The Style Guide
Contents
FASHION
4 CLASSICS REIMAGINED
The latest looks from the bridal collections have a style for every bride
10 HEAD GAMES
Fanciful ways with veils, flowers and headpieces
12 HIS TURN
What’s trending in menswear for the groom
PLANNING
15 MARRIAGE STYLES
How to pair your wedding style to your personality
REAL WEDDINGS
18 BLUE MOVES
A Carribbean-inspired romance
20 A DECADE IN THE MAKING
A 10-year courtship to marital bliss
DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
24 HONEYMOON CAPTURED
Make the most of your postwedding getaway with a professional photographer. Plus, tips to finding the perfect destination wedding photographer
DECOR INSPIRATION
26 COLOUR CUES
Setting the scene with the season’s hottest hues in gorgeous destination wedding locations GUIDE
Vivian Vassos submissions@todaysbride.ca
ART DIRECTOR Cami Macca
AD DESIGNER Zoe Gigis WWW.TODAYSBRIDE.CA
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Shannon Dameron shannon@todaysbride.ca
SALES MANAGER
Jennifer Gigis jen@todaysbride.ca
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS, TRENDS, IDEAS, BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS AND MORE.
Reimagined Classics
Bridal designers are sending out a banquet of wedding gowns, and there’s a style for every bride’s tastes
HOD
The Style Guide | FASHION
NADIA MANJARREZ
HERA COUTURE
VERA WANG
JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE
MIRA ZWILLINGER
Laced
IDAN
Sleek Buns
Florals
DREAMS BY LIHI HOD
SAREH NOURI
SAREH NOURI
IDAN
Head Games
Looking for creative ways with veils, owers and headpieces?
Take a few fun cues from the latest collection from bridal designer Idan.
MEN’S WEDDINGWEAR
HIS TURN
We asked Hozefa Hararwala, Master Clothier and founder of King & Bay in Toronto for his top men’s weddingwear trends.
THE RETURN OF BLACK TIE, DONE PROPERLY
Classic black tie is making a strong comeback, especially in formal Toronto venues like Casa Loma and The Fairmont Royal York
This looks like:
• Proper tuxedos (not just black suits)
• Satin lapels, crisp formal shirts, and patent shoes
• Timeless proportions and clean tailoring
Why it works: Black tie remains the pinnacle of elegance, honouring tradition while ensuring the groom looks impeccable for an evening or formal wedding.
Trend 1 Trend 2
EMBRACE COLOUR: RELAXED, EXPRESSIVE, INTENTIONAL
Canadian grooms are embracing relaxed sophistication for less formal and outdoor weddings. Think destination venues or venues in Niagara-on-the-Lake or Muskoka.
This looks like:
• Softer tailoring and unstructured jackets
• Lighter colour palettes and earth tones
• Open collars or styled-down formality
Why it works: This trend balances comfort and style, allowing grooms to dress appropriately for the environment while reflecting personal taste.
STATEMENT FABRICS
Velvet has emerged as the go-to fabric for grooms looking to make a statement, especially in early spring and fall.
This looks like:
• Dinner jackets in deep forest green, burgundy, midnight navy, or chocolate brown
• Pair with tailored full velvet trousers or wool trousers for balance
• Ideal for indoor/outdoor venues, such as Arlington Estate or Doctor's House
Why it works: Velvet adds depth, texture, and luxury to the wedding garment. It’s ideal for grooms who want to stand out in a sophisticated, seasonally inspired way.
MARRIAGE STYLES
BY THE MARRY MEN WEDDING OFFICIANTS
Your style is your personality in action, and it starts the moment you say, “Hey, we're engaged, and we want you to tell our story!”
And if the woes of wedding planning start to feel like just another “Sign of the Times,” take a deep breath and remember the words of Harry Styles: “Ready, Steady, Go!”
In the world of weddings, “style” is often used interchangeably with "theme,” but the style a couple selects is so much broader. Style is all about aesthetic preferences (classic or bohemian), the formality of the event (black tie or casual), and the emotional tone the couple wants to set. When a couple defines their style early, it becomes much easier to choose everything from the fonts to the flowers and make sure the day feels intentional rather than a mashup of random ideas. When reaching out to your vendors, be sure to tell them about the style you have in mind for your wedding day.
If there’s anyone who knows about style, it’s British pop superstar Harry Styles, so we’ve used some of his songs and lyrics to offer you a few “Stylized” suggestions for your wedding day.
The “Golden” Classic
STEADY AND NOSTALGIC; ELEGANT AND HEARTFELT
This is for the duo that breathes tradition and wants their wedding to feel intentional and reflective of their journey together. Think cathedral veils, string quartets and timeless vows that say, “Just let me adore you like it's the only thing I'll ever do.”
The “Watermelon Sugar” Soirée
LOUD AND COLOURFUL; HIGH ENERGY AND FUN
For couples dreaming of a vacation vibe to their celebration or tying the knot in a tropical destination that “tastes like strawberries on a summer evenin’,” this wedding is upbeat and unconventional with a little “Kiwi” chaos.
The “Satellite” Minimalist
RELAXED AND UNRESTRICTED; LOW-KEY AND INTIMATE
For couples who want to have a day that “feels like us” – no strict traditions, just a great atmosphere and their favourite faces. A sleek city hall elopement or a quiet backyard gathering, they’re not there for the spectacle; they want to enjoy the peace of being newlyweds and whisper, “We don't know where we're going, but we know where we belong.”
Revs. Jason and Michael
The Marry Men Wedding Officiants www.themarrymen.ca @themarrymen
Blue Moves
LYNETTE & RYAN
When a love story begins on a rainy night in the British Virgin Islands, it’s only fitting that the real wedding unfolds like something out of a dream. After nearly two decades together, Lynette and Ryan celebrated their “I dos” surrounded by loved ones from across the Caribbean, the United States and Canada – transforming Ontario’s Links of Kent Golf and Event Centre into a scene of romantic, pastel-hued perfection.
The myriad blues of the Caribbean and the soft pastels that show off so well against the Canadian summer light were a central style focus. “We wanted colours that created a romantic and timeless atmosphere and colours that worked both indoors and out,” said Lynette.
Ryan looked every bit the modern gentleman in a custom three-piece electric blue suit, accented with a bold orange tie that brought a playful pop of personality. The bridal party and close family members all got the assignment: sporting shades of blue, from electric to navy to pale periwinkle, making the look stylishly seamless.
Lynette’s wedding dress, an exquisite off-the-shoulder gown with a scalloped neckline, radiated timeless elegance and gracefully highlighted her figure. The fitted bodice, adorned with intricate beadwork and delicate lace appliqués, shimmered in the light. A sweeping train and sheer veil completed the look. Her bouquet mirrored the romance of the setting: airy, colourful and overflowing with florals that felt freshly gathered from a fairytale. The atmosphere of the day was pure magic – a blend of Caribbean energy and refined Canadian charm.
Photography: Melissa Doyle, Casting Memories
Venue & Catering: Links of Kent Golf and Event Centre
Planner: Anthony Clarke & Jehree Clarke
Florals & Décor: To Suit Your Fancy
Dress: La Premiere Couture
from Bridal XOXO, Las Vegas
Suit: Suitsupply Miami
DJ: DJ Dre (Andre Gaymes, BVI)
Hotel: Retro Suites, Chatham-Kent
Rings: House of Luxury BVI
A Decade in the Making
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it. Back in 2015, 18-year-old Sabrina arrived for her first day of work at Copper Creek Golf Club, not looking for romance. But when 21-year-old Nick, assigned to train her, walked in, sparks flew instantly. A shared love of classic cars, a thrill for speed and the surprising discovery that they lived just four doors apart sealed their fate. Ten years later, their journey came full circle as they celebrated their June 2025 wedding in Elora, Ont., surrounded by family and friends who had watched their story unfold from the very beginning.
Photography: The Eastcore Photojournalists | Venues: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa and Cedarcliff Elora | Bridal dress: MoB & MoG Gowns, Mona Richie
Boutique | Hair and makeup: Bianca Minghella Beauty | Suits: Calabretta | Bridal party dresses: Park & Fifth Co. | Décor, rentals and flowers: Suzart
Décor Stationery: RK Designs | Wedding bands: Bandiera Jewellers
Musicians: Edi Shimonov Music (saxophonist); G Pinto (violinist) | Gelato and affogato cart: Love Gelato
JUST US TWO Before the ceremony, Nick and Sabrina shared 20 quiet minutes together, holding hands, laughing and soaking in the moment. “We kept pinching ourselves that this was finally happening,” they said. During the ceremony, they read the vows they had written for each other, describing it as a raw and beautiful moment that left them equally moved.
THE DRESS Sabrina chose the Demeter gown in full ivory from the Élysée Atelier collection at Mona Richie Boutique. “Once I had it on, I did not want to take it off,” she said. The fully beaded Chantilly lace mermaid gown, complete with a high slit, exposed boning and a sweeping train, was the vintage-glam dress of her dreams.
THE PERFECT PLACE
For Nick and Sabrina, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa was an easy choice – the couple often rode their motorcycles to Elora for lunch, making the town already meaningful. “When we toured the ceremony, reception and rooftop spaces, we were blown away. It was by far the most gorgeous wedding venue we had ever seen.”
The wedding of your dreams is here, and it’s on us. Get the best value in the Caribbean at Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, where your whole wedding is already part of the package. Yes, really.
With over 40 years of experience crafting fairytale weddings across the islands, we have everything you need to create a ceremony that’s all you. Just book 7 or more nights in a Club or Butler Suite — we’ll handle the rest.
So, what exactly does the best value in the Caribbean entail? From the moment you book, you’re paired with a dedicated wedding planning team. They coordinate every element before you arrive and keep things running smoothly during your stay. That way, you get to spend your time focusing on what really matters: making lasting memories with the people you love most, without a worry on your mind.
And those memories only get better when they’re set against the most breathtaking backdrops in the Caribbean — like golden sunsets across Jamaica, the soaring Pitons of Saint Lucia, or crystal clear turquoise waters in Turks and Caicos.
Every island has its own unique charm, and it’s up to you to decide where your new chapter begins. Whether it’s a private villa floating above the sea or an oceanview swim-up suite made for romance, each
Your Wedding On Us
space is designed for unforgettable moments. There’s also an impressive variety of ceremony venues, including overwater chapels, beachfront aisles, garden gazebos, and traditional chapels. These are all fully customizable, with the Caribbean’s vibrant beauty setting a naturally stunning foundation, so decor can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. Special touches like a steel drum band, fire dancers lighting up the dance floor, or engraved coconuts for your guests can also add a local layer of authenticity to your celebration.
Even the experiences you get on the island are tailored to individual tastes. Choose from globalinspired dining options for every craving, an array of delicious handcrafted cocktails, and unlimited activities around each resort — all included, so you and your guests can simply enjoy living in the moment together.
Here, the celebration doesn’t end after the “I do’s.” Once the vows are exchanged and the last dance winds down, you’re already in the best place to kick off the honeymoon of a lifetime — now, just the two of you. Try island-hopping or exploring the nearby Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Each destination offers something new to fall in love with. Want to make sure your chosen island is ‘the one’? We do too. Enjoy a test drive of your wedding with exclusive preview rates starting from $275 per night.
To book your wedding or honeymoon, call 1.877.SANDALS, visit Sandals.com, or call your Travel Advisor.
Picture your wedding in the Caribbean. The best part? Maybe it’s the ease of having every detail handled by our expert wedding concierge team. Or maybe… it’s this: when you book 7 or more nights in a Club or Butler Suite, your wedding is on us. Call it our gift to you.
HONEYMOON, CAPTURED
love you
Make the most of your post-wedding getaway with a professional photographer by your side
Nothing compares to a professional photographer’s trained eye and expertise. That’s why more couples are booking honeymoon photographers to capture stunning images of one of life’s most memorable milestones. With breathtaking photos of you hand-in-hand in Jamaica or watching the sunset in Greece, hiring a professional might just be the best decision you make as newlyweds.
honeymoon
What do they actually do?
Most honeymoon photographers don’t literally follow you around while you explore. Instead, they plan one or two dedicated photo sessions that fit naturally into your trip. They’ll scout locations for the best photo opportunities – think cobblestone streets, a white-sand beach or a quaint outdoor café –and guide poses while considering lighting and composition to capture both your newlywed glow and the beauty of your surroundings. Some photographers offer a more documentary-style experience, spending a full or half-day with you to capture candid moments, like exploring a local market, sailing on a catamaran or enjoying dinner on a rooftop patio. Though more expensive, this immersive approach produces a wider variety of natural, spontaneous shots. to capture candid moments, like exploring a local market, sailing on a catamaran or enjoying dinner on a rooftop patio. Though more expensive, this immersive approach produces a wider variety of natural, spontaneous shots.
What’s typically included?
Honeymoon photography packages usually include a photo shoot lasting one to four hours, resulting in roughly 50 or more high-resolution images. Photographers often handle logistics like permits and local travel costs if they’re based in your destination. If you’re bringing your own photographer, expect to cover flights, accommodation and meals. Optional add-ons may include drone or aerial photography, video highlights or reels, printed albums and extra hours or sessions.
Regardless, be sure to confirm what’s included – the number of hours they’ll be shooting, how many photos you’ll get and whether travel time and costs and entrance fees are extra. Inquire about their shooting style (timeless, editorial or candid?), whether they’ve shot at your destination before and if they have experience capturing honeymoons. View their portfolio ahead of time and ask about turnaround time for your images, including whether ‘sneak peeks’ are provided.
Hacks to remember
If you’ve booked a shoot, plan it early in the trip before tan lines and travel fatigue set in. Choose outfits that coordinate and suit your surroundings (think flowy dresses, easy linens or bare feet on the sand). Take potential logistics into account, including travel time and any permits or entrance fees for landmarks. And above all, keep it fun and relaxed.
TWO TIPS FOR FINDING THE PERFECT DESTINATION WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHER
1
2
Local talent vs. flying in your favourite
One of the first things to consider is whether to hire someone based in the destination or bring a photographer from home. A local destination wedding photographer often offers deep familiarity with the region. They know hidden portrait spots beyond the obvious landmarks. They understand cultural nuances and seasonal weather patterns. There’s comfort in that built-in expertise. On the other hand, if you already adore a photographer’s work and can’t imagine anyone else documenting your day, ask if they travel. Many do – and they love it. Yes, you’ll typically cover flights, accommodation and sometimes meals, but the benefit is consistency. You’re investing in someone whose style and energy already feel aligned with your vision.
Social media is a highlight reel – dig deeper
Instagram can make anyone look like a globe-trotting genius. Golden sunsets, flowing veils, Champagne sprays at sunset. It’s all gorgeous – and curated. When narrowing down a destination photographer, always request to see full wedding galleries – not just 10 perfect images. How do they handle midday light? What do wedding reception photos look like once the sun disappears? Do family portraits feel natural or stiff ? A complete gallery reveals consistency, and consistency is what you’re truly hiring.
Peach and Coral
Softer, yet no less sophisticated, peach and coral tones are quietly becoming one of the most loved wedding colour trends. Take buttery peach and soft corals layered with purply blue orchids. There’s warmth, there’s calm and there’s just enough colour variation to keep everything visually interesting.
Colour Cues
What’s trending in decor? Bold palettes, soft romance and everything in between.
Colour isn’t just a detail – it’s the energy of the entire day. It sets the tone before a single word is spoken, before the first glass of champagne is poured. And the direction? It’s layered. Playful. A little rebellious. There’s room for bold statements and whisper-soft palettes, often within the same celebration. We asked the wedding-planning experts at Sandals Resorts (sandals.com) to share some of their favourite destination wedding setting photos to help us illustrate how you too can get inspired.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
On
beach in Jamaica
Hot Pink
It’s bold, it’s unapologetically cheerful and it brings an instant energy that’s hard to ignore. Some might hesitate at first, but once it’s woven into a wedding setting, it just works. Pair it with citrus tones like tangerine and golden yellow, and the entire palette starts to feel sun-drenched and alive.
Grown Up Pastels
Pastels are having a bit of a glow-up. Instead of overly sweet combinations, lean into pastels with depth. Picture a ceremony arch layered with airy florals in barely-there tones, moving from pale pinks at the base to creamy whites at the top. Or reception tables where each place setting carries a slightly different hue, blending together like a watercolour painting.
Blissful beach wedding inspiration
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Love
Plan the Wedding of your Dreams
Whether it’s sleek sophistication, quiet elegance or an unexpected touch of adventure, Niagara Parks Weddings has the perfect answer. Exchange your vows in a garden so magnificent it will take your breath away, then celebrate your love at a reception venue like no place on Earth.
Trust our experienced event specialists to help you create memories for a lifetime at one of our spectacular venues. From showers and engagement parties to weddings and anniversary events, look to us to help bring your dream to life.
Along our 56 kilometres, Niagara Parks offers nine picturesque ceremony locations and four stunning reception venues.
