Salem & Ryan | Fairmont Royal York wedding | Toronto, ontario

Salem & Ryan were married at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. Photographing this timeless, romantic wedding will forever have a place in my heart. I’ve had the pleasure of building a great friendship with this couple & even got to go to Mexico with a ton of people in the wedding party. These are more than just photography clients; they’ve become lifelong friends. Salem & Ryan answered some questions about their day – as you read through, you’ll get an inside look at their view of their timeless wedding!

Getting Ready/Wedding Preparations:

Salem & Ryan got ready separately with their immediate families and friends. Ryan enjoyed drinks with the boys, and his mom came to help with final touches. Salem’s mom helped her get ready before having a reveal with her girlfriends. Their excitement filled the room. Both the bride and groom made sure they had plenty of accessories laid out before photographs started. As a wedding photographer, it’s important for me to capture these small details. It helps create a visual story of your wedding day.

First Look & Couple’s Portrait Session:

The couple had their first look on the rooftop of the Fairmont Royal York, a unique spot with the CN Tower in the background. The gold buildings, surrounding the Fairmont, cast such a beautiful warm glow over everything in the area – perfect for warming skin tones in wedding photography! Their family was able to watch the first look from another wing of the hotel. Then we hit the streets & wandered around the financial district for their portrait photography session.

Tell us the engagement story: 

Ryan wanted the proposal to be quiet and intimate. He decorated our basement with flowers, balloons, and candles. When I (Salem) returned from work, Ryan pretended to get something from the basement and yelled that he saw a mouse and to come down. I grabbed the cat and carried her to the basement to assist. I turned the corner, Ryan was on one knee with romantic decor around him, completely catching me by surprise. I was so shocked that before saying yes, he needed to remind me to put down the cat.

Can you list some of your favourite moments from your wedding?

1.    Our first look on the rooftop of the Royal York and having our family and loved ones watch from above from another wing of the hotel. It was a private moment for us, but also special for our family to witness.

2.    Our wedding party photography session – it was so fun sending the afternoon with the bridal party taking photos in the streets of downtown Toronto!

Wedding Party & Family Photography:

I agree – this was one of my favourite moments on the wedding day too! Every single person in the wedding party was on board with everything we (the photographers) suggested! There’s a one-way street behind the Fairmont, and because this wedding took place on a Saturday, it was quiet despite being in the heart of the city! Everyone had a blast taking turns running out, posing, walking, and of course shouting the classic road hockey line of 'CARRRR!'

This session gave off Sex and The City vibes. It exuded fashion, elegance, hustle, but also really showcased the close dynamic of this friend group. Each photograph is a testament to the deep connections, infectious laughter, and boundless love shared among these friends. With that being said, I would like to dedicate this part of the blog to Madison. I hope her spirit rests peaceful knowing she helped create memories of pure joy, happiness and laughter.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour:

The Fairmont Royal York, a Toronto icon since 1929, embodies timeless luxury and modern comfort in the heart of the city. This hotel features sophisticated rooms and personalized services, making it the ideal destination for grand events and weddings. The ceremony took place in The Ballroom. It has soaring high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and Italian-inspired decor. Ryan’s brother officiated their ceremony – adding another very personal touch to their day.

How did you meet?

We met in high school but lost contact for 10 years. A friendship rekindled later via social media. Upon getting to know each other better and introducing our families, we discovered that our mothers knew each other. They attended classes together in college and spent time together socially outside of their academic studies.

Salem’s mom even attended Ryan's parents’ wedding!

Can you tell us about the theme and colour choices for your wedding?

We would describe our theme as a timeless take on 'Regal Romance.' We wanted our grand and dramatic venue to shine! Our choice of neutral and muted florals played a big part in allowing the venue to speak for itself. The creams, black, and earth tones were pulled from the oil painting on the ceiling of Venus on a swan chariot. The tones being lit by the dim chandeliers and wall sconces really created that romantic feeling we were looking for.

Reception:

Let’s get this party started! The ceremony space was converted into the reception space with tons of candles and florals. 230 guests were seated around 16 round tables and 4 long, harvest-style tables. The seating chart was well designed, leaving lots of space between tables, a plus in my photography books! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal while listening to humorous speeches and watching touching first dances. The couple opted out of having a cake and went with a 'him & her' dessert:

 Salem’s 'Her' dessert: Caribbean Cheesecake - Vanilla Rum Poached Pineapple, Passion Curd, Toasted Coconut Crumble

 Ryan’s 'His' dessert: Tarte au Caramel et Café - Salted Caramel Cremeux, Chocolate Coffee Mousse, Hazelnut Croquant

Vendors:

Photography: Nicole Guido Photographer with second shooting by Alan Sencich
Venue: Fairmont Royal York
Wedding Coordinators: Designed Dream Events
Dress: Anne Barge from Pearl Bridal House
Grooms & Groomsmen Tux: Custom Moore's Tux
Bridesmaids: Anthropologie - The Elyse Slip Dress 
Florist/Décor: Amor Weddings
Hair: Creatively Beautiful Inc
Makeup: Meghan Victoria Artistry
Linen: Linen Closet
Stationary: Minted 

Salem & Ryan’s wedding was filled with heartfelt connections. The day ended on a high note with a jam-packed dance floor, with almost every guest on their feet!

This timeless wedding at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel was captured by Nicole Guido, a photographer specializing in intimate wedding photography. Nicole's photography services extend throughout The Greater Toronto Area and include engagement photography, family portraits, and more.