Freezing rain and icy roads didn’t stop engaged couples from attending this year’s Old Mill Toronto wedding open house! Situated by the Humber River, the historic property lays nestled in dense natural surroundings – a true rarity in Toronto. With 15 preferred vendors on hand, there was plenty swoon-worthy wedding inspiration at every turn. Luckily, talented duo Diego and Liza were on-site to capture all the fabulous details.
For more than 100 years, couples have been falling in love at this gorgeous and historically significant venue, and it’s easy to see why – with multiple event spaces, an on-site chapel, and a beautiful outdoor garden, Old Mill has the versatility to host intimate affairs of 10 people, to large-scale events suitable for up to 450.
With its recent renovations, and more to come, the venue’s new management are committed to enhancing Old Mill by adding modern touches while still maintaining its Old World elegance.
Starting off our tour, the Chapel, located on the third floor, recently underwent renovations, and boy, does it look great! The enormous chandelier hanging above the center of the aisle really adds a glamorous touch for any wedding ceremony. Old Mill is the only venue in the city with real candles in their candelabra’s, which add to that genuine, warm, romantic glow prevalent throughout its space. The vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows are the perfect touch to add that perfect touch of intimacy to your ceremony. The florals in the Chapel were provided by their in-house flower shop.
In Guildhall, Chair Decor provides tons of wedding inspiration with many different styles of tablescapes to check out. Texture is at the forefront of design in this room, with the use of velvet, sequin, and embroidered linens, as well as stunning large-scale florals. Velvet linens are all the rage for 2019 – the navy ones in this room add a really rich look to the tables. The stunning head table features a floral arch backdrop, rustic wood table, geometric candle holders, and a decadent cake made by Patricia's Cake Creations.
My personal favourite is the navy, white and gold tablescape – the hanging orchids and wisteria really adds a fun, whimsical touch. The in-house pianist, Paolo Busato, filled the room with beautiful sounds and melodies from his live piano playing.
The Balmoral Room is the epitome of elegance with its coffered ceiling gilded in gold. Old Mill Toronto Flower Shop, the in-house florist, provides florals and greenery hanging from the chandeliers.
The Westminster Room is pretty in pink, with beautiful beaded charger plates, gold cutlery, candelabras and large cherry blossom trees from matilyn. Chair Decor provides the blush chairs, and Old Mill Toronto Flower Shop provides the table arrangements. This room is perfect for a more intimate wedding or large social event, and offers many design opportunities. Long rectangular tables fill the space nicely, however, round tables work well in this space too. The large, working fireplace lend that added touch of warmth for winter weddings, while LED candles could be used for a romantic glow for summer events.
Our last stop on the third floor was the Royal Oak room, with its looks fit for a King! Matilyn provides some regal decor and Harry Potter inspiration here!
Moving along to the first floor in the Brûlé Room, Higgins Event Rentals gives us four distinct tablescape looks. With the help of Leavenworth Floral and Oleander Floral Design, these tablescapes really came to life. The first is a modern black and white look. The layering of black and white in the place settings along with the unique glassware really shows off a modern vibe. I just love the clocks at each place setting – what a cute idea!
The next table setting uses a heavy satin champagne linen with matching napkins, and gold accents. I loved the clear ghost chair that added a modern twist to an otherwise very elegant table.
The third table setting is a classic option with silver chiavari chairs, white and silver plates and cutlery. Some blue mixed into the florals added colour to this tablescape.
The fourth table setting opts for a rustic look – using a wood harvest table and chairs, green table runner, and a mixture of charger plates to show different options. The sprig of greenery on each plate added an organic touch.
In the center of the room lays an impressive array of food provided by the in-house catering team. Staff members passed canapes including Spanakopita, Polenta with grilled vegetables, and my personal favourite – the mini Chicken Wellingtons! The chicken was tender and delicious. Yum! Guests also enjoyed multiple wine stations for a truly indulgent evening.
And of course, delicious desserts were served. There was also a sample of the new High Tea offering – delicious finger sandwiches, pastries and more dessert! This was all provided by the in-house catering and pastry team. Exciting news for 2019 – Old Mill is now making wedding cakes as well!
Guests had the opportunity to chat with and learn more about a wide range of wedding professionals like Photographic Memories, MacMillan Entertainment Group, Glam Galz, Maximum Music, Nth Degree Entertainment Group, AV-Canada and even had a chance to try wines from Côte des Rosés by Gérard Bertrand and Peller Estates.
My friends at Patricia’s Cake Creations showcased their gorgeous cakes, and provided cake samples as well. I am guilty of having more than one sample – they were delicious!
No event is complete without a photobooth! Provided by The Photo & Co, it was a huge hit with attendees!
Old Mill hosts yet another wonderful open house full of delicious food, wine and entertainment. A big thank you to all the vendors who made it such an amazing event and a big thank you to Old Mill for inviting us down for the ride!
