5 Duke of Cornwall Dr. Markham ON [email protected]

Erin Leydon and Mitch Syer have a very modern love story. In 2015, the Toronto photographers started following each other on Instagram. Then, on Erin’s birthday, Mitch sent her a celebratory DM. Friendly chit-chat ensued, followed by a number exchange, and Erin invited Mitch to a photography show. “That was our first in-person meeting,” says Erin. “After a spontaneous rendezvous in Sauble Beach, we started hanging out more often. We’ve been together ever since. Our relationship has always been very organic.”

Erin and Mitch had an intimate “first look” shoot at the Fairmont Royal York, with photos taken by their good friend Daniel Neuhaus. Photo: Daniel Neuhaus

By 2020, Mitch was ready to propose. After a plan to pop the question in Palm Springs fell through, he came up with a brilliant new idea. That pandemic summer was quiet and creative—with work slowing down, Erin and Mitch were having fun taking photos of each other. One July evening, Mitch suggested that they wake up early the next day to catch the sunrise and snap some portraits.

Erin remembers it well. “We dressed up and headed to High Park, but Mitch was struggling to find the best moment, so he suggested that we drive to Cherry Beach,” she recalls. “It was so busy with dog walkers, but we managed to find a quieter spot by the water. Mitch suggested that I start taking his picture. As I focused my eyes through the lens, he raised his hands up, holding a ring box in front of his face. Somehow, in that moment I shot a single photo of him and immediately started saying ‘What?! What?!’” She laughs. “And then of course I said, ‘Yes!’”

“Our florist, Rosalie, did a deep dive into both our Instagrams to see what we gravitated toward,” says Erin. “She absolutely killed it!” Photography: Joel & Justyna

Erin and Mitch spent that summer and fall luxuriating in their engagement. (A newly stacked calendar of micro-wedding bookings also kept them busy at work). In early 2021, they started planning and discovered they had the same vision for their wedding: They wanted an elegant, intimate celebration that felt like them—nothing too expected or too over the top. For help, they enlisted über planner Lexi Haslam from Lexington & Co. Events. “We kept the theme super simple and easy—it was totally a reflection of our personal styles,” says Erin. “We wore black and white exclusively, but the rest of our day was full of vibrant colour. Our incredible florist, Rosalie [Villanueva], really brought that element.”

Left: Erin’s dad, Alph Leydon, played a special role in Erin’s wedding: He even styled her on the big day. Right: Erin changed into a dramatic vintage Missoni dress from Shrimpton Couture for her evening reception. Photography: Joel & Justyna

Erin’s dad, photographer and event designer Alph Leydon, also played a big role in the couple’s day. “He has a great eye, so it was important to me that he and my mom gave us the thumbs-up on all decisions,” says Erin. “He helped plan both of my sisters’ weddings, too!” Alph actually found Erin’s wedding dress and attended every fitting with her.

And speaking of the dress: Erin chose a sparkly, fit-and-flare illusion dress from Pronovias, which she paired with a veil from Laura Jayne Accessories and crystal cluster earrings by Keren Wolf, all from White Toronto. Mitch wore a custom-made tuxedo from Garrison Bespoke.

The couple chose husband-and-wife photographer Joel and Justyna Bedford to capture their photos. “It was a little different to be on the other side of the lens on a wedding day, but Joel and Justyna made it so comfortable for us.” Photography: Joel & Justyna

The big day arrived on December 11, 2021. That morning, Erin and Mitch got ready in separate rooms at the historic Fairmont Royal York. They saw each other for the first time at their “first look” photo session at the hotel. “It was definitely more emotional than we expected it to be,” says Erin, with a smile. “My dress was a total surprise for Mitch, so it was exciting for both of us.” After experiencing it, Erin recommends having a formal moment for the couple to see each other before the hoopla officially kicks off: “It was wonderful to have that time together.”

“The champagne tower was a non-negotiable detail for us,” says Erin. “From the moment we popped the bottles and started to pour, our party was full of cheer. It was the perfect kick-off to the night.” Photography: Joel & Justyna

The couple’s evening ceremony and reception was held at Bymark Toronto, a modern space they infused with warmth via hundreds of glowing candles and an earthy colour palette of deep red, plum, dusty pink and muted green tones. Post “I dos,” the couple and their guests toasted their newlywed status with bubbly served via a retro-fabulous champagne tower. “The tower was a non-negotiable detail for us,” says Erin. “From the moment we popped the bottles and started to pour, our party was full of cheers, laughing and smiling from everyone around us. It was the perfect kick-off to a night that was full of unscripted table sing-alongs throughout dinner.”

“We sent our cake artist, Shannon, a photo of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s wedding cake as a reference,” says Erin. “We love what she created!”

The party ramped up another notch with a cocktail lounge and dance floor, installed where their wedding ceremony took place. “Everybody let loose, danced and socialized,” says Erin. “New friendships were made that night between many of our guests. It brought us so much joy to see everyone we love having a blast together.”

Their epic wedding day was a beautiful chapter in the couple’s love story, one that they say is built on openness, communication and always being in sync with one another. “Erin is my best friend in every sense of the word,” says Mitch. “We fully understand what each of us needs from one another, and the sense of humour we share is something I’ll never tire of. We’re looking forward to our next set of adventures together.”

 

Steal Erin’s modern glam bridal look

Put a twist on tradition with pieces that seamlessly merge classic and cool.

Retrofête dress, $687, netaporter.com. Photo: Retrofête

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The sweet and sparkly mini dress is shaking up bridal wear as one of this year’s biggest trends.

 

Jennifer Behr earrings, $340. jenniferbehr.com. Photo: Jennifer Behr 

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Organic shapes are all the rage. These simple yet impactful earrings bring extra twinkle to the party.

 

Bella Belle shoes, $613, bellabelle.com. Photo: Bella Belle

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So charming! These pearlcore kitten-heel slingbacks have beautiful T-strap embellishments and bows.

Tiffany & Co. ring, $7,700, tiffanyandco.ca. Photo: Tiffany & Co.

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Exquisite in its simplicity, a diamond eternity band is a beloved wedding ring choice for a reason.

 

Le Labo fragrance, $340 (100 ml), lelabofragrances.com. Photo: Le Labo

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This juice (which was Erin’s wedding fragrance of choice) from the cult olfactory brand includes jasmine, moss and synthetic musk.

 

Erin and Mitch’s wedding directory

Wedding dress: Pronovias from White Toronto
Veil: Laura Jayne Accessories from White Toronto
Earrings: Keren Wolf from White Toronto
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Reception dress: Missoni vintage from Shrimpton Couture
Hair: Helen Kenny
Makeup: Romy Zak
Groom’s tuxedo: Garrison Bespoke
Flowers:  Rosalie Villanueva, RZY Flowers
Cake: Kwento
Stationery: Statue Rue
Photography: Joel & Justyna
Wedding venue: Bymark Toronto
Wedding planner: Lexi Haslam, Lexington & Co. Events

 

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