time on the day to even notice!”